Announcements

Star Power shines as IIFA Festival 2024 kicks off

Published

2 years ago

September 10, 2024

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The IIFA 2024 kicked off with a dazzling showcase of stardom at its official India press conference, featuring the ‘King Khan’ Shah Rukh Khan and celebrated filmmaker Karan Johar. They will be hosting the highly anticipated NEXA IIFA Awards extravaganza co-presented by Sobha Realty on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, at the iconic Etihad Arena.

Joining the impressive line-up are the dynamic duo Siddhant Chaturvedi and Abhishek Banerjee, set to dazzle as hosts of IIFA Rocks 2024. Also in attendance at the press conference was Telugu and Hindi cinema’s superstar Rana Daggubati.

Heralding an extraordinary journey over 24 glorious years, IIFA2024 is set to bring together the finest in Indian cinema in a breath-taking display of brilliance across five iconic industries. The three-day extravaganza is all set to showcase the rich diversity of Indian cinema by bringing together the glamour of the IIFA Awards with the vibrant South Indian cinema through the IIFA Utsavam Awards (Celebrating Cinema of the South). Set to take place from September 27th to 29th, 2024, at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the festivities will kick start on Friday, 27th September, with IIFA Utsavam Awards, a grand celebration of the four vibrant South Indian film industries. The excitement continues on Saturday, 28th September, with the prestigious IIFA Awards. The festival concludes on Sunday, 29th September, with the exclusive, IIFA Rocks. The 24^th Edition of IIFA promises to be a magnificent celebration of cinematic excellence, featuring a stellar array of talent and industry luminaries, from the brilliance of Hindi cinema to the dynamic South Indian film industry, OTT platforms, global stars, international dignitaries, cinema enthusiasts and media houses from around the world, this will be the largest and most memorable IIFA Festival to date.

Mr Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer Marketing & Sales, NEXA commented, “As the NEXA IIFA Awards return to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi this September, we reaffirm our commitment to our 8-year partnership. NEXA and IIFA symbolize the pursuit of innovation, challenging the status quo to create novel and inspiring experiences. By combining global design, sophisticated style, and innovative technology, NEXA crafts premium experiences that align perfectly with IIFA’s mission to build lifetime experiences and celebrate excellence in Indian cinema globally.”

Mr Ashish Parakh, Chief Sales Controller and Chief Marketing Officer at Sobha Realty, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “IIFA has always been a shining example of cinematic excellence, bringing people together from across the globe—much like how Sobha Realty creates homes that resonate with the global Indian community. We’re thrilled to continue the journey with Sobha Realty IIFA Weekend and Rocks at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and are eager to be part of another remarkable event that showcases creativity and excellence on the world stage.”

Mr Andre Timmins, Founder/Director, IIFA stated, “As we approach IIFA’s Silver Jubilee in 2025, we’re thrilled to announce the biggest and most spectacular IIFA Festival yet, set for September 27-29 at Yas Island. This year’s IIFA will be a celebration of unprecedented scale, transcending cinematic boundaries with the convergence of Hindi Cinema and South Indian cinema, set against Yas Island’s unmatched hospitality and breath-taking backdrop as a premier international destination. He added, “Expect mesmerizing performances and cultural extravaganzas during the three-day celebration that will not only captivate audiences worldwide but also make a profound global impact. A true testament to the unparalleled appeal of Yas Island, IIFA 2024 festival will foster meaningful connections, offer unique networking opportunities, and celebrate the visionaries who have shaped the global entertainment landscape, setting the stage for an extraordinary journey to 2025.”

Taghrid AlSaeed, Miral’s Executive Director of Marketing, Communications & Events, said, “We are proud to welcome the world’s biggest celebration of Indian film for a historic third time to Yas Island. This year’s IIFA Festival promises to be an extraordinary spectacle of cinematic excellence and vibrant culture with the welcome of IIFA Utsavam to the Island for the first time. We can’t wait to transform Yas Island, the leading entertainment and leisure destination into a global stage for Indian cinema. This year’s event will unit Bollywood’s brightest stars with their most passionate fans for an unforgettable experience in Abu Dhabi. Let’s get ready for an event like never before”

H.E. Nouf Mohamed Al-Bushlaibi, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications, DCT Abu Dhabi says, “We are delighted that Abu Dhabi will host the International Indian Film Academy Awards for an unprecedented third consecutive year. As a city steeped in culture and creativity, this continued partnership highlights Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a leading destination for global events. We look forward to sharing our city with the luminaries of Indian cinema and the IIFA audience, celebrating the best of Indian cinema together with the finest Emirati hospitality.”

