The highly anticipated Al Ain Book Festival 2025 is set to commence on Monday, November 24, at Al Ain Square – Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and various cultural venues across the city. Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the festival will run until November 30, offering a weeklong celebration of literature, culture, and creativity. This year’s edition boasts participation from over 220 publishers and exhibitors, showcasing more than 100,000 titles, aligning with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s (ALC) mission to promote the Arabic language and foster Emirati talent. The festival’s diverse programme includes over 200 events, ranging from literary discussions and cultural dialogues to performances, heritage activities, and children’s programmes. Highlights include the fourth edition of ‘Poetry Nights: The Sung Word’ at Qasr Al Muwaiji, honouring three legendary Emirati poets, and the introduction of new initiatives like ‘Flavourful Nights’ and ‘On the Path of Knowledge, We Gather’. The festival also features an Educational Programme with scientific, theatrical, and artistic activities for children and families, as well as an expanded ‘Educational Roadshow’ targeting schools and universities. A special ceremony will celebrate the winners of the Kanz Al Jeel Award, recognising their contributions to Emirati literature. Organised by ALC under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the festival aims to solidify Al Ain’s reputation as a national hub for literary and cultural exchange.
分类： entertainment
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Release of Mammootty’s latest, ‘Kalamkaval’, postponed
The much-anticipated release of Mammootty’s latest film, ‘Kalamkaval,’ has been delayed, leaving fans in suspense. Initially scheduled for a global theatrical release on November 27, 2025, the mystery thriller’s new premiere date remains undisclosed. Produced by Mammootty Kampany and directed by Jithin K Jose, the film features music by Mujeeb Majeed and stars Vinayakan alongside Mammootty. The trailer, recently unveiled, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the plot, centered around a communal riot in the village of Kottayikkonam, Thiruvananthapuram district. Vinayakan portrays an investigating officer unraveling buried secrets, while Mammootty’s character adds intrigue with a chilling closing line in the trailer. The delay follows Mammootty’s recent triumph at the Kerala State Film Awards 2025, where he clinched the Best Actor award for ‘Bramayugam.’
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Ornella Vanoni, Italian singer made world-famous by ‘Ocean’s Twelve’, dies at 91
Ornella Vanoni, the celebrated Italian singer whose timeless voice captivated audiences worldwide, has died at the age of 91. Known for her emotional depth and versatility, Vanoni’s career spanned over seven decades, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. Her passing was confirmed by Italian media outlets, including Corriere della Sera and AGI, citing cardiac arrest as the cause of death at her Milan home. Vanoni’s journey to stardom began in the 1950s when she overcame crippling stage fright to perform at Milan’s Piccolo Teatro, a moment she later described as her true ‘birth date.’ Her breakthrough came in the 1960s through televised song festivals, and she went on to sell over 55 million records and release approximately 40 studio albums. Among her most iconic works is ‘L’appuntamento’ (1970), which gained global recognition after featuring in the soundtrack of Steven Soderbergh’s 2004 film ‘Ocean’s Twelve.’ Vanoni’s music explored themes of love, loss, and social issues, earning her the nickname ‘Cantante della mala’ (underworld singer) for her early folk songs about Milan’s criminal underworld. Beyond music, she was a muse for fashion icons like Giorgio Armani and Valentino and maintained a vibrant public presence through talk shows and collaborations with younger artists. In her memoir, Vanoni reflected on her multifaceted personality, describing herself as ‘desperate and happy, alone and celebrated, furious and delicate.’ Her legacy as a trailblazer in Italian music and a symbol of emotional authenticity will endure for generations.
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Man who grabbed Ariana Grande at premiere banned from Singapore
An Australian man, Johnson Wen, 26, has been deported and permanently banned from Singapore after he breached security and grabbed Hollywood star Ariana Grande during the Asian premiere of *Wicked: For Good* in Singapore on November 13. The incident occurred when Wen pushed past photographers and charged at Grande, who was attending the event. Co-star Cynthia Erivo intervened, wrestling Wen away from Grande to ensure her safety. Wen was subsequently sentenced to nine days in prison for public nuisance and barred from re-entering Singapore, as confirmed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
Wen has a history of disrupting celebrity events, including jumping on stage at a Katy Perry concert in Sydney earlier this year. His actions during the Singapore premiere sparked widespread outrage, with many expressing concern for Grande, who has previously spoken about her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder following the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.
