Dubai’s skyline has welcomed a new architectural marvel, the Ciel Dubai Marina, which officially opens its doors on November 15, 2025. Standing at 82 floors, this glass-clad tower has claimed the title of the world’s tallest hotel, offering an unparalleled blend of luxury, innovation, and breathtaking views. Located at the edge of Dubai Marina and overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the hotel is a testament to the city’s relentless pursuit of architectural excellence. Khaleej Times recently explored the space, revealing a design philosophy centered around light, height, and panoramic vistas. The hotel’s exterior resembles a sleek, oval-shaped column of blue glass, while its interiors are a harmonious blend of minimalist aesthetics, soft tones, and expansive windows that flood every corner with natural light. The experience begins with a high-speed elevator that ascends at nearly two floors per second, transporting guests to heights of 60 to 80 floors in mere seconds. From these vantage points, visitors can marvel at iconic landmarks such as Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and Burj Khalifa, as well as the sprawling cityscape of Dubai. The hotel’s rooms are designed to frame the city like a live movie, with all-glass facades ensuring uninterrupted views. Two infinity pools offer contrasting perspectives—one facing the Marina’s skyscrapers and the other overlooking Blue Water Island and Ain Dubai. The upper floors house Tattu, a multi-level dining and lounge experience, including a sky pool at 310 meters and a 360-degree Sky Lounge on Level 81, offering panoramic views of Dubai. With eight dining options, a 24-hour gym, and a spa suspended above the city, Ciel Dubai Marina promises a resort-like experience in the sky, where guests can immerse themselves in the city’s dynamic energy without ever stepping outside.
分类： entertainment
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Sparking cultural creativity: A conversation with Zhang Tongdao and Vikram Channa
In a compelling dialogue with China Daily, Zhang Tongdao, the visionary director behind the documentary *The Sisters of Baima Tibetan*, and Vikram Channa, a renowned documentary producer, delved into the intricacies of nurturing cultural creativity. Their conversation shed light on the profound societal and cultural shifts captured in Zhang’s documentary, which meticulously follows the lives of four sisters over a span of 24 years. The film not only serves as a historical archive but also as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. Both Zhang and Channa emphasized the importance of authentic narratives and innovative approaches in fostering cultural creativity. They highlighted the role of documentaries in bridging cultural gaps and fostering global understanding. Their insights underscored the necessity of preserving cultural heritage while embracing modernity, offering a roadmap for future creators to inspire and engage audiences worldwide.
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UAE: Will Smith excited to dig into ‘thousands of years of stories in Middle East’
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) witnessed an electrifying evening as Hollywood icon Will Smith graced the event, captivating audiences with his insights on storytelling and personal growth. The 57-year-old actor, dressed in a crisp white shirt and radiating his trademark charm, engaged in a heartfelt conversation with Emirati entrepreneur Anas Bukhash, leaving the crowd inspired and reflective. Smith’s appearance was met with enthusiastic cheers, with children perched on shoulders and attendees standing on seats to catch a glimpse of the star. A montage of his iconic film moments set the stage for his entrance, building anticipation for the evening’s dialogue. Smith, who authored the bestselling memoir ‘Will’ in 2021, described the writing process as a transformative experience that deepened his humility and self-awareness. ‘I encourage everyone to write your story,’ he urged. ‘It’s an enlightening process to articulate your experiences.’ He emphasized the universal power of storytelling, noting that narratives transcend cultural and racial boundaries. ‘There are universally relatable ideas that connect us all,’ he said. ‘My gift is identifying those elements that don’t require language to resonate.’ Smith expressed his excitement about the Middle East’s untapped storytelling potential, describing the region as a treasure trove of narratives spanning thousands of years. ‘I’m thrilled to collaborate with creatives here, uncover these stories, and bring them to the world,’ he shared. Reflecting on his personal journey, Smith spoke candidly about the pitfalls of social media and the importance of self-esteem. ‘Success in the material world doesn’t equate to happiness,’ he observed. ‘True fulfillment comes from knowing your work and gifts benefit others.’ He advised the audience to disconnect from digital distractions and embrace solitude for mental clarity. Smith also revealed his ongoing quest to reclaim his self-esteem from external validation, a process he described as a quiet but profound transformation. The event concluded with resounding applause, as attendees left with a renewed appreciation for storytelling and self-discovery.
