3 days ago

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025: Post Malone to Perform at Etihad Park for 17th Edition

Nine-time diamond-certified and GRAMMY® award-nominated artist Post Malone has been confirmed as the Friday night headliner for the 2025 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix After-Race Concerts, returning to Etihad Park on December 5, 2025. The announcement was made by Ethara, organisers of the Grand Prix and the Yasalam after-race concerts, as part of a blockbuster entertainment line-up that includes Benson Boone on Thursday, December 4, Metallica on Saturday, December 6 and Katy Perry closing the weekend on Sunday, December 7. Feel just like a ROCKSTAR! 🔥 Global superstar @Postmalone joins the #AbuDhabiGP After-Race Concerts line-up! 🎉 More artists to be announced tomorrow! 👀 👉Friday, 5 December At Etihad Park Exclusive to #AbuDhabiGP ticket holders.🎟️#PostMaloneAtF1 #F1 #Yasalam2025 #Ethara pic.twitter.com/h9mDttPEuR— Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (@abudhabigp) May 20, 2025 “We are absolutely thrilled to add Post Malone to the 2025 line-up, His performance in 2018 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a special Yasalam moment, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to the Etihad Park stage,” David Powell, Ethara’s Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer said. Global stars and growing demand The 2025 edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which is scheduled from Thursday, December 4 to Sunday, December 7, marks the event’s 17th year and continues its […]

4 days ago

FrancoFilm Festival 2025 Opens With A Dazzling Celebration Of Global French Cinema In Bahrain

The red carpet rolled out, the spotlights beamed, and the spirit of cinema lit up Dana Mall as the FrancoFilm Festival – Bahrain 2025 made its grand entrance on Sunday night at EPIX Cinemas. Now in its third edition, this cultural celebration brought together filmmakers, diplomats, cinema lovers, and storytellers from across continents – all united by a common language: cinema en français. Under the patronage of H.E. Éric Giraud-Telme, the French Ambassador to Bahrain, the event wasn’t just a film festival – it was a symphony of cultures, hosted in collaboration with 12 Francophone embassies including Armenia, Belgium, Cameroon, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Vietnam. “This is more than just a showcase of films – it’s a celebration of the creative soul of Francophone nations,” said Ambassador Giraud-Telme, speaking to the Daily Tribune. “It’s about invention, diversity, and shared stories that connect us all.” A special premiere screening of the epic “Le Comte de Monte-Cristo”, a 2024 adaptation by Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte, based on Alexandre Dumas’ legendary tale of revenge and redemption. For the first time ever, Bahraini audiences were treated to this cinematic gem on the big screen. But […]

4 days ago

Saudi Arabia Launches High-Tech Film Hub In Riyadh As Part Of Vision 2030

The Saudi Film Commission has announced the launch of JAX Film Studios, a fully integrated production complex in Riyadh. The facility marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s mission to build a competitive and connected film and media industry, according to media reports. As reported by Saudi Press Agency, the advanced facility is set to become one of the leading film and media production hubs in the region. Slated for completion later this year, the complex spans over 7,000 sq metres. Key features include: Designed for global-standard production The complex is strategically located with quick access to hotels, Riyadh’s international airport, restaurants, and a growing network of industry professionals. Local filmmakers will benefit from proximity to crew, equipment, and post-production services—all within a 20-minute radius. Empowering creatives “JAX Film Studios represents a key milestone in our strategy to build a world-class cinema ecosystem in Saudi Arabia,” said Abdullah Al-Qahtani, CEO of the Film Commission. The studio aims to empower Saudi talent while attracting international filmmakers by aligning with global production standards. Virtual innovation Abdul Jalil Al Nasser, Director General of Sector Development and Investment Attraction, highlighted that the studio will house one of the most advanced virtual production platforms globally, offering […]

