Now You See Me: Now You Don't wraps filming with 13-day shoot in Abu Dhabi
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The National
5 hours ago
- The National
The Congress of Arabic and Creative Industries brings fresh wave of talent, ideas and innovation to Abu Dhabi
From September 14 and 15, Etihad Arena will host the fourth Congress of Arabic and Creative Industries, organised by the Arabic Language Centre, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This year's theme, Arabic Creativity Reimagined: Innovation in Storytelling and Audience Engagement, will see more than 40 speakers from around the world - from technologists and media leaders to award-winning filmmakers and cultural pioneers - share their insights. Through curated programming, knowledge exchange and regional collaboration, the event aims to support the growth of creative industries in the Arab world, unlocking new markets, investment, and talent pipelines. Participants will have the opportunity to attend panel discussions, industry insights sessions, masterclasses, workshops, and special events, as well as network with other industry professionals and connect with influential voices from across the creative industries, engaging with those who are redefining and reimagining Arabic storytelling. From insightful conversations on the power of personal narrative - such as a session with award-winning actor, writer, producer, director, and stand-up comedian Mo Amer, interviewed by AI expert, bestselling author, and former Google X Chief Business Officer Mo Gawdat - to inspiring panels on the role of women in contemporary Arabic creativity, featuring leading professionals like director, actress, and award-winning filmmaker Nadine Labaki, the programme offers a rich variety of perspectives. It spans a wide range of disciplines and topics, including AI and digital tools, scriptwriting, audiobook production, gaming, and sustainable business models for the digital age. In addition to creative discussions, the Congress will host business-focused panels led by senior figures from leading global companies. Topics include Creators, Capital, and Control: Who Wins in the New Economy? Senior leaders from Snap Inc, TikTok, and Meta will discuss the shifting power balance between creators, investors, and platforms, and how value is captured in today's attention economy. Arabic LLM: Can AI Adapt to the Wilds of Language? AI leaders from the Technology Innovation Institute, G42, and Bloomberg will explore how breakthroughs in Arabic large language models could revolutionise the region's creative and business landscapes. Unlocking Mena's Audiobook Potential Executives from Penguin Random House, Audible, Rufoof, and Frankfurt Book Fair will examine growth opportunities in the Arabic audiobook market, including distribution strategies, genre diversification, and audience engagement. Arabic Language and the Coming Shift
The National
8 hours ago
- The National
As Pop Mart eyes Middle East expansion, what you need to know about Chinese brand behind Labubu
Labubu has been all the rage, and it doesn't look like the craze is slowing down anytime soon. But could a Pop Mart store finally be on its way to the region? Pop Mart founder and chief executive Wang Ning spoke to analysts on Wednesday, saying the company is weighing possible expansion plans into emerging markets, including the Middle East, Central Europe, as well as Central and South America. 'I think for overseas markets we're still very positive, and we also believe there's still very broad space for growth,' Wang said. For now, fans in the region rely on authorised resellers, as there are no official standalone Pop Mart stores here. But with the company eyeing entry into the UAE, here's a closer look at what they're all about. What is Pop Mart? The toy company from Beijing was founded in 2010, with an early focus on tapping into youth culture trends in China. Its first shop opened in Zhongguancun, the city's tech hub, but struggled with inventory, staffing and a clear identity, selling a wide mix of products. That changed in 2014, when toys became the company's main focus. Wang drew inspiration from Japan's gashapon vending machines, which dispense toys in random canisters. He wanted to capture the same element of surprise, but in sleeker packaging. The result was the 'blind box", so customers buy a sealed box without knowing which figure they'll get. Pop Mart's first big breakthrough came with Hong Kong artist Kenny Wong, who created Molly, a wide-eyed girl with a blond bob and turquoise button-shaped eyes. Already popular with a niche fan base, Molly proved a hit and set the stage for more collaborations. From 2016 onward, Pop Mart partnered with more artists and expanded its range, including Kasing Lung, who introduced Labubu in 2019. Since then, the company has opened stores and installed vending machines, known as Roboshops, across Asia, Oceania, Europe and North America. It has also branched out into animation studios, art galleries and even a theme park called Pop Land. What can I expect inside a store? Pop Mart stores are usually bright, modern spaces designed to feel playful and immersive. They have glass walls showcasing rows of colourful blind boxes, shelves stacked with character figurines, and larger-than-life statues of popular creations such as Labubu or Molly. Inside, the layout is clean and minimalist, but packed with vibrant displays, giving it the feel of both an art gallery and a toy shop. Some locations also feature interactive elements, such as vending-style Roboshops, where customers can try their luck at a blind box. What characters can I find at Pop Mart? Pop Mart offers a wide roster of collectable characters, mostly sold in its blind box format. Its most recognisable in-house creations include Labubu, Molly and Skullpanda. The company has also teamed up with major names such as Disney and Sanrio, the brand behind Hello Kitty. Labubu's appeal in the UAE The UAE has long been a hub for global retail trends and collectables. From Funko Pops to limited-edition trainers, there's a strong culture of fandom and exclusivity, especially for younger buyers who are active on social media. While Pop Mart doesn't yet have a dedicated store in the region, authorised resellers and online platforms already stock its blind boxes, often at a markup. For example, Labubu retails for about Dh79, but some outlets sell them for up to Dh350 or more.