Mr Ashish Sehgal – Chief Growth Officer – Digital & Broadcast Revenue, Zee Entertainment Enterprise Limited, expressed his excitement about this association – “ZEE is thrilled to bring the magic of the IIFA to millions of households across the globe and celebrate the brilliance of Indian Cinema and its talented artists. This prestigious property is a natural fit for our portfolio and reaffirms ZEE’s audience-first strategy of delivering premium entertainment that resonates deeply with our diverse viewers. We are confident that this association will not only elevate the viewer experience but also strengthen our leadership in delivering the best of Indian Cinema to the world and set new benchmarks in engagement, viewership and entertainment.”

Mr Praveen Sharma, Group CEO & Partner Maisour & Meteora Group expressed his happiness, “We are absolutely thrilled to partner with the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards as the Investment Partners of IIFA Weekend & Awards. This collaboration marks a monumental milestone for Maisour, a crowdfunding platform for fractional ownership in Real Estate in Dubai with a global platform like IIFA that unites and celebrates the best of Indian cinema in a dazzling showcase of stardom. The highly anticipated cinematic extravaganza IIFA Festival 2024 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, sets the perfect stage for this partnership. At Maisour, we champion creativity, innovation, and make Real Estate investment in Dubai affordable that seamlessly resonate with the prestigious legacy of the IIFA awards. Together, we aim to elevate the fan engagement and offer them opportunities for investment and excellent returns.”

Mr. Nishant Pitti, CEO& Co-founder of EaseMyTrip shared his thoughts on the association, stating; “As IIFA approaches its Silver Jubilee in 2025, EaseMyTrip is excited to be the official travel partner for the world’s grandest celebration at the IIFA Awards. This year, the celebrations promise to be bigger and more spectacular than ever. As a homegrown brand, we’re delighted to offer IIFA specific holiday packages. This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to making travel for the event and beyond both effortless and unforgettable for all.”

Nader Halim, Cluster General Manager for Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, The WB™ Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, and DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences, remarked on the partnership, saying, “As the official hospitality partner for the IIFA Festival 2024, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is honoured to be at the very heart of this extraordinary celebration of Indian cinema and music. We are thrilled to welcome the industry’s most prominent stars throughout this action-packed weekend and are committed to ensure they experience the exceptional hospitality that Hilton is renowned for.”

Nabila, Founder NABILA and ZERO makeup- Official Hair & Makeup Partner commented saying, “The team at NABILA is thrilled to return to IIFA for the fourth time, styling and energizing this star-studded event at the magical YAS Island. With our backstage powered by ZERO Makeup — a brainchild of NABILA that is specially designed for brown skin and associated with IIFA since its inception — we are fully prepared for this exciting journey.”

Related Topics:#abudhabi #iifa #iifa2024 #iifaawards #yasisland

Sudhashree Dash

With 20 years of experience across print, TV, and digital journalism, Sudhashree is a seasoned media professional with a keen eye for news. A true news bug, she thrives on curating stories that capture the pulse of fashion, film, and all things trending. Deeply immersed in the fast-evolving media landscape, she swears by the power of social media to shape narratives and spark conversations.

Announcements

New Dubai rule makes investor visas easier for property buyers

Published

5 days ago

April 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai has made it easier for property buyers to secure residency, after the Dubai Land Department (DLD) introduced new rules removing the minimum property value requirement for a two-year real estate investor visa.

Previously, investors needed to own property worth at least Dh750,000 to qualify. Under the updated system, buyers can now apply for the visa regardless of property value, as long as they are the sole owner.

For many UAE expats and first-time buyers, the move significantly lowers the barrier to entry, making it possible to invest in more affordable properties while still securing residency benefits.

Officials say the change is part of Dubai’s wider push to expand its investor base, boost property demand, and strengthen its position as a global real estate hub.

There are still some conditions for jointly owned properties. According to DLD’s Cube Centre, if two investors share ownership equally, each person’s stake must be at least Dh400,000 to qualify for the visa.

What it means for expats

For expats looking to put down roots in Dubai, the update creates more flexibility and accessibility, especially for those entering the market at lower price points. It also opens the door for a wider range of investors to benefit from property-linked residency.