6 days ago

Bahrain: FrancoFilm Festival To Begin Today With Global Cinematic Lineup

The third edition of the FrancoFilm Festival kicks off today in Bahrain, bringing a vibrant slate of twelve French-language films from nine countries to the big screen. Organisers have released the complete schedule for the sixday cultural celebration, with screenings taking place at EPIX Cinemas in Dana Mall and a special closing event at the Bahrain National Museum. Hosted by the Embassy of France to the Kingdom of Bahrain in partnership with Alliance Française Bahrain, this year’s edition features contributions from the embassies of Armenia, Belgium, Cameroon, Canada, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Switzerland, and Vietnam, highlighting the global reach of Francophone storytelling. Opening day screenings The festival opens today with: Official opening tomorrow The official opening ceremony will take place on Sunday with two feature presentations: Midweek features On Monday, the lineup continues with: Continental cinema On Tuesday, festivalgoers can watch: Contemporary voices On Wednesday, the schedule includes: Museum finale The festival will close on Thursday with a special screening of La Ville Louvre (France, 1990) by Nicolas Philibert at 6 PM, hosted at the Bahrain National Museum.

1 week ago

Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra Performs ‘Beauty Of Classical Music’ Concert At National Theatre

The Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Dr. Mubarak Najem, performed the much-anticipated concert “Beauty of Classical Music” at the Bahrain National Theatre. Held in celebration of Europe Day and in honour of the values of unity and diversity, this enchanting evening of classical music was organised in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union to the Kingdom of Bahrain.  The concert underscored the orchestra’s position as one of the region’s leading musical ensembles, presenting a specially curated programme of iconic classical works. The performance featured two guest artists from the European Union:  soprano Marika Franchino, who captivated the audience with celebrated arias by Puccini, and violinist Olga Arribas Quintana, who delivered a solo from Mendelssohn’s famous violin concerto. The evening also included selections from the works of Beethoven, Mozart, Bizet, Sibelius, Bartók, and de Falla, alongside a tribute to French-Polish composer Frédéric Chopin. Founded in 2022 by Maestro Dr. Mubarak Najem, director of the Police Band and founder of the Bahrain Music Institute, the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra comprises over 100 musicians and choir members, marking a new chapter in the Kingdom’s musical journey.

2 weeks ago

Disney To Open First Theme Park In The Middle East

The Walt Disney Company announced on Wednesday plans to open its seventh global theme park, and its first in the Middle East, in the United Arab Emirates. The waterfront resort will be built on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, already a major tourism hub home to attractions including the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld, and a major waterpark. The new theme park will be developed in partnership with Abu Dhabi-based developer Miral, which will oversee construction and operations. Disney will lead the design and development while licensing its intellectual property and providing management services. According to a regulatory filing, Disney will not provide capital for the project but will earn royalties based on the resort’s revenues, in addition to service fees. Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, has focused heavily on cultural and tourism development in recent years. While traditionally seen as more conservative than neighboring Dubai, the city is home to institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and has several museums under construction. The announcement comes ahead of a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to the Gulf region next week, during which he is expected to announce a series of business […]

3 weeks ago

Met Gala 2025: Will Arab Designers Who Shone At World’s Best Fashion Showcase Dominate Spectacle Again?

Arab designers have consistently delivered standout moments at the Met Gala over the years — and 2025 is likely to be no different. As fashion’s biggest night returns tonight with the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” there’s every reason to expect designers from the region to make their presence felt once again. The showcase will be telecast live on YouTube, Tuesday early morning starting 2am, local time. While this year’s Met Gala honours Black sartorial identity and culture, designers like Zuhair Murad, Elie Saab, and Georges Chakra remain red carpet favourites. Their designs—known for precision tailoring, dramatic silhouettes, and couture-level embellishment—have helped shape the Met’s most unforgettable fashion moments. Rihanna chose Lebanese designer Georges Chakra gown for her Met debut in 2007. Jennifer Lopez made waves in a beaded Zuhair Murad creation in 2010. Hilary Duff, Elizabeth Hurley, Camila Morrone, and Jasmine Tookes have all stepped onto the Met’s iconic stairs draped in Arab-designed gowns that turned heads and earned fashion headlines. With Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour co-chairing this year’s event—and LeBron James joining as honorary co-chair—the gala also supports an exhibition inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion, celebrating Black dandyism and the creativity of the Black diaspora. Arab […]

