The second edition of Manar Abu Dhabi, set to launch in November 2025, promises to transform the emirate into a breathtaking open-air gallery of light installations and large-scale sculptures. Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the exhibition will feature works from 15 artists and collectives across 10 countries, united under the theme ‘The Light Compass.’ This theme explores the profound role of light in guiding human journeys, both physical and spiritual. For the first time, the exhibition will extend to Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where eight installations will illuminate the Al Qattara and Al Jimi Oasis Trails. Visitors can experience new works by Emirati artists Maitha Hamdan, Ammar Al Attar, and designer Khalid Shafar, whose creations respond to the heritage and natural environment of the historic oases. At Souq Al Mina, global art icon KAWS will unveil a luminous COMPANION sculpture—a reclining figure holding a glowing moon—marking the American artist’s first major work in the UAE. The monumental piece, positioned against Abu Dhabi’s city skyline, creates a contemporary scene linked to maritime memory. Five Emirati artists will feature prominently this year, joining an international lineup that includes DRIFT from the Netherlands, Montreal-based studio Iregular, Spanish digital artist Six N. Five, and Malaysian sculptor Pamela Poh. Artistic Director Khai Hori emphasized that Manar Abu Dhabi continues to celebrate the dialogue between Emirati creativity and global innovation. On Jubail Island, Dutch studio DRIFT will create immersive experiences where visitors’ biometric data transforms into ephemeral digital flowers and soundscapes inside a dome-like structure. Outside, hundreds of choreographed drones will move across the island’s mangroves in synchronised motion, evoking growth and renewal. Emirati sculptor Shaikha Al Mazrou will present a 30-metre circular installation that transforms as water crystallizes into salt, creating an ephemeral landmark amid the mangroves. In Al Ain’s palm-dense Jimi Oasis, Maitha Hamdan’s sensor-activated illuminated ropes will cascade from a six-meter acacia tree, responding to visitors’ movements. Nearby, Ammar Al Attar will transform a historic house courtyard with photographic self-portraits captured while cycling in circles, presented sequentially in lightboxes. Khalid Shafar will reinterpret traditional Sadu weaving into a 70-metre pixelated pattern of light and bricks stretching through a historic building along the Al Qattara Oasis Trail. Canadian-Mexican artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer will present poems by contemporary Emirati poets as slow streams of letters along the trail, alongside a hovering light canopy that pulses in rhythm with visitors’ heartbeats. The exhibition emphasizes accessible public art experiences across Abu Dhabi’s diverse landscapes, part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s Public Art initiative. Manar Abu Dhabi aims to enhance the emirate’s cultural fabric while fostering creativity through large-scale installations that engage both residents and visitors. The exhibition will run from November 1, 2025, to January 4, 2026 in Al Ain, and November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026 in Abu Dhabi. Entry is free, with accompanying talks, performances, and workshops to be announced soon.
分类： entertainment
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Look: Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco make red carpet debut as married couple
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco made their highly anticipated red carpet debut as a married couple at the Academy Museum Gala on Saturday, October 20, 2025. The event, held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, was a star-studded affair, drawing attention to the newlyweds who recently tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Santa Barbara, California, on September 27, 2025. The couple’s appearance marked their first public outing since their wedding, captivating onlookers with their coordinated yet distinct fashion choices. Gomez, celebrated for her timeless elegance, donned a glamorous black gown adorned with sparkling embellishments, paired with a draped black suit jacket, bold red lipstick, and statement earrings. Her hair was styled in a sophisticated updo, exuding vintage Hollywood charm. Blanco complemented her look with a stylish ensemble featuring a shiny blue shirt, black jacket, and matching pants, subtly mirroring his wife’s color palette. The couple paused for a brief photo session, radiating joy and affection. Their wedding, attended by close friends and family, reportedly included A-list guests such as Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Martin Short, and Steve Martin. Gomez later shared glimpses of the ceremony on social media, captioning a post simply with the date, ‘9.27.25.’ The Academy Museum Gala also honored notable figures from film and music, including Penelope Cruz, Walter Salles, Bruce Springsteen, and Bowen Yang. The annual fundraising event supports the museum’s exhibitions, screenings, and educational programs, making it a significant occasion in the entertainment industry.