During the trial, it was revealed that Wen had attempted to intrude on the premiere twice. After his first attempt was thwarted by security, he made a second effort to jump the barricades but was detained. Wen later posted videos online, thanking Grande for ‘letting him on the carpet’ and claiming he was ‘free.’ However, he was arrested the following day and pleaded guilty to charges of public nuisance.
District Judge Christopher Goh described Wen as ‘attention-seeking’ and emphasized that his actions were not without consequences. Grande has not publicly commented on the incident, but Erivo spoke to NBC, stating that her primary concern was ensuring Grande’s safety. ‘I’m sure he didn’t mean us harm, but you never know with those things, and I wanted to make sure that she was OK. That was my first instinct,’ Erivo said.
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Paul Costelloe, Irish-American fashion designer for Princess Diana, dies at 80
Paul Costelloe, the renowned Irish-American fashion designer who famously dressed the late Princess Diana and became a cornerstone of the London fashion scene, has passed away at the age of 80. His company confirmed the news in a statement on Saturday, revealing that he died peacefully in London, surrounded by his wife and seven children, following a brief illness. Born in Dublin in 1945, Costelloe was the son of a tailor who crafted raincoats in the city’s Rathmines district. His journey into fashion began at the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris, where he absorbed the creative essence of iconic designers like Emanuel Ungaro and Pierre Cardin. Costelloe’s career took off as an assistant to designer Jacques Esterel, followed by a stint in Milan with British retailer Marks & Spencer. Although the venture into the Italian market faltered, he remained in Milan, working for the luxury department store La Rinascente. Later, he moved to the United States, designing for the Anne Fogarty label before establishing his own fashion house. His brand became synonymous with luxurious fabrics, innovative designs, and a diverse range of offerings, including womenswear, menswear, bags, and accessories. In 1983, Costelloe’s career reached new heights when he was appointed as Princess Diana’s personal designer, a role he held until her tragic death in 1997. The royal connection began when one of Diana’s ladies-in-waiting noticed his designs and arranged a meeting. Reflecting on the moment, Costelloe once recalled, “I looked out at Hyde Park and I said: ‘God, this is it, Paul, you have made it!’” His legacy as a designer who blended creativity with elegance continues to inspire the fashion world.
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Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe dies aged 80
Renowned Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe, celebrated for his influential contributions to British and Irish fashion, has passed away in London at the age of 80. His family confirmed the news in a statement on Saturday, expressing their profound sorrow over his death following a brief illness. Costelloe, who was surrounded by his wife and seven children, died peacefully in London. Born in Dublin, Costelloe’s journey into fashion began in his hometown, where his father managed a thriving raincoat manufacturing business. After honing his skills at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design, he moved to Paris to study at the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. In 1979, Costelloe established his eponymous label, Paul Costelloe Collections, and quickly rose to prominence, showcasing his designs at major fashion weeks in London, Paris, Milan, and New York. His career reached new heights in 1983 when he was appointed as the personal designer to Diana, Princess of Wales, a role he held until her tragic death in 1997. Costelloe was known for incorporating traditional Irish fabrics such as linen and tweed into his creations, blending heritage with modernity. He also collaborated with Dunnes Stores and played a pivotal role in the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week in October this year. Despite facing criticism in 1998 for his controversial remarks about Irish women’s sense of style, Costelloe later reflected on Ireland’s evolving fashion identity, noting its growing European influence in a recent interview with RTÉ. His legacy as a trailblazer in the fashion industry remains indelible.
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Team Elphaba or Team Glinda? Here’s how to nail the perfect outfit for either side
As the highly anticipated cinematic adaptation of the Broadway musical *Wicked: For Good* hits theaters, fashion enthusiasts are embracing the iconic styles of its protagonists, Elphaba and Glinda. The film, a sequel to the stage adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel *Wicked*, continues the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the South, played by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, respectively. The narrative blurs the lines between good and evil, but the costume design leaves no room for ambiguity. Elphaba’s signature black ensembles contrast sharply with Glinda’s pastel pink wardrobe, symbolizing their moral dichotomies. Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell explains, ‘Colours confirm who is good, and who is wicked.’ Yet, he adds depth to the characters, noting that Elphaba is ‘intelligent, compassionate, misunderstood,’ while Glinda ‘isn’t always kind.’ This nuanced portrayal has inspired a wave of fashion trends, with emerald green and glittering pink dominating the party season. From Dubai-based brand 1001 Stories’ updated Wizard of Oz ballet flats to Sophia Webster’s official *Wicked* collection, fans can choose between Team Elphaba’s edgy sophistication and Team Glinda’s ethereal elegance. Whether it’s vegan leather blazers or sparkling crystal pumps, the film’s influence extends beyond the screen, proving that fashion can be as magical as the story itself.