3 weeks ago

Abu Dhabi To Host Middle East Film And Comic Con Until 2027

The Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) will be held in Abu Dhabi until at least 2027. The agreement was announced by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Informa during Arabian Travel Market 2025 and confirms the emirate as the event’s home for a further two editions. Since relocating to Abu Dhabi in 2022, MEFCC has firmly established itself as the biggest pop culture event in the region, experiencing remarkable growth and attracting diverse celebrities, artists, and fans. Middle East Film and Comic Con Each edition has surpassed previous attendance records, solidifying its position as a leading event for pop culture enthusiasts. The 2025 edition, which concluded last week (April 18-20), welcomed 38,000 visitors, attracting 400 international brands and celebrities such as: Andrew Garfield from the Amazing Spider-Man franchiseCharlie Cox from Matt MurdockNatalia Dyer from Stranger ThingsHideo Ishikawa from NarutoEmily Rudd from One PieceThe popular Gaming Arena, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Gaming, delivered a line-up of gaming tournaments and challenges across consoles, PC, and mobiles. Gaming enthusiasts also had the exclusive opportunity to demo new games before anyone else. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The continued success […]

3 weeks ago

City Walk Jeddah Reopens With New Attractions Until June 14

City Walk, part of Jeddah Season, officially reopened on Wednesday with a range of new attractions. Running until June 14, this year’s event features seven themed zones spanning 281,000 sq. m. — Wonder Wall, Tomorrow Land, Fantasy Land, Cairo Nights, Black Forest, Adventure Land and The Garden. Each section features games, rides and other family-friendly activities. Salma Al-Harbi, a visitor from Makkah, told Arab News: “We’ve been visiting City Walk for the past three years, but this year truly stands out. “There are so many new attractions, the experience is more affordable, and the waiting times are much shorter. “My kids especially loved Luca Land where they got to play with different dog breeds. And for the whole family, the horror zone was definitely the highlight.” Another, visitor Yazeed Al-Harbi, said: “There’s a great mix of thrills and relaxation. I didn’t expect to enjoy the painting area as much as I did. It’s really inclusive and well thought-out.” For those seeking light-hearted fun, Joy Plex offers activities for children with characters such as Shaun the Sheep, Masha and the Bear, and Bluey leading interactive adventures. The nearby Joy Plex-X expands on this with activities such as the Slime Festival, Stumble […]

4 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia’s Entertainment Sector Attracts 76 Million Visitors in 2024

Entertainment events across Saudi Arabia drew approximately 76.9 million visitors to 423 destinations nationwide in 2024, according to the Saudi Vision 2030 Annual Report. The Riyadh Season alone welcomed more than 19 million visitors in 2025, revolutionizing the Kingdom’s entertainment landscape. Saudi Arabia’s entertainment initiatives are increasingly attracting international visitors, strengthening the sector’s role as a key component of the country’s quality-of-life agenda. The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) leads the sector’s development and regulation, offering a wide range of quality experiences. The growth of the entertainment sector is supporting the national economy by creating job opportunities, boosting local small and medium enterprises, attracting foreign direct investment, and contributing to the gross domestic product. GEA’s efforts have produced record-breaking numbers across various sectors, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global destination for entertainment seekers. More than 120 million visitors have attended GEA events, which have featured over 100,000 nights of art, sports, and entertainment activities presented by more than 3,700 companies. Saudi Arabia’s investment in entertainment reflects its commitment to enhancing domestic tourism, encouraging citizens to invest their spending locally, and reinforcing economic and social development goals.

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