Latest news with #TheAgenda
Mid East Info
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
Tickets now on sale for 'Once Upon A Time in Dubai' – UAE's first homegrown musical spectacle - Middle East Business News and Information
A cultural milestone is set to take centre stage this December as tickets officially go on sale for Once Upon A Time in Dubai , a landmark production being hailed as the region's most ambitious musical to date. More than just another show, Once Upon A Time in Dubai is poised to redefine the entertainment landscape in the Middle East. Opening at The Agenda in Dubai Media City, the production is the first original large-scale musical fully conceived and created in the UAE, blending Broadway-level storytelling with the rhythm and spirit of one of the world's most dynamic cities. At the helm is Stéphane Boukris, a visionary entrepreneur and cultural innovator, who has brought together an international ensemble of creatives and performers to craft a narrative rooted in ambition, diversity, and transformation — hallmarks of modern Dubai. The production is co-produced by Universal Music Group MENA, further underscoring its global scale and sonic prowess. 'This show is a tribute to everything Dubai represents: ambition, diversity, and the power to build your own destiny,' says Boukris. 'We are creating something people will never forget.' An All-Star Team of Global Talent Behind the curtain is a world-class crew, with credits that include Céline Dion , Disney productions , and Arabs Got Talent . From choreography to lighting, every element has been shaped by specialists working at the top of their craft. Leading the stage direction is Johan Nus, supported by a multicultural team and a cast of rising stars including Amanda Maalouf ( X Factor ) and Joe Woolford ( The Voice UK ). A Story That Reflects a Generation The plot follows Will, a young English dancer who arrives in Dubai searching for his lost love, Sophia. His journey introduces him to a city teeming with artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers — culminating in a stirring tale of courage, reinvention, and belonging. The musical features over 20 original songs composed by Nazim Khaled, with early releases like 'Habibi' , 'Stranger in the World' , and 'Think Big' already resonating with audiences across platforms. More Than a Show — A City-Wide Movement Anticipated to attract over 150,000 spectators across 55 performances, Once Upon A Time in Dubai has already captured the imagination of the city with an immersive campaign spanning multiple sectors. Strategic partnerships with McDonald's, Carrefour MAF, Careem, Accor, Mall of the Emirates, Tilal Al Ghaf, and GEMS Education are amplifying its presence across retail, transport, and hospitality. From Hala taxis playing the musical's soundtrack, to QR codes in malls and school showcases for aspiring young performers, the show is igniting a cultural movement across Dubai. Tickets & Access Tickets are available exclusively on Fever, the global ticketing platform. Early access for select partners — including GEMS Education, Muse by Chalhoub, and members of Accor's ALL loyalty programme — saw thousands of seats claimed within days. Media assets including interviews with the cast, behind-the-scenes footage, and a press kit are available upon request. Limited press passes for opening week are now being issued.
Emirates 24/7
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Emirates 24/7
Karate Combat 54 Set to Make History in Dubai with World-Class Fights and Undefeated Warriors
Karate Combat, the world's premier full-contact striking league, is set to deliver its largest and most electrifying event to date at The Agenda in Dubai Media City, on Friday (May 2). Held in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), the evening will be headlined by a Heavyweight World Championship clash and feature a fight card packed with undefeated stars and world-class strikers from around the globe. Main Event: Sam Alvey vs Tyrone Spong: Heavyweight World Title on the Line UFC veteran and current Karate Combat Light Heavyweight Champion Sam Alvey, known for his knockout power and over 50 professional fights to his name, moves up to face the feared striker and multi-sport champion Tyrone Spong in a high-stakes battle for Karate Combat's coveted Heavyweight belt. Expect fireworks as two of the most experienced and dangerous fighters collide for gold. Co-Main Event: Muhammad Mokaev makes his Karate Combat debut: Undefeated MMA rising star Muhammad Mokaev (14-0) steps into The Pit for the first time to take on Bolat Zamanbekov, a proven finisher with an impressive 88% finish rate. This bantamweight bout is expected to be a high-octane