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Restaurant Review: A normal day is so much more than its name suggests
A Normal Day, a restaurant in Dubai, defies its modest name with an extraordinary dining experience that combines stylish interiors, inventive cuisine, and a relaxed atmosphere. The venue seamlessly merges the chic ambiance of a Dubai café with a New York- or London-inspired menu of elevated small plates, crafted from high-quality ingredients and served in a 70s-inspired, intimate dining room. The standout dish, date bonbons, is a masterpiece of compressed Medjool dates layered with salted French butter, creating a creamy, sweet, and savory delight that leaves a lasting impression. The meal begins with an eggplant beetroot dip, a rich and decadent starter accompanied by a puffed bread reminiscent of the finest pizza crust. Mains include sirloin steak and chicken skewers, both expertly prepared and presented with a balance of flavor and texture. The steak, served beneath a mosaic of crisp potatoes, is a visual and culinary spectacle. The meal concludes with a return to the date bonbons and a double espresso, offering a serene and focused dining experience. A Normal Day is a must-visit for any food enthusiast seeking a memorable culinary adventure.
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Inside Louis Moinet’s Impulsion Titanium Green at Dubai Watch Week
Louis Moinet has once again pushed the boundaries of haute horology with the unveiling of its exclusive Impulsion Titanium Green at Dubai Watch Week 2025. This 12-piece limited edition timepiece redefines the brand’s signature tourbillon-chronograph architecture, blending bold aesthetics with technical mastery. Designed specifically for the prestigious event, the watch embodies Louis Moinet’s philosophy of merging mechanical precision with emotional resonance. The Impulsion Titanium Green is a statement piece, characterized by its striking green accents, sculptural titanium case, and intricate openworked design. The watch’s dial features a carbon fiber mainplate, smoked sapphire counters, and subtle red highlights that guide the eye across its complex mechanics. Powered by the hand-wound LM114 calibre, the watch boasts a 96-hour power reserve and a single-pusher column wheel chronograph. The flying tourbillon, completing a revolution every minute, adds a touch of elegance to the watch’s dynamic performance. With its lightweight grade 5 titanium case and dramatic interplay of light and shadow, the Impulsion Titanium Green is both a technical marvel and a visual masterpiece. Limited to just 12 pieces, this timepiece is a testament to Louis Moinet’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship, making it a standout at Dubai Watch Week.
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‘Beetlejuice’ musical brings Broadway-scale spectacle and local jokes to Abu Dhabi
The globally acclaimed ‘Beetlejuice’ musical has made its dazzling debut in Abu Dhabi, bringing Broadway-level theatrics and a touch of local humor to the UAE capital. Staged at the Etihad Arena on November 20, 2025, the production, based on Tim Burton’s iconic 1988 film, has been lauded for its high-energy comedy, stunning visual effects, and audience engagement. Producer Michael Cassel emphasized Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a hub for world-class musicals, praising the city’s enthusiastic and receptive audience. The show, which has previously captivated audiences in the US, Korea, Japan, and Australia, remains faithful to its Broadway roots while incorporating subtle nods to Emirati culture, such as references to ‘Lulu Express’ and Arabic phrases like ‘shukran.’ The cast, including Andy Karl as Beetlejuice and Elise McCann as Barbara Maitland, highlighted the show’s blend of humor and heartfelt themes of family and loss. The production’s success underscores Yas Island’s ambition to become a premier destination for live entertainment, with plans to host more Broadway hits like ‘Mary Poppins’ in the near future. The musical’s irreverent humor and bold jokes have resonated deeply with Abu Dhabi audiences, solidifying its status as a must-see spectacle.