The UAE is set to offer an exhilarating array of activities this weekend, blending culture, adventure, and culinary delights. From October 24 to 26, residents and visitors alike can immerse themselves in world-class events, vibrant performances, and unique experiences across the Emirates. Highlights include the Kite World Cup in Abu Dhabi, the Middle East debut of *Grease The Musical* in Dubai, and the return of *Cosmic Glow 2025* in Al Ain. Additionally, live music at ALAYA in DIFC and family-friendly brunches like Toshi Brunch & Beyond ensure there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking sun-soaked afternoons or after-dark entertainment, this weekend promises unforgettable moments. The Kite World Cup, part of the Fahid Island Watersports Festival, will feature over 150 international athletes competing in kitesurfing, wing foiling, and more. Meanwhile, *Grease The Musical* brings its iconic hits to Dubai Opera, and *Cosmic Glow 2025* offers a celestial celebration of astronomy and art. For foodies, Toshi Brunch & Beyond and Hidden Beach Brunch provide indulgent culinary experiences, making this weekend a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation.
分类: entertainment
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Eddie Murphy reflects on his comedic career in documentary ‘Being Eddie’
Netflix is set to release a groundbreaking documentary titled ‘Being Eddie,’ offering an intimate look into the life and career of comedy legend Eddie Murphy. Directed by two-time Academy Award winner Angus Wall, known for his work on ‘The Social Network’ and ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,’ the film promises to capture the essence of Murphy’s unparalleled journey in entertainment. The documentary traces Murphy’s rise from a teenage stand-up comedian sharing stages with Jerry Seinfeld to his iconic roles on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and in blockbuster films. Netflix unveiled the trailer on Instagram, describing the project as ‘raw, real, and unapologetic,’ with Murphy telling his story like never before. The film highlights Murphy’s versatility, from playing a cop, a doctor, and even a donkey, to maintaining his A-list status for over four decades without succumbing to Hollywood’s darker temptations. ‘Being Eddie’ features testimonials from Hollywood heavyweights like Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Jamie Foxx, and Tracy Morgan, celebrating Murphy’s nearly 50-year career. Director Angus Wall noted that while Murphy has portrayed countless characters, this marks the first time he reveals his true self on screen. The documentary premieres on Netflix on November 12, offering fans a rare glimpse into the life of one of comedy’s most enduring icons.
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James Gunn has discussed ‘Constantine 2’ with Keanu Reeves
Filmmaker James Gunn has revealed discussions with Keanu Reeves about a potential sequel to the 2005 supernatural superhero film ‘Constantine.’ Directed by Francis Lawrence and loosely based on the Hellblazer comic book series, the original film starred Reeves as John Constantine, a cynical exorcist. In a recent interview on the BobaTalks podcast, Gunn confirmed that while he has not yet read a script, he has engaged in ongoing conversations with Reeves about the project. Reeves, who has long expressed interest in reprising his role, shared that the team has been working on the sequel for over a decade. After pitching a story to DC Studios, they received approval to move forward with scripting. Director Lawrence also hinted at a ‘great idea’ for the sequel, developed over years of revisiting the comics and brainstorming. However, the project faced delays due to the 2023 writer’s strike and challenges in regaining control of the character. Despite these hurdles, the team remains committed to bringing the sequel to life.
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A fashion show in Mali’s ancient city of Timbuktu promotes peace and local talent
In a remarkable display of resilience and cultural pride, the ancient city of Timbuktu, Mali, hosted a vibrant fashion event titled the ‘Caravan for Peace.’ The two-day showcase, held in an open field on the city’s outskirts, featured young models adorned in colorful traditional attire, symbolizing hope and unity in a region long plagued by jihadi violence. Renowned African fashion designer Sidi Ahmed Seidina Ali, popularly known as Alphadi, spearheaded the event, urging Timbuktu natives to return and contribute to the city’s revival. ‘Let us all come! All those born in Timbuktu, return to your homeland, return to your hometown to work and show that this city is magical,’ Alphadi passionately declared. The event, organized in collaboration with local authorities, highlighted the creativity of dozens of local designers and models, many of whom have endured the scars of conflict. Timbuktu, once a pre-colonial hub of Islamic learning, has faced years of attacks by the al-Qaida-linked JNIM militant group. While authorities report improved security, sporadic violence persists, as evidenced by a recent attack on Malian army positions. Alphadi, a native of Timbuktu and a celebrated figure in African fashion, emphasized the importance of peace and the potential of young talents. ‘Modernity is not only in Paris, not only in New York, not only in Japan. Modernity is also here at home,’ he asserted, calling for mutual understanding and harmony. Local officials lauded the event as a step toward restoring Timbuktu’s former glory. Issaka Nazoum, president of the Regional Council of Timbuktu, described the caravan as a call for ‘social cohesion and living together.’ The fashion show not only celebrated Mali’s rich cultural heritage but also served as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of its people.
