分类: entertainment

  • A season of reflection at Ajman Hotel & Villas by Blazon Hotels

    A season of reflection at Ajman Hotel & Villas by Blazon Hotels

    Blazon Hotels’ Ajman Hotel & Villas has unveiled its meticulously crafted Ramadan program for 2026, offering guests an elevated spiritual retreat combining coastal tranquility with traditional hospitality. The property transforms into a sanctuary for reflection and communal connection throughout the holy month, emphasizing understated elegance in both ambiance and service.

    The culinary experience forms the centerpiece of the Ramadan offering. At sunset, guests are invited to a sophisticated Iftar spread that harmoniously blends authentic regional specialties with international cuisine. A dedicated Emirati station highlights local culinary heritage through carefully prepared dishes that balance traditional flavors with contemporary presentation techniques. The dining experience extends from sunset until 8:30 PM, with à la carte service available until 1:00 AM for those seeking to prolong their evening in the property’s serene environment.

    For corporate and private gatherings, the hotel provides tailored Iftar solutions across multiple venue options. The Al Zawraa Ballroom offers formal elegance while more intimate meeting rooms cater to smaller groups. Pricing begins at AED 195 per person for unlimited buffet access including traditional Ramadan beverages, water, and all applicable charges. Volume discounts apply for group bookings, with rates descending to AED 180 for groups of ten and AED 160 for parties exceeding fifty guests.

    The nocturnal Suhoor service operates from 9:00 PM through 2:30 AM, available both in dedicated dining spaces and through in-room dining. Priced at AED 125 per person, the set menu emphasizes quiet indulgence while traditional hubbly-bubbly services provide social enhancement after Iftar.

    Throughout Ramadan, the property maintains its coastal setting as a backdrop for spiritual contemplation, positioning itself as a destination where modern hospitality standards enhance rather than overshadow traditional Ramadan values.

  • Watch: Pakistani actress Hania Aamir sparks wedding rumours with Asim Azhar after viral video

    Watch: Pakistani actress Hania Aamir sparks wedding rumours with Asim Azhar after viral video

    Pakistani entertainment circles were set ablaze this week as viral footage of actress Hania Aamir celebrating in traditional bridal attire ignited widespread speculation about her marital status. The video, which rapidly circulated across Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), depicted the 29-year-old actress joyfully dancing alongside singer Asim Azhar amidst elaborate floral arrangements and mehndi-style décor characteristic of Pakistani wedding ceremonies.

    The visually compelling content featured guests in coordinated festive outfits within an ambiance that strongly resembled pre-wedding celebrations, leading many social media users to presume the long-rumored couple had finally solemnized their relationship privately. The speculation gained particular momentum given the pair’s history—first linked romantically in 2018, publicly described as ‘just friends’ around 2020-21, and recently back in the spotlight following Azhar’s broken engagement with influencer Merub Ali in June 2025.

    However, the truth emerged when Aamir herself clarified the context behind the viral footage. The celebration was actually her creatively conceptualized birthday party, designed with intentional wedding aesthetics for entertainment purposes. In a humorous address to her followers, the actress acknowledged the public’s persistent interest in her marital status and revealed she had orchestrated the ‘fake wedding’ theme precisely because people seemed so eager to see her married.

    Neither Aamir nor Azhar has confirmed any romantic reconciliation, maintaining their previous stance regarding their relationship status. The episode demonstrates both the powerful influence of social media in amplifying celebrity narratives and the creative ways public figures engage with their audience while maintaining control over their personal narratives.

  • Your definitive Ramadan 2026 itinerary: What to do, where to go, and what to try across the UAE

    Your definitive Ramadan 2026 itinerary: What to do, where to go, and what to try across the UAE

    As Ramadan 2026 approaches, the United Arab Emirates transforms into a vibrant tapestry of cultural experiences, spiritual gatherings, and unique entertainment offerings. From February through March 2026, residents and visitors can immerse themselves in a diverse array of activities that blend tradition with modern innovation across all seven emirates.

    Adventure seekers can experience Ramadan from unprecedented perspectives with exclusive resident-only offers. Skydive Dubai provides Dh300 discounts on tandem jumps over Palm Jumeirah, complete with photographic documentation of the experience. Simultaneously, XLine Dubai offers discounted rates of Dh600 for their kilometer-long zipline above Dubai Marina, operating during specified daytime slots.

