Jennifer Lopez set to light up Abu Dhabi on global tour stop

The concert is part of her “Up All Night Live” world tour. (Getty Images)
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Updated 15 April 2025
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Jennifer Lopez set to light up Abu Dhabi on global tour stop

DUBAI: US superstar Jennifer Lopez is set to return to the UAE this summer with a performance at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on July 29. 

The concert is part of her “Up All Night Live” world tour and will mark her second tour performance in the Middle East, following a show in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on July 6.

Fans can look forward to chart-topping tracks such as “If You Had My Love,” “Jenny From The Block,” “Love Don’t Cost A Thing” and “On The Floor.”

This will not be her first performance in the UAE capital this year—Lopez previously took the stage in February as part of the Saadiyat Nights concert series.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential entertainers, Lopez has made her mark across music, film and television. She remains the only female artist to simultaneously top both the US box office and music charts, with over $3 billion in global box office earnings, more than 80 million records sold and billions of streams and views across her music catalogue.

In film, her recent Netflix releases “Atlas” and “The Mother” both debuted at number one on the platform, with “The Mother” now ranking among Netflix’s top 10 most-watched films of all time. 

In 2025, her latest film “Unstoppable” reached the number one spot globally on Amazon Prime Video.

Lopez’s UAE concert is organized by Ethara, a UAE-based events company. 

Ethara is also organizing Katy Perry’s concert in the UAE, which is  part of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in December.

The music star will headline the grand finale on Dec. 7 at Etihad Park.

In addition to her global tour, Lopez is set to headline the after-race concert at the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 in Jeddah this weekend, taking the stage on April 19.

She will join an impressive lineup of international and regional artists, including Usher, Major Lazer, Peggy Gou and PartyNextDoor, alongside Arab stars such as Marwan Pablo, Tul8te, Hisham Abbas, Mostafa Amar and Hamid El-Shaeri.


Cara Delevingne wears Saudi label Ashi Studio

Updated 24 May 2025
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Cara Delevingne wears Saudi label Ashi Studio

DUBAI: British actress and model Cara Delevingne wore a black gown by Saudi label Ashi Studio to the premiere of “La Venue de L’avenir” (“Colours of Time”) at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.

The strapless gown featured a sleek, satin-like finish with a sculpted bodice that flowed into a straight, floor-length skirt, subtly draped at the hips. She paired the look with sheer black opera gloves for added drama.

Delevingne, her hair styled in soft waves, completed the ensemble with an emerald and diamond necklace and a matching ring from Hassanzadeh Jewellery.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ashi Studio (@ashistudio)

Delevingne’s gown was originally presented during Paris Haute Couture Week as part of the brand’s Spring/Summer 2025 couture collection. The version shown on the runway was in blue.

Delevingne was not the only star dressed in designs by Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi, founder of Ashi Studio.

Hong Kong-Taiwanese actress and model Shu Qi also championed the designer at the premiere of “Resurrection,” wearing a deep burgundy velvet gown from his Spring/Summer 2025 collection.

The strapless dress featured a sleek, form-fitting silhouette. Its standout element was the train at the back, adorned with intricate gold-thread embroidery depicting trees, birds, houses, rivers and other landscape details.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ashi Studio (@ashistudio)

Ashi and his atelier have been based in Paris since 2018. In 2023, he became the first designer from the Gulf region to be invited as a guest member of the Federation de la Haute Couture in Paris, which allowed him to present on the official couture calendar.

In 2024, Ashi was commissioned to design the official cabin crew uniforms for Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national airline.

His designs have also been worn by a number of international public figures and performers, including Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Penelope Cruz, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, and Queen Rania of Jordan.

He most recently dressed US actress Ali Ahn, star of Netflix’s “The Diplomat,” in a cream sculptural ensemble for the Screen Actors Guild Awards held in Los Angeles in February.

That same month, “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo also wore one of his creations to the 2025 Grammy Awards. Her look was from Ashi Studio’s Fall/Winter 2024-25 collection, titled “Sculpted Clouds.”


Review: The secret ingredient is love in Netflix’s heartwarming film ‘Nonnas’

Updated 23 May 2025
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Review: The secret ingredient is love in Netflix’s heartwarming film ‘Nonnas’

  • Whether through a shared meal or unexpected romance, “Nonnas” reveals that love can always be found, no matter your age

Netflix’s latest heartwarming film, “Nonnas” serves up more than just mouthwatering Americanized Italian food — it delivers a heartfelt story rooted in real life, proving that passion and purpose have no expiration date. It has steadily hovered in the top 10 Netflix film list in Saudi Arabia since its debut earlier this month.

Inspired by the true story of local Italian New Yorker Joe Scaravela’s Staten Island restaurant, Enoteca Maria/Nonnas of the World, which it self-describes as: “Convivial trattoria featuring real international grandmothers cooking on a rotating schedule,” the film highlights a special concept: Grandmothers, or “nonnas” (the Italian word for grandmother), from diverse backgrounds cook authentic, home-style meals for customers.

Vince Vaughn whips up a storm as Scaravela, the visionary who transforms deep personal loss into a vibrant tribute to family heritage: Handwritten scribbled recipes and all.

Alongside him, legendary actresses Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire and Brenda Vaccaro bring the nonnas to life with warmth, humor and undeniable charm. Their performances challenge stereotypes about aging women, showing that these culinary matriarchs are far from “past their prime.” Instead, they are vibrant, innovative, creative and full of surprises — proving that life’s best chapters can unfold well beyond what society expects.

The film is a delightful reminder to believe in yourself, and also about the power of community. It celebrates the resilience and strength found in embracing one’s roots, sharing stories and opening hearts while breaking bread. Whether through a shared meal or unexpected romance, “Nonnas” reveals that love can always be found, no matter your age.

