McDonald's UAE introduces exclusive Children's Book collection for Ramadan
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The National
2 days ago
- The National
Lara Trump's music career explained, from French Montana to Mohamed Ramadan
is making the most of his US appearances this year. Fresh from his Coachella festival debut in April, the Egyptian pop star posted a picture of himself with Lara Trump – the former Fox News host turned budding musician and daughter-in-law of US President Donald Trump. The occasion was a New York gala called Make Music Right, an organisation that, according to its website, focuses on "enlightening Americans on music's role in shaping perspectives and promoting a music culture that upholds traditional values and elevates American society". While Trump was a keynote speaker and Ramadan a guest, the latter suggested their meeting was more than a networking opportunity. He hinted at a possible musical collaboration, posting: "Something great is on the horizon, inshallah". The potential release raises questions about who would benefit most. After dominating Arab pop charts for more than a decade, Ramadan has been making a concerted effort to expand his brand internationally, with performances across Africa, in addition to his Coachella appearance. As for Trump, working with Ramadan wouldn't be entirely out of tune. The former television presenter has already released a single with Moroccan-American rapper French Montana this year as part of a two-year music catalogue that many are only now discovering. Here are three things you need to know about her unlikely music career. 1. She began with a hit cover of Tom Petty tune Even Trump herself wasn't sure if a music career was on the cards when releasing her debut single, I Won't Back Down, in 2023, a cover of the 1989 Tom Petty hit. A more languid take on the original, with Trump's huskier vocals pitched in a lower register, she promoted the track on Fox & Friends by explaining it "was something I wanted to do for fun. I recorded it over the winter and thought, let's put it out and see what happens." It turned out to be fortuitous. The song – released without a label – cracked the top 10 of Billboard's Digital Song Sales chart and reached sixth place on the country chart. What perhaps made the success even sweeter was that the original I Won't Back Down had been used by President Trump during his unsuccessful 2020 re-election campaign, prompting the Petty estate to issue a public cease-and-desist notice. 2. She then turned towards inspirational country-pop Trump announced herself as an artist last year with two original works, both styled as inspirational anthems and following a country-pop template. First up was Anything Is Possible, followed by Hero, the latter a plaintive piano ballad co-written with up-and-coming country singer Madeline Jaymes and dedicated to US emergency services personnel. The gracious sentiments didn't shield either song from critical reception on social media, where listeners noted the heavy-handed use of auto-tune on Trump's vocals – particularly jarring in a genre historically prizing vocal authenticity. 3. And now she has gone full pop with the help of French Montana A brash musical left turn and one of the most unexpected collaborations of the year, Trump teamed up with French Montana on No Days Off, a slick electro-pop track in which Trump projects a more assertive persona. "I'm a little hard to read / You only know what they show you when you turn on the TV / So think of this as a reboot," she delivers in clipped phrases. Montana eventually chimes in, boasting of his new friendship: "Me and Lara at your front porch, knock knock". No Days Off failed to gain traction, and a reported future collaboration with Gims was denied by the French-Congolese rapper himself. If a potential song with Ramadan materialises, it could follow this template of unlikely cross-cultural partnerships. Whatever happens next, more music appears inevitable. According to Newsweek, she incorporated the business LT Music LLC in April, suggesting her musical ambitions remain undimmed for the time being.