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Ryan Guzman recalls how Jennifer Lopez started his Instagram account
Ryan Guzman, known for his role in ‘9-1-1,’ recently reminisced about his experience filming the 2015 thriller ‘The Boy Next Door’ alongside Jennifer Lopez. In a candid revelation, Guzman shared that Lopez played a pivotal role in kickstarting his Instagram presence. According to People, the actor disclosed that his very first Instagram post was orchestrated by Lopez herself. Guzman recounted how, during a press tour for the film, Lopez was astonished to discover he didn’t have an Instagram account. ‘I think I just had a Facebook or something, and she had asked me what’s my Instagram handle or whatnot, and I just kind of had a blank face,’ Guzman recalled. ‘She goes, ‘You know what? No, I’ll set it up for you.’ She did, and my very first post is because of her,’ he added. Guzman expressed his amazement at the fact that Lopez, a global icon, was the one to introduce him to the platform. ‘It’s such a crazy thing to now think about that Jennifer Lopez is the one that started my Instagram,’ he said. The actor also reflected on the 10th anniversary of ‘The Boy Next Door,’ expressing disbelief at how quickly time has passed. ‘I didn’t know it was the 10 … it is 10 years since that movie? Where has time gone?’ he remarked. In the film, Guzman portrayed a 19-year-old with a troubled past who becomes neighbors with Lopez’s character, a mother navigating marital challenges. The project remains a memorable milestone in Guzman’s career, not only for its cinematic impact but also for marking his social media debut.
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Kajol celebrates 30 years of ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’
Bollywood actress Kajol recently commemorated the 30th anniversary of the iconic film ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (DDLJ) with a touching social media tribute. Taking to Instagram, Kajol shared a nostalgic poster of the film, which also stars Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan, and expressed her profound gratitude to fans for their unwavering love and support. She captioned the post, ‘DDLJ completes 30 years today in time, but the way it has spread around the world and through everybody’s hearts and minds simply cannot be counted. Thank u all for loving it in this phenomenal way!’ Adding a humorous twist, Kajol also shared a witty joke about the film, encouraging fans to ‘slide to see how far it really has gone.’ The post garnered an outpouring of emotional responses from fans, with many reminiscing about the film’s enduring impact. One fan commented, ‘Among your films that will never be erased from memory and will always remain alive,’ while another praised, ‘A classic defined, a generation inspired. Three decades of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and still, every scene is perfect. Thank you for the magic, Raj and Simran.’ Kajol’s sister, Tanishaa Mukerji, and renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra also joined in the celebration, reacting to the post with heart emojis. Earlier, the official Instagram handle of Yash Raj Films, the production house behind DDLJ, also paid tribute to the timeless romance, captioning their post, ‘Raj & Simran, forever and always! Celebrating three decades of timeless romance, unforgettable moments, and hearts that still skip a beat at every ‘palat.’ Released in 1995, DDLJ was directed by Aditya Chopra and produced by Yash Chopra. The film, which was shot in India, London, and Switzerland, tells the story of Raj and Simran, two individuals who fall in love during a European trip but must navigate cultural and familial challenges to be together. Its themes of love, tradition, and family values have cemented its status as a Bollywood classic.
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What does Kevin Federline’s upcoming book say about Britney Spears?
