Shadi's take on rising oil prices
Biggest inspiration: My father, as I grew up in a house where music was constantly played on a wind-up gramophone. I had amazing music teachers in primary and secondary school who inspired me to take my music further. They encouraged me to take up music as a profession and I follow in their footsteps, encouraging others to do the same.
Favourite book: Ian McEwan's Atonement – the ending alone knocked me for six.
Favourite holiday destination: Italy - music and opera is so much part of the life there. I love it.
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The National
a day ago
- The National
Six Arab films premiering at Venice Film Festival 2025
The Venice Film Festival returns later this month for its 82nd year. Running from August 28 until September 7, Venice is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals. It has become a key platform for films from the Mena region, showcasing emerging and established Arab filmmakers. This year's jury president is American filmmaker Alexander Payne, known for Sideways and Nebraska. The festival will open with La Grazia by Paolo Sorrentino and will close with Dog 51 by Cedric Jimenez. The 2025 festival programme includes several films from the Mena region, in the feature-length and short film categories. Here they are. The Voice of Hind Rajab Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania returns to Venice with The Voice of Hind Rajab, based on the real case of a six-year-old Palestinian girl killed by the Israeli military in Gaza in early 2024. Her death gained international attention after audio recordings of Hind's emergency call to the Red Crescent were released, in which she described being trapped in a car surrounded by the bodies of her relatives. Ben Hania's earlier works, Four Daughters and The Man Who Sold His Skin, blend documentary elements with fiction. The idea for her latest film came during her Oscar campaign for Four Daughters. 'During a layover at [Los Angeles International Airport], everything shifted,' Ben Hania said. 'I heard an audio recording of Hind Rajab begging for help. By then, her voice had already spread across the internet. I immediately felt a mix of helplessness, and an overwhelming sadness. A physical reaction, like the ground shifted under me. I couldn't carry on as planned.' My Father and Qaddafi My Father and Qaddafi by Jihan Kikhia is a documentary that examines the life and disappearance of her father, Mansour Kikhia. A former Libyan foreign minister turned human rights advocate, Mansour was abducted in Cairo in 1993. His body was not recovered until 2012, following the collapse of Muammar Qaddafi 's regime. The film is a personal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mansour's disappearance. It uses family archives, official documents and interviews to reconstruct the political climate of the time. Kikhia combines a family story with a broader examination of the mechanisms of authoritarian control and international complicity. Hijra Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen returns to Venice with Hijra. The title refers to the Arabic term for migration or departure, which is often associated with spiritual or transformative journeys. The film follows a woman who leaves her familiar environment. Ameen's previous film, Scales, premiere at Venice Critics' Week in 2019 and gained international attention for its visual style and allegorical storytelling. With Hijra, Ameen continues to explore questions of female autonomy, social restriction and personal change. It is the latest in a wave of Saudi films that seek to challenge conventional narratives through intimate and visually driven stories. Calle Malaga Moroccan director Maryam Touzani 's film Calle Malaga is set in the Spanish port city in the title. It follows a Moroccan domestic worker living abroad while financially supporting her family back home. The story centres on her daily routine, exploring the social and emotional realities of life as a migrant worker. Touzani's previous work includes Adam and The Blue Caftan. In her films, Touzani focuses on the lives of Moroccan women navigating family, tradition and personal freedom. With Calle Malaga, she shifts focus to the experience of economic migration. As with her earlier films, Touzani approaches her subject with empathy, continuing her interest in marginalised characters. Who is Still Alive Directed by Swiss filmmaker Nicolas Wadimoff, Who is Still Alive is a documentary centred on the lives of Palestinians in Gaza. It gathers testimonies from civilians living under the conditions of prolonged occupation and siege. The film is not structured around a single event, but instead presents a composite portrait through a series of individual accounts. Wadimoff's previous films Aisheen (Still Alive in Gaza) and The Apollo of Gaza both avoid graphic imagery in favour of observational storytelling. In Who is Still Alive, he adopts a similar approach, allowing the subjects to speak for themselves. The film places emphasis on endurance and memory rather than political commentary or journalistic framing. Coyotes Coyotes is a short from Palestinian-British filmmaker Said Zagha and stars Ali Suliman and Yumna Marwan. The film follows a young Palestinian man who becomes involved in a people smuggling network while trying to reach Europe. The title is the slang term for those who facilitate illegal crossings, often at great personal cost to those they transport. Zagha's earlier short films focused on urban youth and generational conflict. In Coyotes, he examines how socio-economic pressure and limited opportunities shape decisions around migration.
