ULTRA Abu Dhabi music festival releases lineup of headliners for debut edition

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Updated 28 January 2023
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ULTRA Abu Dhabi music festival releases lineup of headliners for debut edition

LONDON: The international music festival, ULTRA Worldwide, has announced the first wave of headliners set to play the inaugural edition of ULTRA Abu Dhabi on March 4-5 at Etihad Park.

“Multi-award winning and platinum-record selling artist Afrojack is no stranger to headlining ULTRA Main Stages across the world, and will be on hand to deliver yet another high-octane set,” organizers said.

“Responsible for some of the biggest hits in the world, Grammy-nominated Calvin Harris will bring the beats to Yas Island for one of his signature high-energy sets (and) Dharma Worldwide boss KSHMR will whip the crowd into a frenzy with his culture-crossing sonics,” they also said.

Gud Vibrations label co-founder NGHTMRE will appear on the Main Stage with his signature blend of electronic music and producer Skrillex, who has won eight Grammy Awards — more than any other electronic dance music artist, will bring his shapeshifting soundscapes to the festival.

ULTRA Abu Dhabi will also host ULTRA’s underground techno and house concept RESISTANCE, featuring Drumcode founder and Swedish techno titan Adam Beyer.

“Producer and EXHALE label boss Amelie Lens will return to the Middle East to deliver her mesmerising blend of techno, while British legends Sasha_John Digweed bring decades of dance floor expertise to Abu Dhabi,” they added.

Etihad Park, located on Yas Island, is the largest open-air venue in the region and one of the world’s fastest growing leisure and entertainment destinations.

“ULTRA Worldwide sets the benchmark when it comes to delivering the ultimate festival experience, combining top-tier talent, cutting-edge technology and large-scale productions,” the statement said, adding: “As the most international music festival brand boasting active events on all six inhabited continents, it’s no surprise that ULTRA Worldwide’s Middle East debut will be one of the most highly anticipated events across the UAE this year.”

The three-day festival will offer a premium general experience pass that allows access holders to dedicated entrance gates, toilets, food and beverage stands, as well as a private lounge area. It will also offer VVIP passes at both stages.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Bartleby and Me’

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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Bartleby and Me’

Writers love to write about writing and none seemingly more so than Gay Talese, the journalist known as a pioneer of the American literary moment called “New Journalism.” This style of writing originated in the 1960s and ‘70s and combines journalistic research with creative non-fiction.

Talese started his career as an obituary writer at the New York Times and, later, as a magazine writer who ended up reluctantly penning the most widely read magazine articles of all time. He showcases some of that editorial wisdom — and reporting mishaps — in his 2023 book, “Bartley and Me: Reflections of an Old Scrivener.”

Now 92 years old, he writes vividly about his early reporting days and the stories behind the stories; he masterfully weaves in stray strands that somehow come together into a coherent narrative. Talese writes crisp copy. He writes about nobodies and somebodies with equal fervor.

He recalls his time as a young reporter on assignment where, at the insistence of his persistent editor, he attempted to sit down for an interview with the elusive and super-famous star Frank Sinatra. Talese recounts how he repeatedly tried — and failed — to pin down “Ol’ Blue Eyes” while chasing him around California in the 1960s. He eventually published his distinctively titled profile, “Frank Sinatra Has a Cold,” in the April 1966 issue of Esquire. That piece of writing is considered one of the most celebrated pieces of magazine journalism to date.

Talese’s tales are mostly centered around his time in New York. He recalls things in meticulous detail — for example, pointing out the exact address and precise building within a neighborhood to help the reader visualize the space. The city is always a leading part of the story.

“New York is a city of things unnoticed,” he wrote 60 years ago, something that could easily be written today. He recalls the early days of his journalistic career in New York, churning out newspaper copy and still, now, being ever-so-curious about everything. The pages of this book show that we all, alongside him, still have much more to notice.

The title of the book was inspired by American author Herman Melville’s short story, “Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street,” published in the 1800s. This is a social criticism piece about a lawyer who hires a peculiar scrivener or clerk, Bartleby, and the adventures (or misadventures) that ensue.