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Wahaj Ali talks acting challenges, diversity in Pakistani dramas, and his Dubai connection
Wahaj Ali, a prominent figure in Pakistani television, has carved a niche for himself with his versatile performances in dramas like ‘Tere Bin’ and ‘Jo Bichar Gaye’. With a career spanning nearly a decade, Ali has consistently chosen roles that challenge the norm, from the bitter yet witty Basim in ‘Ishq Jalebi’ to the intense and conflicted leader in ‘Jo Bichar Gaye’. His latest venture, ‘Jin Ki Shadi Un Ki Shadi’, a horror-comedy, marks a departure from his usual serious roles, showcasing his commitment to diversity and innovation in his craft.
In a recent interview, Ali opened up about his journey, the challenges of the Pakistani drama industry, and his creative philosophy. He emphasized the importance of choosing scripts that resonate with him, regardless of their commercial appeal. ‘I don’t care if it’s a big ‘banner’ project or not,’ he stated. ‘My strength lies in playing different, performance-oriented characters.’
Ali also highlighted the scarcity of good writers in the industry, noting that actors often bear the brunt of criticism when a project fails, despite their efforts to salvage poorly written scripts. ‘Actors are merely tools,’ he remarked. ‘If the direction or the story isn’t good, it can be challenging to showcase your craft.’
Reflecting on his career, Ali shared that every failure has been a learning opportunity. ‘You don’t learn a lot from success,’ he said. ‘The fear and the want are essential. The important thing is not to know what to do, but to know what not to do.’
Looking ahead, Ali is working on a couple of scripts that he hopes will further enhance his craft. ‘I don’t have any dream project,’ he admitted. ‘Whenever I work on a project, I turn it into a dream project.’
Ali also expressed his admiration for Dubai, which he considers a second home for many Pakistanis. ‘The infrastructure, safety, and variety of experiences in Dubai set it apart from many cities,’ he said. ‘It’s amazing how the city adapts to weather changes and offers multiple indoor options.’
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Hong Kong artists shine bright at Florence Biennale
The 15th Florence Biennale has become a global stage for artistic brilliance, with four Hong Kong artists—Liu Hongrui, Eva Ku, Cheng Xiaowei, and Ho Chun-yu—showcasing their unique works among 600 artists from 84 countries. The event, renowned for its celebration of diverse styles and techniques, highlights the richness of contemporary art. Jacopo Celona, the Biennale’s director, emphasized the inclusion of Hong Kong artists as a testament to the event’s philosophy of diversity across painting, photography, and fine art jewelry. Liu Hongrui’s *White Landscape*, an oil and distemper on canvas, blends surrealist influences with personal memories of Hong Kong and England, creating a serene yet expressive piece. Eva Ku’s *A Midsummer Night’s Dream* and *Earth’s Cry* reflect her eclectic inspirations, from fairy tales to environmental themes, while Cheng Xiaowei’s *The Bronze Era* jewelry collection reinterprets ancient Chinese bronze artifacts with a modern twist. Ho Chun-yu’s camera-less photography series, *From Cloud to Ground*, explores the interplay of analog and digital techniques. Together, their works embody the Biennale’s theme of dualism and unity, blending tradition and innovation, East and West, and inner and external worlds. The exhibition runs through October 26 at Fortezza da Basso in Florence.
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At a pumpkin festival near Berlin, powerful women take shape — one gourd at a time
The Klaistow Farm near Berlin has transformed into a vibrant celebration of pumpkins, drawing thousands of visitors to its annual Pumpkin Festival. Now in its 22nd year, the event showcases over 100,000 pumpkins of 500 varieties from around the world, each meticulously labeled with its name and origin. The festival, which began in 2004 as Germans embraced the American tradition of Halloween, has grown into a cultural phenomenon, attracting up to 12,000 visitors on weekends and 5,000 on weekdays. This year’s theme, “Women’s Power,” features 15 larger-than-life pumpkin sculptures depicting iconic figures such as Frida Kahlo, Pippi Longstocking, and Cleopatra. The festival also offers a culinary journey with pumpkin-inspired dishes, from stuffed pumpkin to pumpkin crème brûlée. Families can explore the farm’s winding paths, marveling at creative displays like Marge Simpson’s hair made of winter squash and Elsa from “Frozen” adorned in pale yellow pumpkins. The event not only celebrates the pumpkin’s versatility but also highlights its historical journey from America to Europe, as recounted by Antje Winkelmann, co-owner of the family-run farm. Visitors can purchase 30 different types of pumpkins and indulge in a variety of pumpkin delicacies, making it a must-visit autumn destination.
