Eurovision winner JJ condemns Israel over its war on Gaza
Austrian-Filipino singer, who grew up in Dubai, has called for greater transparency in voting at the long-running music contest
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Khaleej Times
10 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
From matcha runs to cookie tasting: Things to do in UAE from June 6-8
Long weekends are perfect for discovery. A little indulgence, a touch of adventure, and plenty of flavour. Whether you're in the mood for a matcha day out, beachfront beats, or a fresh cookie drop, this week's round-up brings you the best of what to eat, sip, and do across the city. A meaty affair From smoky South American grills at Argentina Grill to elevated sushi with a Wagyu twist at Origami, and truffle-topped pizza at Moon Slice — this Eid, Dubai's dining scene promises bold flavours and unforgettable vibes. Gather your crew and celebrate the festive spirit one bite at a time. Where: Dubai Creek Harbour. Blueprint Cookies Florida's cult-favourite cookie brand, Blueprint Cookies, is opening its first international store at Mall of the Emirates on June 6. Expect ultra-thick, flavour-packed cookies with playful monthly drops, including a special Dubai Drop cookie infused with pistachio and rose. The first 100 guests get a limited-edition tumbler; the first 30 dozen-buyers score an exclusive Labubu. Plus, a free cookie with every purchase all day. Located next to Jones the Grocer, this is one sugar rush you won't want to miss. Kokoro's greatest hits are back After rolling over half a million handrolls in just a year, Dubai's first handroll bar is throwing it back with The Greatest Hits Vol. 1 — a fan-curated, 10-course tasting menu celebrating Kokoro's most iconic bites. Expect two bold starters, four signature handrolls, and luxe nigiri from A5 Wagyu to Otoro. Available from June 4 at Kokoro's Alserkal Avenue and The Square by NAS locations. Dh490 per person. Find out more on: @ Fun for all This Eid Al Adha, trade the malls for mayhem with Loco Bear's All-Day Eid Pass starting from Dh299. Think laser tag, trampolines, VR thrills, HyperBowling, ninja courses, and a glow-in-the-dark Slime Universe: all under one massive roof in Al Quoz. Little adventurers and adrenaline junkies alike will be spoiled for choice. Bonus: score a free meal when you buy any dessert. Open daily for two full weeks of non-stop fun. Book now at and make this Eid unforgettable for the whole crew. Matcha day out Of course, a long weekend in Dubai calls for a refreshing matcha day out, and there's no better place than Toby's Estate to indulge in this colourful green delight. Known for its specialty coffee and artisanal beverages, Toby's Estate offers a Vanilla Matcha Latte that's both creamy and sweet, perfect for those new to matcha or seasoned enthusiasts seeking a twist. Toby's Estate has several locations across Dubai, from Jumeirah, to Dubai Hills Mall to Dubai Mall, each offering a unique ambiance! Cooling down This June, Abu Dhabi's Fahid Beach Club by Barbossa is turning up the summer vibes with barefoot luxury and breezy beachfront fun. From weekday lounging to weekend cabanas, the fully redeemable day pass gives you access to kayaking, volleyball, seaside padel, and even ice baths. With a pet-friendly policy, no minimum spend, and a boho beach bar serving Mexican-inspired fare, this sun-soaked escape is the season's ultimate chill-out spot. Work hard, play harder Whether you're sealing a deal over lunch or sipping some cool beverages with the girls, Leen's at Emirates Towers brings the flavour all week. Enjoy a refined 3-course Business Lunch (Dh115) from Monday to Friday, featuring dishes like Salmon Poke and Sticky Date Pudding. With its casual-gourmet charm and iconic Museum of the Future backdrop, Leen's is your go-to for weekend magic.