In his version, Talese shares with us a fresh piece of original reporting titled “Dr. Bartha’s Brownstone,” which is his version of “Bartleby.” This time, however, Bartleby is an unknown doctor who makes his bombastic mark on the city one random summer day. It is a brilliant piece of journalism about journalism.


Arab stars, designers steal the spotlight in Cannes 

Saudi influencer Yara Alnamlah posed on the red carpet. (Getty Images)
Updated 15 May 2024
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Arab stars, designers steal the spotlight in Cannes 

DUBAI: As the curtain rose on the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, Arab stars and designers once again stole the spotlight in the glamorous French Riviera setting.

The festival kicked off with the premiere of the film “The Second Act,” but not before Saudi influencer Yara Alnamlah hit the red carpet in a look by designer Rami Kadi. She sported jewels by Chaumet, including the Wheat necklace from Le Jardin de Chaumet High Jewellery collection.

Saudi influencer Yara Alnamlah posed on the red carpet. (Getty Images)

Shanina Shaik, the Australian-born model of Saudi, Pakistani, and Lithuanian descent, graced the opening night red carpet in a head-turning scarlet dress by Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad. Her strapless gown, featuring a sweetheart neckline and a dramatic overskirt, was from the designer’s ready-to-wear Fall 2024 collection.

Shanina Shaik, the Australian-born model of Saudi, Pakistani, and Lithuanian descent, graced the opening night red carpet in a head-turning scarlet dress by Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad. Her strapless gown, featuring a sweetheart neckline and a dramatic overskirt, was from the designer’s ready-to-wear Fall 2024 collection.

Shaik was not the only star on the red carpet championing an Arab designer. 

US German model and TV host Heidi Klum stunned on the red carpet in a bold red gown by Lebanese designer Saiid Kobeisy. The dress gathered at the waist, revealing one leg, with silk fabric draping around her. 

Meanwhile, US actress Jane Fonda donned a black jumpsuit adorned with crystal embroidery from Lebanese designer Elie Saab’s Fall 2019 collection. Completing her look, she opted for a leopard-print overcoat.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ELIE SAAB (@eliesaabworld)

“The Second Act” is a French comedy starring Lea Seydoux, Vincent Lindon, Louis Garrel and Raphaël Quenard. They play squabbling actors filming a movie directed by artificial intelligence.

The festival’s first lengthy standing ovation, though, went to Streep, who was awarded an honorary Palme d’Or during Tuesday’s opening ceremony. After Juliette Binoche introduced her, Streep shook her head, fanned herself and danced while the crowd thunderously cheered.

“I’m just so grateful that you haven’t gotten sick of my face and you haven’t gotten off of the train,” said Streep, who soon thereafter declared Cannes officially open with Binoche.


Saudi director Shahad Ameen’s ‘Hijra’ set to wrap filming

Updated 15 May 2024
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Saudi director Shahad Ameen’s ‘Hijra’ set to wrap filming

  • This is the director’s second movie following her debut feature film “Scales,” which premiered at the 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival
  • Once filming wraps, editing will take place in Paris under the guidance of Hervé de Luz

DUBAI: Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen is in the production phase of her latest film, “Hijra,” with the film set to be edited in Paris after filming wraps in May.  

This is the director’s second movie following her debut feature film “Scales,” which toured international festivals and premiered at the 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival, where it received the Verona Film Club Award. “Scales” was also submitted to the Best International Feature Film category by the Kingdom at the 93rd Academy Awards. 

Ameen began filming “Hijra” in March and is anticipated to wrap up shooting on May 24, according to a released statement.

A photograph taken on the set of 'Hijra.' (Supplied/ Ziyad Alzayer)

The shooting locations encompass eight cities in the Kingdom: Taif, Jeddah, Madinah, Wadi Al-Faraa, AlUla, Tabuk, NEOM, and Duba.

The film follows the journey of a grandmother with her two granddaughters from Taif to Makkah. When the eldest granddaughter goes missing, they embark on a quest to the north of the Kingdom.

The film stars Saudi talents Khairiya Nazmi, Nawaf Al-Dhufairi and Lamar Feddan. 