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Salman Khan calls Dharmendra a father-figure as veteran actor recovers after hospitalisation
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan recently expressed deep admiration for veteran actor Dharmendra, whom he regards as a father-figure, during a press conference in Qatar. The emotional tribute came shortly after Dharmendra’s discharge from a Mumbai hospital following a health scare. Salman, who was among the first to visit Dharmendra during his hospitalization, emphasized their close bond and wished for his swift recovery. Speaking ahead of his Da-Bangg The Tour Reloaded event, Salman was asked about his early fitness inspirations. Without hesitation, he credited Dharmendra as a pivotal influence, stating, ‘He is my father, that’s the end. I love that man, and I just hope that he will come back.’ The audience erupted in cheers, chanting, ‘Long live Dharam ji!’ The two actors have shared a warm relationship for decades, with Dharmendra often affectionately referring to Salman as ‘beta’ (son) and even suggesting him as the ideal choice to portray him in a biopic. Dharmendra, 89, was discharged on Wednesday, with his family requesting privacy as he continues his recovery at home. The legendary actor, last seen in ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,’ is set to appear in Sriram Raghavan’s ‘Ikkis’ this December. Meanwhile, Salman, who recently starred in ‘Sikandar’ and made a cameo in Aryan Khan’s web series ‘The Ba**ds of Bollywood,’ continues to host ‘Bigg Boss 19.’ His upcoming project, ‘Battle of Galwan,’ directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is highly anticipated.
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‘Really want to see Will Smith’: Fans brave rush hour to listen to Hollywood star at SIBF
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) witnessed an electrifying atmosphere as fans eagerly gathered to catch a glimpse of Hollywood icon Will Smith. The 57-year-old Academy Award-winning actor took the stage as a guest speaker to delve into the transformative power of storytelling. Accompanied by entrepreneur and podcast host Anas Bukhash, Smith engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue that captivated the audience. Despite the rush hour, dedicated fans like Alicia, an Argentinian expat and restaurant owner, drove over an hour from Jumeirah to attend the event. “I’m a huge fan of Will Smith and Anas Bukhash,” she shared. “I rushed here after a meeting just to see him.” Known for his iconic roles in films like ‘Bad Boys,’ ‘Men in Black,’ and ‘Independence Day,’ Smith’s presence added star power to the fair’s final weekend. Organizers ensured a seamless experience with enhanced security, wristband distribution, and designated seating areas for Gold, Silver, Bronze, and VIP attendees. The 44th edition of SIBF, running until November 16, also featured luminaries like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Carlo Rovelli, and Paul Lynch, making it a cultural highlight of the year.
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Hollywood’s SAG Awards announces it will change its name
The Screen Actors Guild Awards, one of the most prestigious ceremonies honoring actors, has unveiled a significant rebranding. Known colloquially as the SAG Awards, the event will now be officially titled ‘The Actor Awards presented by Sag-Aftra.’ This change reflects the labor union’s commitment to celebrating actors and aligns with the global recognition of the event. The announcement was made during a board meeting on Friday, ahead of the 32nd edition of the ceremony, scheduled for March 1, 2026.
Jon Brockett, the show’s executive producer, emphasized that the new name provides clarity to viewers in over 190 countries. ‘The Actor Awards’ immediately conveys the essence of the event—a celebration of actors by actors. JoBeth Williams, chair of the awards committee, noted that while the union’s name may not be universally recognized, the term ‘Actor Awards’ resonates globally, promising audiences a showcase of their favorite stars.
The rebranding also highlights the significance of the Actor trophy, which has become a pivotal indicator in the lead-up to the Academy Awards. Much like the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, and Golden Globes, the event is now better known by the name of its iconic statuette. This change further solidifies the merger between the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Aftra) in 2012, representing approximately 160,000 members.
The announcement follows the recent election of Sean Astin, star of ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ as the new leader of Sag-Aftra. Astin succeeds Fran Drescher, who guided the organization through the 2023 Hollywood strikes during her four-year tenure. The rebranding marks a new chapter for the awards show, emphasizing its global appeal and dedication to the craft of acting.