    Cultural enthusiasts will find abundant opportunities for engagement along Dubai Creek. Dubai Festival City Mall and Festival Plaza host evening experiences until March 23, featuring traditional cannon firings marking iftar, open-air markets, majlis settings, and spectacular IMAGINE projection shows. The program includes live cultural performances featuring oud, qanun, and Arabic percussion, complemented by lantern parades, drone displays, and complimentary date distributions.

    Sharjah presents its emirate-wide Ramadan Festival through March 25, incorporating football tournaments, youth sports events, Qur’an recitation competitions, and cultural activities across shopping malls and public spaces. The Ramadan Nights exhibition at Expo Centre Sharjah offers seasonal discounts and prize drawings alongside pop-up displays from local entrepreneurs.

    Expo City Dubai introduces a relaxed alternative to traditional Ramadan gatherings with its weekend Ramadan Nights at Terra. Operating Saturdays and Sundays from February 21 through March 15, this casual outdoor space features garden settings, games, and simple dining options with entry fees starting at Dh20.

    Dining experiences range from sophisticated waterfront iftars to golf course gatherings. The Banquet Terrace at Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club offers marina views with contemporary Arabic cuisine, while Origins at Vida Emirates Hills provides fairway vistas in a countryside-inspired setting. Multiple hotels including Le Méridien present both traditional and contemporary iftar experiences with prices ranging from Dh175-Dh215 for adults.

    For nighttime sustenance, several establishments offer suhoor services beginning at 10pm. Solara at Address Dubai Mall and Ewaan at Palace Downtown provide set menus and buffets priced around Dh275, featuring live music and Ottoman-inspired atmospheres.

    Luxury accommodations throughout the UAE present special Ramadan packages combining refined stays with iftar experiences. Address Hotels and Resorts and Palace Hotels and Resorts offer curated programs at premium city and coastal locations from February 18 through March 18.

    Culinary innovations include Spill the Bean’s gluten-free millet aseeda with saffron-infused ghee and neighborhood dining options at The Beach, JBR, featuring international cuisines from Indian to Greek. Ladurée’s limited-edition “1001 Nights” collection merges French patisserie artistry with Middle Eastern flavors through specially crafted macarons and pastries.

    Home entertainment receives attention through Lifestyle at Centrepoint’s seasonal collections featuring Ramadan-themed serving ware, decorative items, and ready-made gift sets for hosts seeking to enhance their gatherings with traditional warmth and contemporary style.

  • Declined job offer, planned baby around comeback: How BTS fans are reworking lives for band’s tour

    Declined job offer, planned baby around comeback: How BTS fans are reworking lives for band’s tour

    In an extraordinary display of devotion, BTS fans worldwide are radically reorganizing their personal and professional lives to accommodate the K-pop supergroup’s upcoming ‘Arirang’ world tour. The phenomenon demonstrates the profound influence the seven-member act wields over their global fanbase, known as ARMY.

    Career trajectories are being deliberately altered to synchronize with concert schedules. A recruitment firm in Dubai recently went viral after a candidate from India declined a job offer because the proposed start date conflicted with the tour’s commencement. Juhi Bhatia, founder of the recruitment agency, expressed astonishment at the unprecedented request, noting the overwhelming public support for the candidate’s decision.

    Similarly, Ruth D’Souza, a real estate professional, immediately rejected a job offer when the interviewing manager expressed disdain for BTS and its followers. Another fan, Devika, successfully negotiated an annual week off in June for BTS Festa celebrations by inventing a fictional cat’s birthday—a deception she has maintained for five years.

    The tour’s impact extends beyond career considerations to family and social obligations. Yan Hinolan, organizer of a major UAE fan club, abandoned her role as MC for a meticulously planned three-year high school reunion. Maria Lirio completely restructured a long-anticipated US family vacation to accommodate Baltimore concert dates, while Niveditha persuaded her family to postpone their spring break vacation to avoid conflicting with a Netflix livestream event.

    Perhaps most remarkably, Syeda Nawab Fathima planned her child’s birth through IVF treatment to coincide with BTS member Jin’s military discharge. Having discovered BTS during difficult fertility treatments, she credits the group with providing emotional strength and positive motivation during challenging times.

    This widespread behavior reflects broader shifts in workplace attitudes and personal priorities, with professionals increasingly valuing life experiences and personal well-being alongside career advancement. The BTS phenomenon demonstrates how contemporary fandom transcends traditional entertainment consumption, becoming deeply integrated into personal identity and life planning for millions worldwide.