In his newly released memoir, *You Thought You Knew*, Kevin Federline, the ex-husband of pop icon Britney Spears, unveils startling details about their tumultuous relationship. Federline, a former backup dancer who married Spears in 2004, paints a troubling portrait of her alleged erratic behavior as a wife and mother. The memoir, set for publication on Tuesday, has already sparked controversy, with Spears vehemently denying its claims and accusing Federline of exploiting their past for financial gain. Federline alleges that Spears engaged in unhealthy behaviors, including drinking during pregnancy and using cocaine while breastfeeding their two sons, Preston and Jayden, now 20 and 19 respectively. He also recounts unsettling incidents, such as Spears allegedly standing in their sons’ doorway at night with a knife in hand. Federline expresses deep concern for Spears’ well-being, stating that the situation feels like it’s heading toward an irreversible crisis. He also reveals his support for the conservatorship that controlled Spears’ life for over a decade, a stance that contrasts sharply with the Free Britney movement. The couple’s relationship, which began in 2004, quickly deteriorated, culminating in a highly publicized divorce in 2007. Federline was granted sole custody of their sons, a decision that followed a series of high-profile incidents involving Spears, including shaving her head and attacking a photographer’s car with an umbrella. These events raised concerns about her mental health, leading to the establishment of a conservatorship in 2008, which lasted until 2021. Spears has since accused Federline of attacking her character in his memoir, describing its contents as ‘extremely hurtful and exhausting.’ She has defended her relationship with her sons, emphasizing her enduring love and commitment to their well-being. Federline, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years, claims he wrote the book to provide his children with the truth about their family history. The memoir has reignited public interest in the couple’s past, with Spears’ spokesperson criticizing Federline for profiting from her story.
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Afrobeats superstar Davido brings 5IVE Alive Tour to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena
Grammy-nominated Afrobeats sensation Davido is set to captivate Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on November 8, 2025, with his highly anticipated 5IVE Alive Tour. The global superstar, renowned for his chart-topping hits and dynamic performances, will deliver an unforgettable night of music, rhythm, and culture. The event will feature a blend of his latest tracks from his fifth studio album, *5IVE*, released in April 2025, alongside fan-favorite anthems. The 17-track album, featuring collaborations with global artists like Omah Lay, Chris Brown, and Musa Keys, has dominated charts worldwide with singles such as “Awuke,” “Funds,” and “With You.” Davido expressed his excitement about returning to Dubai, stating, “The energy at Coca-Cola Arena was unforgettable, and I can’t wait to return this November with an even bigger show. This performance is all about celebrating Afrobeats on a global stage.” Known for hits like “Fall,” “If,” and “Unavailable,” Davido has cemented his status as one of the most influential artists of his generation, earning accolades from MTV, BET, AFRIMA, and more. Fans can secure tickets starting at Dh175 via coca-cola-arena.com, with options ranging from Fan Pit to Bronze seating. Early booking is encouraged to ensure a spot at one of the year’s most anticipated events.
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Liuyang fireworks set Guinness World Records
The Liuyang Fireworks Festival, celebrated in the heart of Hunan province—known as ‘China’s fireworks capital’—has made history by securing two new Guinness World Records. The event, which captivated audiences with its stunning visuals, has sparked widespread excitement and discussion across social media platforms. As a highlight of the festival, two groundbreaking performances showcased an unprecedented fusion of fireworks and drone technology. In one record-breaking feat, a fleet of 7,496 drones simultaneously launched fireworks, marking the largest coordinated daytime fireworks display ever recorded. In another awe-inspiring moment, 15,947 drones took to the skies, all controlled by a single computer, shattering the previous record of 10,197. These achievements not only highlight Liuyang’s dominance in the fireworks industry but also demonstrate the innovative integration of technology in traditional celebrations. The festival has solidified Liuyang’s reputation as a global leader in pyrotechnic artistry, drawing attention from enthusiasts and professionals worldwide.