The National
3 days ago
- The National
Six Senses Rome review: Eternal City oasis blends modern wellness with Roman tradition
Six Senses Rome is like a luxe urban oasis set right in the busy, bustling historic heart of the Eternal City. Walking through its unassuming entrance, I find myself enveloped in a serene and peaceful retreat that is still remarkably well-connected to celebrated monuments, with Trevi Fountain and Via del Corso, the city's most popular shopping street, mere steps away. It's an ideal base, where you can recharge after a long day of exploring, whether you choose to stay in the confines of its gorgeous guestrooms or relax in the wonderful, sprawling spa where you can engage in one of the hotel's signature wellness programmes. The history The building itself, the historic Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, is an old, beautifully preserved structure with a storied past. It was built in the 18th century by Tommaso De Marchis and adorned with Baroque motifs. This construction took place on the site of an original palace built in the late 1480s for Cardinal Giovanni Michiel, nephew of Pope Paul II. Over the centuries, the palazzo served as a residence for several cardinal-elders. It later passed through the Aldobrandini family and then to the Order of the Servants of Mary. Today, the palazzo is protected by the Roman municipality and Unesco-listed. Key historical elements have been preserved, including its monumental marble staircase with a decorative skylight and newly restored 600-year-old columns in the main entrance. A large baptismal bath dating back to the fourth century was uncovered during archaeological excavations in the early 1900s and is now visible beneath glass floor tiles near to Bivium Restaurant-Cafe-Bar. The welcome The moment I step inside the hotel, there is an immediate sense of calm. The vibe is serene, warm and inviting, facilitated by the professional yet friendly staff who offer enthusiastic greetings and give me a comprehensive overview of the property. The location is truly exceptional; it's an easy stroll from landmarks such as Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Colosseum. Being just off Via Del Corso and a short drive from Vatican City adds to its prime accessibility, making it an ideal gateway for exploring the city. The room I stay in a Superior Room, which serves as the perfect personal hideaway in such a busy city, a place to retreat and relax, lying back on the incredibly plush bed. At 30 square metres, the room is compact compared to UAE standards, but light-filled, featuring a queen-size bed and a sofa that makes for a great cosy reading corner. My window looks out on to an alleyway, but considering all structures in this part of Rome are basically architectural masterpieces, it's still a sight to behold. The decor thoughtfully roots itself in Italian heritage with neutral tones, accentuated by the organic texture of traditional Roman Cocciopesto wall cladding and travertine limestone. Contemporary local artworks give each room a fresh look, enhanced by natural light and sustainable elements. The amenities include eco-friendly bathroom products, in-suite coffee and tea, a minibar and thoughtful touches including a yoga mat. The food There are two distinct dining destinations: Bivium and Notos Rooftop. Both embrace the Eat with Six Senses philosophy, which prioritises natural ingredients, local and sustainable sourcing, and a less-is-more approach. Bivium is an all-day dining space that blends restaurant, bar and cafe culture. It's where I spend most of my meals and spare time when I'm not resting or exploring. You can sit inside, where there's an open kitchen with Josper grill and wood-fire oven, as well as dedicated deli corners, including for speciality coffee and homemade gelato. Across the lobby, the casual chic al fresco inner courtyard provides a tranquil atmosphere for any meal or just drinks. I'm here as part of the brand's Female Wellness programme, so I have a menu tailored to my personal health goals and dietary requirements, determined with the fitness manager at the beginning of my stay. Everything I try is fresh and flavourful, and the chefs are more than ready to cater to any off-menu requests. I don't have the opportunity to dine at Notos Rooftop, but I do have a peek around this rooftop garden terrace, which has panoramic 360-degree views of Rome. The focus is on Mediterranean dishes and cocktails, with live music sessions and DJ entertainment come evening. Hotel facilities The hotel – and indeed the Six Senses brand – places a strong emphasis on wellness. The highlight is the Roman bathing circuit, a modern-day take on the ancient ritual, offering