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Sam Ryder: I felt I was worthless
Sam Ryder, the UK’s Eurovision sensation, has embarked on a transformative journey, both personally and musically, culminating in his latest album, *Heartland*. After achieving global fame with his Eurovision hit *Space Man*, Ryder faced a series of challenges that tested his resilience and authenticity. His debut album, rushed in the aftermath of his Eurovision success, received mixed reviews, with critics labeling it as uninspired. The situation worsened when his record label dismissed the team that had supported his rise, prompting Ryder to leave the label and pursue an independent path. This decision, while empowering, led to a period of self-doubt and depression. Ryder retreated from the spotlight, locking away his phone and questioning his worth as an artist. However, a move to Nashville, the spiritual home of country music, marked the beginning of his recovery. Inspired by the city’s creative energy, Ryder found solace in long, solitary walks and reconnected with his faith and partner, Lois Gaskin-Barber. These experiences shaped *Heartland*, an album that reflects a newfound maturity and authenticity. Departing from the retro rock of *Space Man*, Ryder explores a more introspective sound, blending soulful vocals with a desert aesthetic he calls ‘Frontier Soul.’ Tracks like *Armour* and *Better Man* delve into themes of vulnerability and resilience, while others pay tribute to his enduring relationship with Gaskin-Barber. Despite the struggles, Ryder remains optimistic, viewing his trials as a test of his positivity. ‘What is optimism, if it’s not tested?’ he reflects. With *Heartland*, Ryder has not only reclaimed his artistic identity but also solidified his place as a musician of substance and depth.
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Fitness coach on wearable tech and wellness: ‘Know your numbers, but also know your body’
As wearable technology continues to dominate the fitness landscape in 2025, Diren Kartal, a renowned fitness coach and speaker, emphasizes the importance of balancing data-driven insights with intuitive self-awareness. Kartal, who is set to return to Dubai Active 2025, shares his journey from a football player in Turkey’s Beşiktaş youth academy to a global fitness influencer. His philosophy revolves around consistency, discipline, and the transformative power of fitness on both the body and mind. Kartal’s experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has profoundly shaped his approach, teaching him humility, patience, and resilience. He believes that while wearable devices like smartwatches and trackers can gamify fitness and enhance accountability, they should not replace the intrinsic understanding of one’s body. Kartal also highlights the challenges of balancing fitness, business growth, and fatherhood, advocating for structured routines and realistic goals. At Dubai Active, he aims to inspire attendees with energy, laughter, and practical advice, encouraging them to view fitness as empowerment rather than punishment. Kartal debunks common fitness myths, such as the necessity of extreme diets or overnight results, and stresses the importance of mental wellness in physical training. He advises beginners to start simple, build consistency, and avoid comparing themselves to others. For long-term success, Kartal’s non-negotiable principle is consistency—showing up regularly, even when motivation wanes. He also shares his excitement about emerging fitness trends like cold plunges, saunas, and functional training, while reminding everyone that the basics—strength training, nutrition, sleep, and community—remain timeless.
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Milan-Cortina 2026 unveils official posters for Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games
The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games have revealed their official posters, showcasing vibrant and symbolic designs that embody the spirit of the host cities. Created by Italian artists Olimpia Zagnoli and Carolina Altavilla, the posters were unveiled on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the lead-up to the global event. Posters have been a cherished tradition since the early 20th century, serving as both artistic expressions and historical artifacts of the Games. Zagnoli’s design, titled ‘Olympic Vision,’ features a central figure peering through glasses shaped like Olympic rings, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The artist explained that her work reflects Milan’s iconic style and Cortina’s alpine charm while celebrating the unity of athletes and spectators. Altavilla’s untitled poster for the Paralympic Games captures the dynamic energy of all six Paralympic Winter sports, rendered in a striking palette of pinks, blues, and chartreuse. The design includes Milan’s Duomo cathedral in the foreground and incorporates the ‘Agitos,’ Latin for ‘I move,’ as a symbol of Paralympic movement. Large-scale versions of the posters, alongside the official torches, will be displayed at Milan’s Triennale design museum and other venues during the Games. Smaller prints are available for purchase at 35 euros (approximately $41). This follows the organizers’ earlier release of 10 artistic posters by a diverse group of artists, which are also on exhibit at the Triennale.