The move is expected to increase market activity, encourage long-term investment, and support sustainable growth across Dubai’s real estate sector.

Announcements

How to get an industrial licence in Sharjah for just Dh1,000

Published

6 days ago

April 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Sharjah offers a Dh1,000 industrial licence at the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ forum

New Sharjah initiative cuts the cost of starting industrial businesses

UAE entrepreneurs can launch factories in Sharjah for Dh1,000

Sharjah boosts manufacturing sector with new investor incentives

‘Make it in the Emirates’: Sharjah unveils low-cost industrial licence

Sharjah targets investors with fast-track industrial setup offer

Big opportunity for entrepreneurs as Sharjah lowers licence costs

Sharjah strengthens position as industrial hub with new initiatives

Sharjah is stepping up efforts to attract industrial investment, as the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) and Sharjah Foundation for Supporting Entrepreneurship take part in the latest edition of the Make it in the Emirates forum.

For entrepreneurs and expats looking to start or expand industrial ventures, one of the standout announcements is a special initiative offering instant industrial licences for just Dh1,000, covering all permitted industrial activities in the emirate.

Officials say the move is part of a broader strategy to simplify business setup, reduce costs, and accelerate project launches, making it easier for investors to enter the market.

Speaking at the forum, Hamad Ali Abdulla Al Mahmoud said the initiative reflects Sharjah’s commitment to building a diversified, knowledge-based economy, while supporting innovation and long-term growth in the industrial sector.

Beyond licensing, SEDD is also using the platform to connect with global manufacturers and industry leaders, aiming to build partnerships that support technology transfer and enhance the quality and global reach of Made in Sharjah products.

For business owners and aspiring founders, the initiative offers lower entry barriers, faster setup processes, and access to funding and support services.

How to apply for an industrial licence

Setting up an industrial business in Sharjah is becoming faster and more accessible. Here’s a simple breakdown of how to apply through the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD):

1. Choose your activity
Select the industrial activity you want to operate. This licence covers a wide range of permitted manufacturing activities in Sharjah.

2. Submit your application
Apply through SEDD’s official website, service centres, or via initiatives promoted at the Make it in the Emirates forum.

3. Provide required documents
Typically includes:

Passport/Emirates ID copy
Business details
Initial approvals (if required for specific activities)

4. Get instant approval
The initiative offers fast-track processing, allowing many applications to be approved quickly.

5. Pay the fee
Pay the Dh1,000 licence fee, which covers all permitted industrial activities under this offer.

6. Start operations
Once approved, you can begin setting up your industrial project and access additional support services.

Entrepreneurs can also tap into funding, advisory, and training support through Sharjah Foundation for Supporting Entrepreneurship to help grow their business.

Announcements

New ‘Shop Local’ initiative helps UAE consumers discover homegrown brands

Published

1 week ago

April 27, 2026

Michael Gomes

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‘Shop Local’, a new initiative aimed at helping consumers across the UAE discover and support homegrown businesses, while giving small and medium enterprises (SMEs) greater visibility, has been launched by a local platform Quiqup.

It will bring together UAE-based brands in one place, allowing users to easily browse, discover and purchase from local businesses that often face challenges standing out in crowded digital spaces.

Open to small and local businesses nationwide, ‘Shop Local’ is designed to address one of the most common hurdles SMEs encounter, reaching the right audience. By offering a dedicated channel, the initiative aims to help businesses build awareness, drive sales and support long-term growth.

The launch coincides with the announcement of the establishment of the Dh1 billion National Industrial Resilience Fund to boost localisation within key industries by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Strengthening local businesses

Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for the Support Services Sector at the Ministry of Finance and representative at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund, highlighted the importance of enabling high-potential businesses to scale.

She noted that supporting companies at the right stage allows them to contribute more effectively to the economy, particularly in the UAE, where innovation and entrepreneurship play a key role in driving growth and creating new opportunities.

Bassel El Koussa, CEO of Quiqup, said the initiative reflects the company’s belief in strengthening connections between businesses and communities.

He added that ‘Shop Local’ is intended to create opportunities for local brands to grow, deepen customer engagement and build a stronger market presence, while encouraging consumers to play a more active role in supporting the local economy.

The platform has already received 190 brand submissions, with Quiqup aiming to onboard at least 250 businesses in the coming weeks.