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Photos on a star trek
The ‘Ten Years Overlooking Hami’ Photography Culture Week and the annual ‘Sweet Whispers to the Galaxy’ Festival, held last month in Hami, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, drew a mix of seasoned photographers and influencers. Among them was Li Qing, a photographer and livestreaming expert from Panzhihua, Sichuan province, who first visited Hami in 2015 for a drone photography competition. ‘The Gobi Desert, grasslands, and mountains are a treasure trove for aerial photography,’ Li remarked, expressing his excitement to return and capture Hami’s vast landscapes once more. Dai Jianfeng, a renowned astrophotographer with over 3 million followers, attended the festival with a specific mission: to photograph the Hami Solar Thermal Power Station, a marvel featuring a 696,751-square-meter mirror field and a 220-meter-high molten salt tower. ‘This year, I aimed to capture the station under a clear, starry night,’ Dai explained. Zhou Bo, cofounder of the China StarVision Alliance, has been hosting livestreams for the festival since 2022. However, this year, he noted a decline in online traffic, attributing it to the absence of a major astronomical event like the Perseid meteor shower. Wang Junfeng, a frequent visitor to Hami and cofounder of the CSVA, remains optimistic. ‘Hami will surprise us with its wonders in a different season,’ he said, highlighting the region’s enduring appeal for photographers and stargazers alike.
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UAE: Khor Fakkan Amphitheatre to host Eid Al Etihad concert on November 29
The Khor Fakkan Amphitheatre, a stunning Roman-inspired venue in Sharjah, is gearing up to host a spectacular early celebration of the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad on November 29, 2025. This event will feature performances by two renowned Khaleeji artists, Hussein Al Jasmi and Fouad Abdel Wahed, in a night dedicated to celebrating national pride and honoring the UAE’s rich history. Al Jasmi, celebrated for his versatility in singing across various Arabic dialects, will perform some of his greatest hits, while Abdel Wahed, known for his emotionally resonant Khaleeji music, will captivate the audience with his lyrical prowess. The amphitheatre, a local architectural marvel spanning over 1,700 square metres and accommodating more than 3,500 spectators, provides the perfect backdrop for this grand celebration. Eid Al Etihad, observed annually in early December, commemorates the historic unification of the seven emirates on December 2, 1971. Tickets for the concert are available on Platinumlist, offering an opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in a night of cultural and musical excellence.
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W Korea breast cancer awareness party draws backlash to K-pop idols; magazine issues apology
A recent breast cancer awareness event organized by W Korea has ignited widespread criticism, with K-pop idols and the magazine itself facing backlash for what many perceived as a tone-deaf approach to a serious health issue. The event, titled ‘Love Your W 2025,’ featured high-profile celebrities such as RM, J-Hope, and V from BTS, aespa, and actor Byeon Woo Seok. However, the lavish party atmosphere, complete with free-flowing alcohol and celebratory dancing, left many questioning its appropriateness for a cause as grave as breast cancer awareness. Videos and photos from the event, initially shared on social media, quickly drew ire from fans and critics alike. Many pointed out that only three idols—Rei from IVE and Minju and Wonhee from illit—actually addressed the cause during the event. While some fans defended idols like Bang Chan and Seungmin from Stray Kids for their donations, critics highlighted that W Korea has raised only 1.1 billion won (approximately Dh2.8 million) for breast cancer awareness over the past 20 years—a figure deemed insufficient given the event’s opulence. Jay Park, a controversial artist known for pushing boundaries, faced particular scrutiny for performing his song ‘Mommae,’ which objectifies the female body and includes suggestive references to breasts. Park later apologized via Instagram, stating, ‘If any cancer patients were offended by my performance, I sincerely apologize.’ W Korea issued a formal apology on Sunday, acknowledging the criticism and expressing regret for causing discomfort to breast cancer patients and their families. The magazine also apologized to the participating celebrities, noting that the controversy had ‘inconvenienced’ those who attended with good intentions. Despite the removal of all event-related content from W Korea’s social media pages, the backlash continues to resonate, reflecting a shift in the K-pop world where fans increasingly hold their idols accountable for their actions.