  • Producer of hit Israeli TV series ‘Tehran’ dies suddenly in Greece

    Producer of hit Israeli TV series ‘Tehran’ dies suddenly in Greece

    Athens, Greece – The global entertainment industry is mourning the unexpected death of Dana Eden, the acclaimed Israeli producer renowned for co-creating the Emmy Award-winning espionage thriller ‘Tehran.’ She was 52. The Israeli public broadcaster KAN confirmed her passing on Monday.

  • Giant robot tribute to Brazil’s President Lula leads start of Rio Carnival

    Giant robot tribute to Brazil’s President Lula leads start of Rio Carnival

    Rio de Janeiro’s world-renowned Carnival celebrations commenced with a breathtaking spectacle as the iconic samba parades unveiled a monumental robotic tribute to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The dazzling display, presented by one of Rio’s premier samba schools, creatively chronicled the president’s extraordinary journey from impoverished beginnings to the nation’s highest office through elaborate mechanized artistry and vibrant choreography.

    The colossal mechanized figure became an instant highlight of the Carnival’s opening night, seamlessly integrating political narrative with Brazil’s rich cultural traditions. This artistic interpretation represents a significant cultural moment where performing arts intersect with political symbolism, demonstrating how Carnival continues to serve as both entertainment and social commentary.

    The tribute emerges during a particularly consequential period in Brazilian politics, with the celebration occurring against the backdrop of Lula’s return to power following his contentious 2022 election victory. Carnival organizers transformed the Sambadrome into a dynamic canvas of moving parts and rhythmic storytelling, employing state-of-the-art engineering to create the massive animated effigy that captivated audiences.

    This fusion of technology and traditional Carnival artistry marks an evolution in how samba schools conceptualize their thematic presentations, blending mechanical innovation with samba rhythms to create politically-charged visual narratives that resonate with both domestic and international audiences.

  • Stage beckons, festive spirit resonates overseas

    Stage beckons, festive spirit resonates overseas

    Across continents, overseas Chinese communities are preparing elaborate cultural performances to celebrate the Spring Festival, creating a powerful tapestry of tradition and modernity. In Dubai, the rehearsal hall for the 12th Overseas Chinese Spring Festival Gala resonates with harmonious voices blending in emotional renditions of patriotic songs, particularly ‘My Motherland and I’.

    The upcoming gala, themed ‘Eternal Brilliance,’ represents one of the largest Spring Festival celebrations organized by overseas Chinese communities worldwide. Featuring a diverse program spanning dance, vocal performances, acrobatics, and instrumental music, the two-hour spectacle showcases distinctive Chinese cultural elements through sophisticated artistic expression.

    Since October, over 500 Chinese residents from the United Arab Emirates and numerous other countries, ranging from children to octogenarians, have dedicated their weekends to meticulous rehearsals. This year’s production carries special significance as it coincides with the 90th anniversary of the Long March victory, with the gala’s four-chapter narrative structure designed to echo this historical milestone.

    Li Dongxia, the gala’s director for all twelve editions and a 25-year UAE resident, emphasizes the profound connection between national strength and cultural pride. ‘Without the motherland’s prosperity, overseas Chinese cannot hold their heads high with dignity,’ she states, describing the production as ‘a fresh interpretation of the Long March Spirit in the new era.’

    The sentiment resonates deeply among performers from 13 different countries, including the UAE, United States, Germany, and South Africa. Veteran participant Lei Yulin, now in his eleventh consecutive year, describes each rehearsal as ‘an expression of longing for the motherland, care for family, and hope for the future.’

    From the Gulf region to South Asia and Australia, these celebrations serve as both cultural ambassadors and emotional touchpoints, allowing overseas Chinese to maintain their connection to heritage while sharing China’s story with global audiences through artistic excellence.

  • America’s Next Top Model shaped reality TV, but should it ever have been made?

    America’s Next Top Model shaped reality TV, but should it ever have been made?

    A forthcoming Netflix documentary, ‘Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model,’ is generating significant attention for its critical re-examination of the controversial reality television phenomenon. The three-part series features creator Tyra Banks and judging panel members Jay Manuel, J Alexander, and Nigel Barker addressing the show’s most contentious moments, including body-shaming incidents, racially insensitive ‘ethnicity-switching’ challenges, and psychologically manipulative tactics.