showdown that fans won't want to miss. Clashes of the Undefeated The main card will continue to deliver as undefeated warriors face off in a series of epic battles: • Jayden Eynaud will look to extend his unbeaten streak against former ONE FC Champion, Kiamrian Abbasov. • Adam Noi and Ali Zarinfar - both undefeated in Karate Combat – will go head-to-head with only one fighter leaving with a perfect record. • Oussama Assli, with a 100% first-round finish rate, will challenge Naiimov Firdavshon, a two-time Russian Kickboxing Champion, in a must-watch clash of striking styles. Event Details: • Karate Combat 54 • Friday, May 2, 2025 • 8:00 PM • The Agenda, Dubai Media City • Tickets available now at About Karate Combat Karate Combat is the world's leading full-contact striking league, blending elite martial arts action with immersive CGI environments powered by the Unreal Engine. Widely known as 'Crypto's First Sports League', Karate Combat uses the $KARATE token, giving fans the power to vote on matchups, access exclusive events and participate in prize pools through its mobile and web platforms. The league brings together the world's top strikers from disciplines such as Karate, MMA, Muay Thai, Kickboxing and Boxing. With Olympic medalists and champions from around the world, Karate Combat delivers adrenaline-filled entertainment broadcast to over 120 countries, streamed free on YouTube and other major platforms. Karate Combat is owned by the Sensei Foundation, a Cayman Islands Foundation Company, and operates as a subsidiary of Sensei Foundation BVI, based in the British Virgin Islands. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
7NEWS
29-04-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon divides with ‘smart alec' response to journalist
Grumpy Ross Lyon re-emerged on the weekend to mixed reviews. St Kilda's master coach was in a foul mood during his team's disappointing loss to Brisbane on Saturday, and he was seen on several occasions serving it up to his players. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Ross Lyon fires up during St Kilda's clash with Brisbane. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Vision emerged of Lyon giving his players a bake on the bench, and he made headlines for his quick decision to sub out Hugo Garcia early in the game. 'Cuddly Ross was good while it lasted but the old Ross was back a little bit on the weekend,' Agenda Setters host Craig Hutchison said on Monday night. '(Cuddly Ross) came to a crashing halt at quarter time or thereabouts on the weekend, when he really got after his players on the boundary line. And then there's some vision from behind the bench of him blowing a gasket. 'By his own words, that's the most demonstrative he has been ... (since been back at St Kilda).' Expert commentator Kane Cornes said he was all for it. 'The criticism I had over him was that he had lost this (aggressive approach),' Cornes said on The Agenda Setters. 'So he's been a bit cuddly, he's been delegating, letting assistants do the work, letting others appoint assistant coaches around him, which probably wouldn't have happened 10 years ago, and (I was wondering) had he lost his edge for that. 'So personally, I love seeing that hard edge back.' Lyon also had a run in with a journalist after the game which reminded many of his infamous 2013 feud with 3AW journalist Shane McInnes. 'OK, that's the best question you can come up with after two hours of footy. You're quite brilliant Shane, yeah, terrific,' Lyon said back then after McInnes hinted that Freo players deliberately targeted Geelong players off-the-ball during a qualifying final at Kardinia Park. Veteran AFL journalist Caroline Wilson was unimpressed as Lyon quizzed an AFL media journalist about her question. 'We all saw it. What did you think?' Lyon said and clapped his hands. 'Specifically, what do you see? Q1.' The reporter, Gemma Bastiani, responded with aplomb, despite the coach seemingly trying to make her stumble4. 'Nah, sorry, smart alec Ross. I don't like that,' Wilson said. Stream full episodes of The Agenda setters live, free and on-demand at 7plus 'She asked the question, does she need to explain blow by blow what was going on on the footy ground?' Cornes: 'I thought (Bastiani) handled herself really well ... (but) Ross was well within his rights to answer that question back.' Riewoldt wondered if Wilson was taking sides with Bastiani because Bastiani is a female journalist. 'Do you think that's like too aggressive, or what? Is it 'smart alec' to any journalist,' Riewoldt askd Wilson. Wilson: 'Not because Gemma is a woman, no, nothing to do with that. I thought what he did to Shane McInnes was dreadful. 'I didn't I didn't like it.'