While some moments tread the line of predictable and are a bit too sentimental, the film’s earnest spirit and genuine affection for its characters shine through. A bit cheesy? Absolutely. But who doesn’t love a bit — or a lot — of cheese sprinkled in, especially when it’s served with a side of a home-cooked meal (for the soul)?


U2’s Bono calls for Israel to be ‘released’ from Netanyahu

Updated 23 May 2025
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U2’s Bono calls for Israel to be ‘released’ from Netanyahu

  • Singer tells country to shun ‘far-right fundamentalists that twist your sacred texts’
  • Calls for protection of aid workers: ‘They’re the best of us’

LONDON: U2 singer Bono has called for Israel to be “released from (Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu and far-right fundamentalists.” 

The Irish musician made the statement at the Ivor Novello Awards, and called on Hamas to release all remaining hostages still being held in Gaza.

At the ceremony in London on Thursday, the singer said: “Peace creates possibilities in the most intractable situations. Lord knows there’s a few of them out there right now. 

“Hamas: Release the hostages. Stop the war. Israel: Be released from Benjamin Netanyahu and far-right fundamentalists that twist your sacred texts. All of you protect our aid workers, they’re the best of us.”

U2, who were at the ceremony to be honored with an Academy Fellowship, then performed their song “Bloody Sunday,” which references the massacre of peaceful protesters by British troops in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in 1972.

It is the first time that Bono, who received the Peace Summit Award at the 2008 Nobel Peace Laureates Summit, has spoken publicly about Netanyahu since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023.

His words coincided with criticism of the prime minister by a number of Western leaders over Israel’s approach to the war, with international bodies warning that Gaza faces famine following an 11-week blockade on aid entering the Palestinian enclave.


Kneecap say Glastonbury slot at risk after terrorism charge

Updated 23 May 2025
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Kneecap say Glastonbury slot at risk after terrorism charge

  • Group member scheduled to appear in court on June 18

DUBAI: The Irish rap group Kneecap said this week that efforts are ongoing to block their appearance at Glastonbury this summer, following a surprise show held just one day after one of their members was charged with a terrorism-related offence.

During their performance at London’s 100 Club on Thursday night, the trio said they were being made a “scapegoat” because they “spoke about the genocide (in Gaza)” at Coachella in April.

Group member Liam Og O Hannaidh was charged on Wednesday with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in London in November 2024. The rapper performs under the stage name Mo Chara and he is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on June 18.

The police force’s counter-terrorism command was made aware on April 22 of an online video from the event and then carried out an investigation. After that, the Crown Prosecution Service authorized the charge. 

The group posted on social media and said in a statement: “We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves. This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction.”

They added: “14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us.

“This is a carnival of distraction. We are not the story, genocide is.”

Hours after the charge was filed, Kneecap announced a last-minute gig that reportedly sold out in 90 seconds, with 2,000 people on the waiting list. 

Chara took to the stage at 9 p.m. with tape over his mouth in a symbolic protest. He suggested the timing of the charge was deliberate, saying it came just ahead of their scheduled Glastonbury appearance.

He said: “There’s a reason why what’s happened to me happened before Glastonbury. There’s a reason they’re trying to … stop me speaking at Glastonbury in front of the UK.”


Fashion trailblazers honored at Riyadh awards

Updated 23 May 2025
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Fashion trailblazers honored at Riyadh awards

  • Saudi Fashion Awards spotlight innovators and local talent
  • Women’s Wear Daily collaborates to honor Saudi creatives

RIYADH: Women’s Wear Daily, in collaboration with the Saudi Fashion Commission, honored several creatives at an awards ceremony in Riyadh on Thursday.

(AN: Huda Bashatah)

Alessandro Sartori, artistic director of Zegna, was named International Designer of the Year, while Matteo Tamburini, creative director of Tod’s, received the International Brand of the Year award.

Patrick Ta, founder of Patrick Ta Beauty, was named International Beauty Innovator of the Year, and Glow Recipe was awarded International Beauty Brand of the Year.

(AN: Huda Bashatah)

Additional awards presented by the Saudi Fashion Commission celebrated the achievements of several Saudi Arabia brands and individuals.

Rawan Kattoa was named Fashion Stylist of the Year, Rayyan Nawawi received the Fashion Photographer of the Year award, and KML was recognized as Menswear Brand of the Year.

(AN: Huda Bashatah)

In addition, Abadia was named Womenswear Brand of the Year,  Charmaleena as Jewelry Brand of the Year, and the Elite Model Honorary Award for Model of the Year went to Talida Tamer.

The judging panel included industry leaders Law Roach, Amanda Smith, Burak Cakmak, Xavier Romatet, Mohammed Aldabbageh, and Mai Badr.

(AN: Huda Bashatah)

In her acceptance speech, Kattoa said: “This award means so much to me. It represents a journey that started as a freelancer ... I want to thank my husband for his support, my parents for their inspiration, and all the creatives who made this possible.”

Ahmad Hassan, co-founder of KML, said: “This is such an award for the first time ... It means the world to us. Being recognized in our home country makes this achievement even more special.”

(AN: Huda Bashatah)

“We were born and raised here, and to have our work celebrated in Riyadh is a dream come true. This award inspires us to push boundaries and innovate in our designs,” he added.

Reflecting on the evolving fashion scene, Hassan said: “Events like this showcase the incredible talent we have in Saudi Arabia. It encourages us to keep creating and to elevate our craft.”

“We are committed to telling our story through fashion and contributing to this vibrant industry,” he added.