    The documentary explores how the series, which aired from 2003 to 2018 across 24 seasons and 170 countries, pushed boundaries that now draw scrutiny from modern audiences. Particularly notable is the re-evaluation of Banks’ infamous 2006 outburst toward contestant Tiffany Richardson (‘I was rooting for you!’), which has become emblematic of the show’s dramatic approach.

    Former contestants provide compelling testimony about their experiences. Cycle 18 winner Sophie Sumner describes how producers deliberately manipulated contestants’ psychological vulnerabilities, including persuading her to perform a photoshoot atop Macau Tower despite her acknowledged fear of heights. She characterizes the British version as a ‘fluffy little competition’ compared to its American counterpart.

    More troubling accounts come from Cycle 1 participant Ebony Haith, who reveals she is ‘still healing’ from judges’ comments about her skin appearing ‘ashy’ and her personality being ‘too harsh’ 23 years later. She notes that criticism of her racial characteristics overshadowed her potential as a model.

    The documentary examines the complex legacy of a show that pioneered diversity in modeling while simultaneously employing questionable ethical practices. Directors Daniel Sivan and Mor Loushy conducted extensive four-hour interviews with Banks, who maintained editorial independence throughout the process. Banks explains she created ANTM to address adversity she faced as a black woman in modeling, though contestants question whether ratings ultimately superseded ethical considerations.

    The series premieres on Netflix February 16th, inviting viewers to reconsider reality television’s evolution through a contemporary ethical lens.

  • Why is ‘Dhurandhar’ Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘current favourite’?

    Why is ‘Dhurandhar’ Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘current favourite’?

    Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor has publicly expressed his profound admiration for fellow actor Ranveer Singh’s record-breaking film ‘Dhurandhar,’ declaring its soundtrack among his current favorite musical selections. The ‘Animal’ star made these revealing comments during an interactive fan session hosted through his lifestyle brand ARKS’s official Instagram platform.

    Kapoor specifically highlighted the film’s musical compositions, stating, ‘My current favorite song…I remain thoroughly captivated by all the extraordinary tracks from Dhurandhar. That music absolutely dominates my playlist.’ He further commended the collective effort behind the production, adding, ‘The entire cast and creative team delivered an exceptional cinematic experience…truly memorable moments at the theaters.’

    This endorsement comes as Kapoor prepares for his own highly anticipated projects, including his portrayal of Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s two-part ‘Ramayana’ epic, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love and War,’ and the sequel to ‘Brahmastra.’

    ‘Dhurandhar’ has achieved remarkable commercial and critical success, surpassing previous box office records to claim the title of highest-grossing Hindi film in history, overtaking ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule.’ The feature boasts an ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, Arjun Rampal, and R Madhavan in significant roles.

    The film’s cultural impact has been substantial enough to warrant an already-announced sequel, ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge,’ scheduled for theatrical release in March of this year, indicating the franchise’s continuing momentum within Indian cinema.

  • For Indian actor and fitness icon Milind Soman, it’s life as usual at 60

    For Indian actor and fitness icon Milind Soman, it’s life as usual at 60

    At 60 years old, Indian actor and fitness phenomenon Milind Soman continues to embody vitality and wellness, demonstrating that age is merely a number when paired with dedication. The former model, renowned for his iconic appearances in campaigns like ‘Made in India,’ has seamlessly transitioned into his current role as a wellness authority, maintaining a physique that rivals those decades younger.

    Soman’s philosophy centers on fitness as a pathway to longevity rather than mere aesthetics. His daily regimen remains remarkably consistent, featuring 25 leg raises, sumo squats lasting one to two minutes, and the challenging boat pose. This disciplined approach extends to his nutrition, where he prioritizes whole, seasonal foods and light meals that fuel his active lifestyle.

    Beyond personal fitness, Soman’s impact resonates through his creation of Pinkathon, India’s largest women’s running event established to promote health awareness and breast cancer education. His athletic accomplishments are equally impressive, including a Limca Book of Records achievement for running 1,500 kilometers in 30 days during a greenathon event. The pinnacle of his athletic career came in 2015 when he completed the grueling Ironman Triathlon in 15 hours and 19 minutes.

    When asked about his favorite pursuit among modeling, acting, and fitness, Soman unequivocally chooses fitness. His advice for those seeking to improve their physical condition in their 50s and 60s emphasizes gradual progression and the transformative power of consistent effort. ‘Everything you do becomes a learning experience,’ he notes, reflecting his belief that fitness represents an ongoing journey rather than a destination.