Latest news with #BotLabDynamics
Khaleej Times
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Wow' factor: Why more UAE couples are opting for wedding drone shows
Last week in Dubai, wedding guests were treated to a dazzling spectacle as 200 drones lit up the night sky, forming scenes from the couple's love story — including a giant sparkling heart with their initials at the centre. Once considered a futuristic novelty, drone shows are now becoming a sought-after feature for couples looking to make their wedding celebrations unforgettable, according to industry experts. 'When we started, the idea of a drone show at a wedding was almost unheard of — it was considered a novelty for ultra-luxury events,' said Sarita Ahlawat, co-founder and MD of BotLab Dynamics, an Indian company that organises drone shows. 'But now, there's a rapidly growing trend of couples wanting to include drone shows in their celebrations.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The company, which has done over a hundred wedding drone shows across different cities in India, is seeing the demand surging in the region as well. 'Indian destination weddings in the UAE, especially Dubai, have really embraced drone entertainment,' she said. 'We've noticed a spike in requests from Indian families planning weddings in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other destination locales — they want the same kind of magical show under the open sky. Similarly, we've seen interest in other countries in the Middle East and even Southeast Asia from where couples have reached out after seeing videos of our shows.' The 'wow' factor According to Sarita, it is the 'wow' factor of a drone show that makes it so attractive to couples. 'At the wedding party in Dubai, as the show started there was this collective gasp from the guests,' she said. 'The bride and groom were holding hands and the whole crowd was just spellbound. It's incredibly heartwarming to see an audience of all ages, from tech-savvy kids to elderly relatives, be equally mesmerised.' She added that demand for wedding drone shows rocketed after her company organised one for the pre-wedding show of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in 2024. The wedding of the son of Indian industrialist Mukesh Ambani was one of the most expensive ones ever in the world, estimated to have cost approximately $600 million. 'We flew 5,500 drones — which was the largest drone light show ever done in India at the time,' she said. 'That spectacle made headlines around the world. In terms of public awareness, that event was like flipping a switch. Suddenly everyone was talking about drone shows.' She said that pulling off a flawless drone show required a lot of work. 'It is a bit like orchestrating a symphony in the sky,' she said. 'It requires a lot of preparation, coordination, and precision. We usually prefer to start planning as early as possible, ideally a couple of months before the wedding.' Challenges Meanwhile, a local wedding industry expert noted that it will be a while before drone shows become 'a mainstream trend', primarily due to the prices. 'The cost remains a significant factor, making them accessible mainly to higher-end celebrations,' said Rhiannon Downie-Hurst, Founder of BrideClubME. 'Drone displays are definitely rising in popularity at luxury weddings for couples seeking that 'wow' factor and a truly unforgettable moment. It's important to remember that in the UAE, permits, venue restrictions, safety protocols, and choosing an approved operator are all key considerations when planning a drone show for the big day.' M.K.H., a Dubai resident who did not wish to be identified, said that he explored the idea of having a drone show for his daughter's wedding recently. 'The cost was eye-popping,' he said. 'It would have almost doubled my budget for the wedding. So we decided to stick to fireworks.' However, Sarita said that drone shows come in all scales and budgets. 'Drone entertainment has become far more accessible now,' she said. 'You can have a pretty magical show with a few hundred drones at a cost that is comparable to an elaborate wedding fireworks display or a high-end performance."
New Indian Express
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Tech on display for Miss World contestants
HYDERABAD: With trips to iconic heritage spots across the state over the past week, it was time for the contestants of the 72nd Miss World pageant to take a peek at Telangana's high-tech nerve centre — the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) — where AI and surveillance systems weave a digital safety net. The visit began with a ceremonial escort by mounted police from the entrance to the alighting point, symbolising the strength and discipline of the force. A pipe band performance and a dog show followed, showcasing the skills of the K9 units. An arms exhibition was also organised, offering a glimpse into the weaponry and gear used by the state police. Inside the ICCC, the visitors were briefed on how police use data analytics, AI and surveillance systems to monitor and respond to emergencies. The facility integrates multiple data streams and serves as the operational nerve centre for real-time policing and urban management. The tour concluded with a cultural show reflecting Telangana's rich artistic heritage. Later, the contestants visited the newly built State Secretariat. Reigning Miss World Krystyna Pyszkova joined the group. The contestants offered floral tributes to the Telangana Talli statue as the state anthem, Jaya Jaya He Telangana, played in the background. They also took pictures of the grand architecture and attended a high tea event with state ministers and dignitaries, where a presentation on the state's development initiatives was made. The day ended with a drone show by BotLab Dynamics. Over 1,000 drones lit up the sky, forming images of Telangana Talli, key welfare schemes, the Miss World logo and concluding with the phrase Telangana Zarur Aana.