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Cardi B welcomes fourth child, her first with boyfriend Stefon Diggs
Grammy-winning rap sensation Cardi B has announced the birth of her fourth child, her first with NFL star Stefon Diggs. The artist, whose real name is Belcalis Almánzar, shared the joyous news on Instagram, expressing her excitement about this new chapter in her life. “I brought new music and a new album to the world! A new baby into my world, and one more reason to be the best version of me,” she wrote. The baby boy’s arrival comes shortly after the release of her highly anticipated sophomore album, *Am I The Drama?*, which she humorously promoted as a means to afford diapers. Cardi B, who shares three children with her estranged husband Offset, filed for divorce in July 2024. While she has not disclosed specific details about the birth, her spokesperson confirmed to *People* magazine that both mother and baby are “healthy and happy.” Diggs, the New England Patriots wide receiver, revealed the baby’s gender during a recent red-carpet event, stating, “It’s a boy. That’s enough for me. I can’t wait to make him do push-ups and sit-ups and run around.” This marks the second child for Diggs, who has a 9-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. Cardi B also hinted at a fresh start in her Instagram post, sharing a clip from her single *Hello* and emphasizing her commitment to self-improvement and providing her children with the “love and life they deserve.” She told her 163 million followers that she is preparing for a tour to support her new album and is focused on delivering the “performance of a lifetime.” Reflecting on her personal growth, she wrote, “I’ve learned, I’ve healed, and I’m loving the woman I’ve become! That’s what this next era means to me, and I’m stepping into it better than ever.”
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The Aussie giving War & Peace a ‘bogan’ remake
In a bold and unconventional literary venture, Ander Louis, a Melbourne-based IT worker and part-time writer, has crafted a ‘bogan’ rendition of Leo Tolstoy’s monumental novel, ‘War & Peace.’ This unique adaptation transforms the 19th-century Russian aristocracy into a world filled with Australian slang, where princes become ‘drongos’ and princesses are referred to as ‘sheilas.’ Louis, whose real name is Andrew Tesoriero, began this project in 2018 as a humorous experiment, aiming to make the dense and often intimidating text more approachable and entertaining. The bogan version, characterized by its irreverent tone and casual language, has since garnered unexpected attention, particularly after excerpts were shared online by a New York-based tech writer. The sudden surge in interest led to a spike in sales, with Louis selling 50 copies overnight. He attributes this newfound popularity to the ‘Bluey effect,’ referencing the widespread appeal of Australian culture in the United States. Louis’s adaptation not only makes the classic more accessible but also challenges traditional notions of literary reverence, as he playfully reinterprets Tolstoy’s work through the lens of Australian colloquialism. Despite its unconventional approach, Louis believes that Tolstoy, who himself renounced his noble privileges later in life, might have appreciated the bogan version for its audacity and humor.
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Restaurant Review: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is a time machine on a plate
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is not merely a dining experience; it is a masterful exploration of British culinary history, reimagined through the innovative vision of world-renowned chef Heston Blumenthal. Located in Dubai, this restaurant transcends traditional dining, offering guests an immersive journey where each course tells a story rooted in centuries-old traditions, yet crafted with modern precision. From the moment you step into the elegantly designed space, with its polished wood, copper accents, and theatrical ambiance, you are transported into a gastronomic playground. The service is impeccable—warm, attentive, and executed with finesse. The menu, a blend of historical classics and contemporary creativity, is brought to life with dishes like the iconic Meat Fruit, a mandarin-shaped chicken liver parfait, and the indulgent Tipsy Cake, a slow-roasted pineapple dripping with caramel. Every detail, from the lighting to the giant copper pineapple used for roasting, contributes to an unforgettable sensory experience. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is more than a meal; it is a celebration of culinary artistry that invites diners to think, feel, and explore a world where history and innovation collide.
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Eid Al Etihad 2025: Sharjah announces music show, heritage market to kick off celebrations
Sharjah is gearing up to host an extraordinary series of events to mark the 54th Eid Al Etihad (Union Day) in 2025, celebrating the UAE’s enduring unity and progress. From November 19 to December 2, the emirate will transform into a hub of cultural and festive activities, spanning historical landmarks and tourist hotspots. The official opening ceremony will take place at Al Siyouh Family Park on November 19, setting the stage for two weeks of vibrant celebrations. Key venues include Kshisha Park, Sharjah National Park, and the newly added Al Layyah Canal, each offering a unique blend of traditional performances, youth panels, and family-friendly shows. A standout event will be the musical extravaganza at Khorfakkan Amphitheatre on November 29, featuring Emirati icons Hussain Al Jassmi and Fouad Abdelwahad. Other highlights include parades, heritage markets, operettas, and fireworks across locations like Al Batayeh, Al Dhaid, and Kalba. The festivities aim to reinforce the values of unity, loyalty, and national pride, creating a sense of community and shared achievement among citizens and residents.