Web Release
2 days ago
- Web Release
KIDS DINE FOR FREE THIS SUMMER AT SELECT YAS BAY WATERFRONT RESTAURANTS
This summer, Yas Bay Waterfront invites families, whether residents or tourists, to explore its diverse range of restaurants and take advantage of the limited 'kids eat for free' offer this summer. From the award-winning steakhouse Hunter & Barrel to a Sunday Italian brunch at Paradiso or Irish brunch at McCafferty's, visitors can enjoy the best of Abu Dhabi's dining and lifestyle scene, perfect for any occasion, all along the city's iconic waterfront promenade. With every visit, diners can also participate in Summer Pitstop, a dine-and-win summer campaign. Running until 31st August, diners who spend AED 100 or more at 25 participating venues can enter a draw to win an incredible and highly sought-after VIP Mega Fan Experience at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. One lucky winner can secure four days of VIP access for four people, including entry to Luna Lounge with stunning 360-degree circuit views of the final stretch at Turns 14, 15, and 16, premium all-inclusive hospitality, live entertainment, and top DJs. It also grants access to after-race concerts and the Pit Lane Walk, bringing fans even closer to the action. Additionally, two lucky winners will each receive a three-day pass for two to North Straight Grandstand Premium, allowing them to enjoy high-speed track action, all-day entertainment, after-race concerts, fan zones, and more. Hunter & Barrel Guests can enjoy charcoal-grilled meats and barrel-aged craft beers at Hunter & Barrel, an award-winning Australian premier steakhouse. Moreover, children aged eight and under can dine for free as long as the guest orders a main course. With a selection of fresh meats, poultry, and seafood roasted over Hunter & Barrel's signature coal grill and shawarma rotisserie, diners can enjoy dishes such as Wood-Fired Beef, a shawarma-style beef tenderloin served with tahini sauce, or the succulent Wagyu Rump, or the grain-fed Angus Tomahawk. What: Kids under 8 eat free when ordering a main course Kids under 8 eat free when ordering a main course Where: Hunter & Barrel, The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront Hunter & Barrel, The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront When: From now until 31 August 2025. Open daily from 11 AM to 1 AM For reservations, contact +971 2 886 8299 or email [email protected]. For more information, visit Café Del Mar Abu Dhabi The renowned beach club offers a Mediterranean-inspired ambience with poolside dining. For every adult spending AED 180, one child receives a complimentary 1- to 2-course meal. Known for its stunning beach club with day-to-night poolside vibes, lively brunches, and pool parties, Café Del Mar provides an unrivalled experience that combines Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, vibrant music, and a chic atmosphere. What: One child receives a complimentary 1 to 2-course meal for every adult spending AED 180 One child receives a complimentary 1 to 2-course meal for every adult spending AED 180 Where: Café Del Mar, Yas Bay Waterfront Café Del Mar, Yas Bay Waterfront When: Open daily from 10 AM to 11 PM, closing at 2 AM Thursday to Saturday, and available from now until the end of summer. For reservations, contact +971 ?50 402 2283 or [email protected]. For more information, visit Paradiso Those craving Italian cuisine no longer need to travel to Italy; they can simply head to Paradiso. Be transported to Italy and experience the 'La Dolce Vita' feeling with Paradiso's family-style brunch every Sunday, where kids eat free when parents book a table. Diners will enjoy starters like Tagliere Misto, an assorted cold cuts and cheese platter, as well as classics such as Bruschetta Al Pomodoro, Parmigiana Di Melanzane, and more. It wouldn't be an Italian affair without pasta and pizza; guests can indulge in Patate E Rosmarino Pizza, a pizza topped with rosemary roasted potatoes, soft onions, and creamy cheese, alongside the classic Penna Arrabbiata. Main courses include dishes like beef steak, chicken milanese, baked sea bass fillet with mixed seafood, and Insalata Di Spinaci E Caprino. To finish, enjoy traditional Italian desserts such as Tiramisu, Paradiso's signature gelato, and others. This Sunday brunch experience is best enjoyed with an Aperol Spritz in hand. Guests can choose from a soft or house beverage package for AED 300 and AED 450 for bubbly. What: Kids eat free when parents book a table Kids eat free when parents book a table Where: Paradiso, The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront Paradiso, The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront When: Every Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM Every Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM Price: Soft drinks and house beverage package – AED 300/person Bubbly package – AED 450/person For reservations, contact +971 ??050 437 2869 or [email protected] . For more information, visit Bushra by Buddha-Bar Families can enjoy an elevated dining experience at Bushra by Buddha-Bar. A fusion of Middle Eastern and North African cuisine with a modern twist, Bushra delights guests with dishes such as Traditional Moroccan Lamb Tagine, Seafood Pastilla, or Slow-cooked Lamb Shank with Freekeh. Perfect for sharing, diners can also try the one-metre or half-metre Lamb Kabab. This summer, for every adult spending AED 180, one child receives a complimentary 1- to 2-course meal. What: One child receives a complimentary 1 to 2-course meal for every adult spending AED 180 One child receives a complimentary 1 to 2-course meal for every adult spending AED 180 Where: Bushra by Buddha-Bar, Yas Bay Waterfront Bushra by Buddha-Bar, Yas Bay Waterfront When: Open daily from 1 PM to 2 AM and available from now until the end of summer For reservations, contact +971 ?50 601 1195 or [email protected]. For more information, visit Zeera by Buddha-Bar Tucked among the other Buddha-Bar venues, Zeehra presents modern Indian gastronomy and a chic and inviting ambience. Its menu features sharing-style plates of vibrant Indian dishes, crafted with flair using a traditional tandoori grill and open kitchen. Diners can delight in dishes like the scrumptious Lobster Curry, creamy Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, and more. Moreover, for every adult dining and spending AED 180, a child receives a complimentary 1- to 2-course meal. What: One child receives a complimentary 1 to 2-course meal for every adult spending AED 180 One child receives a complimentary 1 to 2-course meal for every adult spending AED 180 Where: Zeehra by Buddha-Bar, Yas Bay Waterfront Zeehra by Buddha-Bar, Yas Bay Waterfront When: Open daily from 1 PM to 2 AM and available from now until the end of summer For reservations, guests can book through For more information, visit McCafferty's Every Saturday and Sunday, children can dine for free at the traditional Irish pub and restaurant inside Hilton in Yas Bay Waterfront. Offering authentic Irish produce, music, and atmosphere, children can now join their parents' night out at McCafferty's. On Saturdays, kids under 7 years old can enjoy Mellie Rua's Saturday Brunch for free with every paying adult. For AED 199, guests can indulge in an unlimited selection of delicious dishes and drinks from 1 PM to 5 PM, while enjoying live music performed by various bands and musicians throughout the day. Dishes include signature Black Angus Beef Sliders, irresistible Clonakilty Sausage Bites, and main courses such as classic Irish Fish and Chips, Smoked Bacon Carbonara, or the tasty Spice Bag Chicken Burger. Meanwhile, on Sundays, children under 6 years old can dine for free at McCafferty's Traditional Irish Sunday Carvery with every paying adult. The Sunday Carvery features freshly made soup accompanied by roasts of the day, such as Roast Black Angus Sirloin, Turkey & Baked Irish Ham, Crispy Pork Belly, and Impossible Roast, alongside classic sides and the dessert of the day. What: Kids dine for free for every paying adult Kids under 7 years old for Saturday brunch Kids under 6 years old for Sunday carvery Kids dine for free for every paying adult Where: McCafferty's, Hilton Yas Island McCafferty's, Hilton Yas Island Price: Mellie Rua's Saturday Brunch | AED 199/person | 1 PM to 5 PM Traditional Irish Sunday Carvery | AED 119/person | 12 PM to 8 PM For reservations, guests can book through For more information, visit Pop City A lovely summer treat, although Pop City isn't offering anything free for kids, they do run a weekday happy hour from 12 PM to 6 PM. During this time, customers who buy one pop or bites box for dine-in can get the second at 50% off. On weekends, from 4 PM to 11 PM, customers will receive a 20% discount on any coffee on the menu with every purchase of three pops. Known as artisans of frozen delights, Pop City creates healthy, natural, and delicious ice pops using only premium ingredients. Loved by all ages, popular flavours include the tropical Piña Colada, creamy Coconut Sorbet, and zesty Lemon. For those watching their calories, the under-60-calorie range includes refreshing options like Lychee, Strawberry, and Mango. What: Happy Hour Happy Hour Where: Pop City, Yas Bay Waterfront Pop City, Yas Bay Waterfront Offer: Weekdays, 12 PM to 6 PM | Buy one pop or bite box = 50% off on the second order Weekends, 4 PM to 11 PM | Purchase of three pops = 20% discount on coffee menu For reservations, contact +971 50 235 8653. For more information, visit
Campaign ME
2 days ago
- Campaign ME
Podcast: Lara Traboulsi on how Snap is ‘supercharging' Saudi National Day