USA Today
28-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Kellen Moore, Spencer Rattler headline Saints' biggest winners and losers post-NFL draft
Kellen Moore, Spencer Rattler headline Saints' biggest winners and losers post-NFL draft The New Orleans Saints wrapped up their 2025 NFL draft class with nine selections. Draft classes aren't made within a vacuum, and they have a direct impact on the current roster. Some picks add support for key players on the roster, while others will result in a starter being replaced. Who are the biggest winners and losers on the Saints roster after the draft? Winner: Kellen Moore Feel how you want to feel about the Saints picking Tyler Shough. He is clearly the Kellen Moore's guy. Was he the right guy? That'll be answered with time. To walk out of your first draft with the quarterback you coveted, as an offensive minded head coach, is a dream scenario. For that alone, he is arguably the biggest winner in the draft. Loser: Spencer Rattler The Tyler Shough selection likely means the end of #TheAgenda. Derek Carr's injury opened the door for Rattler to start, and Kellen Moore shut that door when he essentially handed the keys to Shough. There are many fans who wanted to see what Rattler could do with a full disposal of skill players. He is unlikely to get that opportunity unless he is head and shoulders ahead of Shough through camp. Loser: Trevor Penning It is possible you put Kelvin Banks Jr. at guard, but using a top-10 pick on him suggests he'd be given a chance at tackle. Best case scenario for Trevor Penning is he's learning a third position in as many years. The worst case scenario slots Penning in at the extra offensive lineman when New Orleans uses a jumbo package. If the Saints use Banks at guard, it will only feel temporary. The pressure would be heavy on Penning to produce this year. Winner: Isaiah Foskey The New Orleans Saints didn't pick an edge rusher until the 7th round. That low level of investment in a highly valuable position would suggest they're ok with what's in the room. Chase Young's contract showed they were satisfied with the starters, but edge rushers will have to rotate. Foskey remains next in line. There's a lot of faith being put in Brandon Staley and his new system Loser: 2024 interior defensive linemen Unlike Foskey, the Saints did invest in the interior defensive line. The first defensive pick was Vernon Broughton. He's a top-100 pick which suggests he has a good chance to contribute soon. Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd may see their roles decrease and likely be off the roster in 2026. Interior defensive line was a problem and the Saints have brought in Broughton and Davon Godchaux to bolster the trenches. Winner: Alvin Kamara Kamara is still a quality running back in the league, but he clearly needed a running mate. Kendre Miller has shown the ability to be that, but has lacked the ability to stay healthy. The Saints added Devin Neal in the sixth round. Neal is the most decorated rusher in Kansas history. He should give Kamara a good partner if Miller's injury woes continue
7NEWS
28-04-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Melbourne set to hire Victorian business chief Paul Guerra as new CEO to replace Gary Pert
Melbourne are set to hire Victorian business chief Paul Guerra as their new CEO, six months Gary Pert announced his resignation. According to The Agenda Setters' Caroline Wilson, Guerra will cross to the Demons from the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a major Victorian business advocacy organisation, where he is its current chief executive. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Caroline Wilson reveals Melbourne's new CEO. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today His impressive portfolio of experience also includes a stint as CEO of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, as well as managing director and chairman-level roles across Asia Pacific in several different industries. Breaking the story on 7NEWS, Wilson said the Melbourne board was still meeting to make the final call. 'The Melbourne board is still meeting as we speak, but my prediction is that an outsider in the role, Paul Guerra, the CEO of the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce, is the frontrunner in the board meeting,' she said. 'Alistair Nicholson presented very well, the former Melbourne player who now runs the Coaches' Association, but my tip is that Paul Guerra will win the role, an Essendon man who will change his colours.' Guerra is set to win the role ahead of a pair of names more well-known to footy circles. 'The AFL and other people in the footy industry were quite keen on Keith Thomas, the former Port Adelaide CEO and Norwood player, who did a great job at the Port Adelaide Football Club — he stepped down from that role in 2020,' Wilson added. 'My understand is that, controversially, some positions, political positions, involving war in the middle-east that appeared on Keith Thomas's social media meant that he had to withdraw from the candidacy. 'I think it's a great pity because many people thought he would be a great candidate, but Melbourne were spooked, and so he's no longer in the running.' Stream full episodes of The Agenda setters live, free and on-demand at 7plus It's been a long time coming for the Demons, who have been led by interim CEO David Chippindall since Pert's departure in January. Pert's decision, which was made in October, also came less than two months after Kate Roffey stood down as president, the pair departing just three years after leading the club to the 2021 premiership. Speaking at the time, interim president Brad Green — who remains in the temporary seat now — said it he felt 'mixed emotions' that Pert would retire. 'After careful consideration of what is best for the club, his family, and his own future, Gary concluded that now is the right time to initiate the search for his successor,' Green said in a club statement last October. 'I want to make it absolutely clear that this decision, including its timing, is Gary's own.' Pert, an ex-Collingwood CEO, had positioned himself as the only man to deliver Melbourne's Caulfield development and has accepted a consulting role for the remainder of the project. His resignation as chief executive came after a review into the club's operations was handed to the board. Pert was also involved in trade negotiations at the end of last season, reportedly contacting other clubs to gauge their interest in Clayton Oliver before the star midfielder ultimately stayed.