Khaleej Times
11 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
From Madinah to Mumbai: Dubai resident collaborates with Bollywood singer Shaan
Dubai-based poet Amaan Haider Zaidi is the lyricist of Shaan's debut Ghazal album which will be shared with music lovers across digital platforms on the auspicious day of Eid. From reluctantly reciting his Urdu poems for his colleagues on the office bus in the UAE to launching his first ghazal album with celebrated Indian singer Shaan in Mumbai, the incredible turnaround in Amaan Haider Zaidi's life seems like the script of a timeless Bollywood classic. Dubai-based poet Haider, who writes under the pen name Haider Amaan Haider, is the lyricist of Shaan's debut Ghazal album, Ghazal Ho Gayi, which was launched by Saregama, India's oldest music label, at the singer's Mumbai residence on May 4. 'The album has six ghazals and they will be released across digital platforms like YouTube and Spotify tomorrow (May 6),' Haider told the Khaleej Times over the phone from Mumbai. Haider, who is now the head of corporate affairs at VFS Global in Dubai, only discovered his flair for poetry in 2014 after a personal setback. 'I was working for RAK Bank those days. Something happened in my life which hit me so hard that I had to get help from a psychiatrist. There were so many things that came to my mind during that phase and I began to jot down some of my thoughts,' he recalled. Those thoughts soon translated into poetry that first resonated with his former RAK Bank colleagues before capturing the hearts of international cricketers, Indian diplomats in the UAE, acclaimed film director Shekhar Kapoor and Shaan, one of the finest singers in Bollywood music. 'It's amazing how I met Shaan. He came for the Dubai Expo where I was working at the Indian Pavilion. When I was introduced to him, I presented him a copy of my poetry book, Apni Amaan Main Rekhna,' Haider said. About a year later, Shaan called him from Mumbai, asking his permission to take six of his poems from the book for a ghazal album. 'I could not believe Shaan wanted me to be his lyricist. He loved my poems. I think what appealed to him was the simplicity in my writing. You know, Shaan is a very big celebrity in India, but he is also a very simple human being. His voice has taken my poetry to a different level,' Haider said. Having an album launched in Mumbai seems a bit surreal for the 44-year-old Haider, a late bloomer in the world of poetry. 'This is a dream for me. I cannot believe this is happening in my life. But if you ask my friends, I am still the same person who came from a very small village in Uttar Pradesh (India),' he said. 'I think it's all because of the prayers of my parents, my sisters and Allah's blessing.' For a man who has captivated audiences at symposiums in the US, UK, Australia, Kuwait, India, Afghanistan and the UAE, Haider's first experience of reciting his poetry was at the Prohet's Mosque in Madinah. 'I will never forget that day. I was on a pilgrimage and there was an event for Prophet Muhammad's birthday (PBUH), so I got an opportunity to recite my poems,' he said. 'As I said, everything happens for a reason. Now Shaan has turned my poems into Ghazals for his first album in the genre. The six ghazals will be shared with music lovers across digital platforms on the auspicious day of Eid (Friday). It's a big blessing in my life.'