Once filming wraps, editing will take place in Paris under the guidance of Hervé de Luz, known for his work on “Jacques,” “Ghost Writer” and “The Pianist.” 

The film’s crew also includes Chilean cinematographer Miguel Littin Menz and British set designer Chris Richmond. 

In a released statement, Ameen said: “‘Hijra’ is one of the most difficult films I have worked on, and we are still halfway through. We are filming in eight different cities and remote areas. Still, the team and I fully believe in the importance of this story, which tells the story of Saudi women from different generations, and the conflict that ensues.

“All of this is in the plot of a road film that highlights the cultural and historical diversity of the Kingdom and stresses that the Kingdom was and still is a refuge for all people who sought safety in this holy land,” she added. 

For “Hijra,” Ameen is teaming up with Iraqi filmmaker Mohamed Al-Daradji, Biet Ameen Production, the Iraqi Independent Film Center, Ideation Studio by Saudi producer Faisal Baltyuor, veteran Egyptian Mohamed Hefzy, Abboud Ayyash, Sayed Abou Haidar, the Red Sea Fund and Film AlUla for the production of the movie. 

Hefzy said: “Having collaborated with Shahad on ‘Scales,’ we feel Shahad is onto something very special and more ambitious with ‘Hijra,’ and are only proud and eager to complete the journey with her and her producing team.” 

The film has also received support from the Daw Initiative Saudi Film Commission, Ithra and NEOM.


DCT Abu Dhabi chairman awarded Legion of Honour by France

Updated 15 May 2024
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DCT Abu Dhabi chairman awarded Legion of Honour by France

DUBAI: Mohamed Khalifa Al-Mubarak, the chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has been awarded the prestigious French Legion of Honour.

Al-Mubarak received the award in a private ceremony at Louvre Abu Dhabi.

The medal was presented by Rachida Dati, France’s Minister of Culture, on behalf of French President Emmanuel Macron.

This is not the first time the Legion of Honour, considered the most distinguished merit in France, has been bestowed on an Emirati official.

Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State, was awarded the merit earlier this year. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, received the award last year.


Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Fest CEO, Lebanon’s Nadine Labaki attend Cannes opening night

Updated 15 May 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Fest CEO, Lebanon’s Nadine Labaki attend Cannes opening night

DUBAI: Mohammed Al-Turki, the CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival, attended the opening ceremony of 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival as Lebanese actress-director Nadine Labaki posed on the red carpet alongside her fellow Cannes jury members.

Al-Turki took to social media to post pictures from the red carpet, where he posed alongside Jomana Al-Rashid, CEO of the Saudi Research and Media Group. He captioned the post, “Beautiful and inspiring opening night @festivaldecannes repping @redseafilm with @jomanaalrashid! Congratulations Thiery and Iris for a great start for what I’m sure will be an edition that exceeds all expectations,” referring to artistic director Thierry Fremaux and festival president Iris Knobloch.

Mohammed Al-Turki posed alongside Jomana Al-Rashid, CEO of the Saudi Research and Media Group. (Getty Images)

The opening night film was “The Second Act,” a comedy starring Léa Seydoux and Louis Garrel.

However, before “The Second Act” was screened for the audience, Cannes presented its jury, which includes Omar Sy, Lily Gladstone, Nadine Labaki, Ebru Ceylan, Hirokazu Kore-eda, J.A. Bayona and Greta Gerwig.

The Cannes Film Festival jury features Lebanese director-actress Nadine Labaki (fourth from the left). (Getty Images)

The star of the night was US veteran actress Meryl Streep, on hand to receive an honorary Palme d’Or. Taking the stage to receive her honor, the Oscar-winner was greeted with a two-minute standing ovation. Addressing the crowd, Streep remembered words from her mother: “Darling, you’ll see, it all goes so fast.” 

Meanwhile, a film from Saudi Arabia will be screened at the film festival for the very first time.

“Norah,” Saudi director Tawfik Alzaidi's feature debut, has been selected in the Un Certain Regard section and will screen with 19 other entries from around the world.