a sociable and immersive experience designed to balance mind and body. It includes a caldarium, tepidarium and frigidarium, which work by heating and cooling the body to reduce inflammation and promote overall healing. For more traditional workouts, the fitness centre is also open around the clock. Spa and wellness The Six Senses Rome Spa is a haven for recovery and restoration. It offers a range of treatments, from results-driven personalised facials to signature body massages, all performed by in-house experts. It incorporates high-tech, more newfangled therapies, including biohacking, as well as ancient techniques such as sound therapy and breathwork. A notable offering is the Female Wellness programme, which I experience during my stay. Formulated in collaboration with American functional health expert Dr Mindy Pelz, this programme is designed to address key issues in nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, mindset and lifestyle, specifically supporting women's hormonal and metabolic health. While comprehensive, the programme – which runs over three, five or seven days – is not diagnostic, but offers personalised health insights with deep relaxation and general advice that you can continue implementing at home. This includes elements such as a wellness screening, a continuous glucose monitor, sleep tracking, personal training or yoga sessions, holistic massages, sound healing, and biohacking recovery sessions such as Cellgym, which alternates low and high oxygen air, making me drop off to sleep and then wake up feeling fully refreshed. Family-friendly factor While my stay was solo, it's worth noting that the Roman baths are for guests aged 16 and above. I didn't see any specific children's clubs or dedicated family facilities. Accessibility and sustainability The fact that the hotel is a preserved historic monument stands as testament to its dedication to sustainability, as does its use of environmentally friendly bathroom amenities and sustainable elements in the room design, including the natural materials used. The Eat With Six Senses philosophy also strongly champions sustainable sourcing and locally sourced products in its culinary approach. The service Throughout my experience, particularly with the wellness programme, the professionalism among all staff is evident. Every team member I meet is attentive and demonstrates deep knowledge of the property and brand. Value for money The price per night starts from Dh6,867 ($1,870). Check-in is at 3pm, and check-out at noon. The Female Wellness programme starts at €1,398 ($1,630) per person for three days.
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Ranveer Singh's mehendi surprise at his wedding to Deepika Padukone will melt your heart
Even nearly seven years after their dreamy Italian wedding, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone continue to capture hearts. This time through a revelation made by celebrity mehendi artist Veena Nagda. In a new podcast interview with Filmibeat Prime, Nagda fondly recalled being invited to do Deepika's bridal mehendi at the couple's 2018 wedding in Lake Como. She talked about Ranveer's involvement that stood out for her the most. 'No words can do him justice,' Veena said. 'It was very cold in Lake Como, and I was wondering how Deepika and I were going to get through the intricate design we had planned for her. Ranveer came around after an hour, and the entire climate changed. The sun came out. He really lit up the room.' The artist recalled that Ranveer even interrupted the session with a memorable compliment: 'A queen is doing the mehendi for another queen.' And the most heartwarming thing, Veena shared, was Ranveer's own mehendi — a minimalist design featuring "Deep" (a sweet abbreviation of Deepika's name), accompanied by three stars. According to Veena, each star represented a woman important to Deepika: one for Deepika herself, one for her mother Ujjala, and one for her sister Anisha. She also revealed that Deepika had made good on a promise she had made years ago. After watching Veena work her magic on the set of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Deepika promised to bring her on for her future wedding. Ranveer and Deepika got married on November 14, 2018, in an intimate but grand affair attended by close friends and family. The couple only made their wedding video public in 2023, during the premiere of Koffee With Karan Season 8 on Disney+ in the UAE. The power couple are now proud parents to a baby girl, Dua Padukone Singh, born on September 8, 2024. While they've shared the news with fans via a sweet Instagram post, they've chosen to keep their daughter out of the public eye for now.