Khaleej Times
11 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE's Adbhut is making amazing music that belongs to everyone
In a world that often defines people by their limitations, Adbhut — meaning 'amazing' in Hindi — flips the narrative. Formed in early 2023, this groundbreaking band of young adults of determination is redefining what it means to be a musician, a performer, and a changemaker. They're not just playing music — they're playing with purpose, proving that talent knows no bounds. The spark behind this quiet but powerful movement came from Neena Raina, a certified neuro-linguistic programming coach, hypnotherapist, inclusion advocate, and mother determined to create space for her son Varun's musical gift to shine. The result is Adbhut — not a novelty act, but a bold statement: art belongs to everyone. 'Adbhut isn't about sympathy,' Neena says. 'It's about building livelihoods, dignity, and a future where inclusion is the norm — not the exception.' Each member of Adbhut brings their own melody to this extraordinary symphony: Varun Raina's musical journey is a story of determination. Diagnosed with autism and non-verbal until age 11, Varun found his voice in music long before he could express it in words. Today, his deep love for both Indian classical and Western music is reflected in his rich vocal performances. A graduate in Hindustani classical music from Prayag University, Allahabad, and a certified vocalist under the ABRSM curriculum, he has performed across the UAE and continues to win hearts with every note. He has also done three years of professional film acting courses. 'Music makes me feel free,' says Varun, now 25. 'It's how I tell the world who I am.' Lead drummer Raihan Mohammed Aslam showed his interest in music by tapping to any song from as early as two. He was gifted his first drum set by his cousin Naeem—and the rest is history. He began formal training with Mr David Kinyanjui at Melodica Music School and later became part of the school band. He rose to prominence after being placed second in a competition against 120 neurotypical children. Now 18, Raihan is pursuing a BTEC in Business from CIS Dubai and recently passed Grade 7 Drums from Trinity College London with distinction. His parents, Aslam and Zameera, have been his constant pillars of support. 'His rhythm is his voice,' they state in unison. 'And now, the world is finally listening.' Diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other learning difficulties, keyboardist Rashan David's musical potential emerged early. Around age five, his school teachers noticed his keen interest in music during lab sessions and encouraged his parents to explore it further. A small keyboard and a dedicated teacher set him on a lifelong path of musical discovery. Despite challenges in mainstream schooling, Rashan persevered. He recently completed a degree in Business Management with Data Analytics and has over 11 years of formal music training, including advanced piano studies. 'Music helped Rashan focus,' says his father David. 'It gave him structure, joy, and a sense of identity.' Aisiri Shetty, the band's powerhouse female singer, has her base in Carnatic music. Whether harmonising with Varun or commanding solos, her voice is both grounding and transcendent—proof that talent knows no bounds. 'She first sang on stage when she was 10. She had never performed as a singer before. When the opportunity came, she stepped up with incredible confidence. We were so nervous, our hearts were pounding — but she showed no fear. That performance changed everything. It gave me confidence in her. She showed me she could do more than I ever expected and that was the beginning,' says her father Roshan Shetty. For Manonmani, the long drive from Abu Dhabi is a small effort compared to the joy of seeing her son, Hari Niranjan, thrive. A Grade 11 CBSE student at Asian International Private School, Al Dhanna, Hari showed early sensitivity to sound, which blossomed into a deep love for music. What began as a quiet connection became a powerful form of expression and confidence. During the pandemic, he taught himself to play the flute recorder through YouTube tutorials. Today, he's a dedicated member of Adbhut, the UAE's first inclusive music band. 'For Hari, it's not just about performing—it's about belonging and being heard,' says Manonmani. 'Watching him grow into a confident, joyful young man has been the most rewarding experience of my life.' Backed by a village Since its inception, Adbhut has performed at festivals, cultural programmes, and corporate events across the UAE—including standout moments at the Museum of the Future and UAE's Got Talent. Each performance is not just a musical showcase, but a celebration of ability, diversity, and resilience. Behind Adbhut's success lies a dedicated community of mentors, parents, educators, and volunteers. People like Sowmya Krishnamachari, a seasoned vocalist and event organiser, have played an instrumental role in shaping the band's musical direction. With her understanding of both music and special needs, she helps bridge the gap between talent and opportunity — selecting songs, arranging practices, and nurturing the group's cohesion. Having organised inclusive events like Choti Si Aasha at AR Rahman's Firdaus Studio in Expo city, Sowmya now plays a pivotal role in identifying talent, connecting the dots, and polishing these performers for the stage. 'She understands their capabilities and brings out their best,' shares Neena. 'She's not just a mentor — she's a bridge.' Also vital are the parents, many of whom invest their own time, money, and energy in organizing rehearsals, booking jam studios and ensuring the group meets weekly, either in person or online. Being amazing Adbhut is more than music. It is inclusion in action. 'We are not about charity. We are about change,' Neena explains. 'These young adults are professionals in their own right. With the right support, they can build livelihoods through music. We need society to listen not just with their ears, but with their hearts. These young adults have something important to say—through rhythm, melody, and passion.'