On the latest episode of Campaign Middle East's On The Record podcast, Lara Traboulsi, Regional Creative Strategy Lead, Snap Inc., discusses how Saudi National Day has gone far beyond a one-day celebration of national pride, unity and cultural identity into a month-long celebration and convergence of commerce, community, culture and creativity. Commenting on the cultural shift and what it means from brands and advertisers, Traboulsi begins the discussion saying, 'Saudi National Day is a beautiful celebration of collective expression. There's a lot of people who look back and take in the empowerment and progress achieved, but also looking forward with hope. But we're also seeing that this celebration is going so much beyond that. What was an annual celebration on September 23 of Saudi Arabia's history slowly become a week-long celebration, and now a month-long celebration.' She adds, 'One of the most fascinating aspects is how much in advance people have started planning for Saudi National Day – whether that's what they're going to wear, what activities they want to be involved in, what places they want to be at to collectively celebrate it in their communities. This open interesting opportunities for brands because this thought process goes hand-in-hand with shopping moments such as what make-up, outfits, etc. they're going to buy, what recipes they want to prepare, and what festivities they want to partake in.' Snap plays a key role in these moments by 'supercharging' content, commerce and key moments leading up to and around Saudi National Day, Traboulsi explains, keeping in mind that the platform hosts 25 million active users in the Kingdom alone. She reveals, 'The data shows us that 65 per cent of Snapchatters in Saudi Arabia are planning to host gathering at home during the Saudi National Day festive period. These are people who go big for festivities. This means they want to make sure that the decorations and the outfits they're buying are on point. In fact, 52 per cent of Snapchatters are buying themed products for this moment; 85 per cent of people are creating lists to shop for well in advance of Saudi National Day; and what's really interesting is that about 77 per cent of Snapchatters are buying in bulk during this period.' It's no surprise that Saudi National Day, similar to Ramadan or Eid celebrations, have become synonymous with brands providing offers and discounts, rewarding people in the Kingdom for investing in the celebration. From a content perspective, Traboulsi highlights how Saudi consumers are choosing Snap as a platform to not only highlight how they're celebrating Saudi National Day, but how Snap is becoming part of their experience during the celebration. 'When it comes to Saudi National Day, what we're seeing is Saudi Snapchatters engaging with every single tab within the platform. Not only are they taking pictures, sharing it and posting it to their stories, but they're also looking at the Snapchat map, and zooming into the 'heated areas' on the map, to see what's trending, and find out where all the fun Saudi National Day celebrations are being held,' Traboulsi says. She goes on to share how Snapchatters in Saudi Arabia are leaning into the camera, Snap lenses, augmented reality (AR) filters, and most recently, even welcoming Sponsored Snaps from brand ambassadors, Saudi influencers and major advertisers. Traboulsi said, 'One of the things I love the most is how much people love the 'chat' on Snapchat, and we see how engaged they are. The chat is where they are making plans. They have groups on the chat which they use to decide what they're doing; that's where they're sending their greetings; that's where they share ideas of where to meet or what to shop for.' She added, 'And what's really interesting this year – which was not there last year – is Sponsored Snaps: the ability to receive a Snap directly from a brand. This is where we ensure that it feels authentic, organic and seamless. There's also an evolution of Sponsored Snaps to include Sponsored Snaps from creators – a tool that even big Saudi brands such as stc group have tapped into.' For more insights from a very intriguing conversation, watch the full video above, to understand how Saudi National Day has gone far beyond a date on the calendar into month-long celebration and a movement, which brands can lean into to connect more closely with Snapchatters and the wider Saudi Arabia audience. CREDITS: Guest: Lara Traboulsi, Regional Creative Strategy Lead, Snap Inc. Host: Anup Oommen, Editor, Campaign Middle East Production: Surajit Dutta, Content Production Manager, Motivate Media Group Videography: Mark Mathew, Creative Content Producer, Motivate Media Group Studio: Ahmed Abdelwahab, Studio Manager, Motivate Media Group Editing: John Melencion, Content Producer, Motivate Media Group