Khaleej Times
11 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Exclusive: 15-year-old UAE-based motorsport prodigy Mohammed Mneimneh talks success on the track
As the dust settles on the latest racing season, the spotlight shines brightly on UAE's rising star, Mohammed Mneimneh. And in a surprising show of support, the India-based Poonawalla family's backing of Mohammed has given the young racing sensation a significant boost. Yohan and Michelle Poonawalla of the Poonawalla group have stepped into the UAE's luxury motorsport space and recently announced their support of 15-year-old Lebanese karting prodigy Mohammed Mneimneh, one of the fastest-rising names in Middle Eastern motorsport. Khaleej Times spoke exclusively to the Poonawallas and Mohammed to understand all about this intriguing alliance and what it means for racer's future in the sport. 'For me, encouraging young talent is both a passion and a responsibility. I have always believed that when someone possesses extraordinary drive, discipline, and potential, they deserve the opportunity to flourish. Mohammed's dedication to motorsport at such a young age is deeply inspiring. It reflects the same determination and commitment I value in every field, whether it's business or philanthropy. Motorsport is a demanding discipline, and supporting Mohammed is my way of not only encouraging his journey but also contributing to a culture where young people feel empowered to pursue their dreams fearlessly,' says Yohan Poonawalla. Both Yohan and Michelle are passionate about art, culture and sports. Michelle believes: 'Art and sport, though seemingly different, share the same power: they inspire, unite, and evoke emotion. There are many beautiful examples of the two worlds merging, such as 'art cars,' where leading artists collaborate with manufacturers to transform vehicles into moving canvases. For the youth, these intersections demonstrate that creativity and performance can coexist.' For the uninitiated, Yohan has been India's top car collector and a motorsport enthusiast, and this sponsorship also symbolises his passion for motoring and enabling young talent like Mohammed to inch closer to the pinnacle of motorsports. He speaks enthusiastically about the motorsport space and some beautiful memories he holds close to his heart. 'While I have been fortunate to witness some incredible motorsport events, such as Formula 1, my personal highlights come from being behind the wheel. Driving in the Mille Miglia UAE for three consecutive years has been a truly special experience. Last year, being honoured with the 'Hero of the Rally' award was another unforgettable moment. It was the perfect reminder that motorsport is not just about speed, but also about resilience and spirit,' he says. Motorsports in UAE is experiencing major growth, driven by strong government support, world-class infrastructure and an increased demand and popularity of motorsport events. Middle East is emerging as a key player due to high-profile events such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and increased investments in motorsport facilities (According to Global Motorsport Market survey 2025). However, Yohan feels young racers still need some support. 'Motorsport in India is still at a relatively nascent stage compared to global arenas, but there is no shortage of talent. What is often missing is structured support, awareness, and the right platforms to compete at higher levels. In the Middle East, while motorsport has grown significantly over the past decade, young racers still need opportunities that connect them to the international stage. My vision is to not only support individual drivers like Mohammed but also help elevate the profile of motorsport across both regions, whether that's through sponsorship or connecting young racers with the right training and exposure. The idea is to build a culture where motorsport is seen as a viable and celebrated career path, not just a passion.' Beyond steering the Poonawalla Group, Yohan and Michelle are effortlessly balancing their high-end lifestyle with meaningful contributions towards society. Now, the family's partnership with Mohammed is a game-changer in international motorsport. The 15-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most promising young drivers in the region. With his eyes set on the international racing scene, Mohammed is preparing to compete in the Senior X30 World Final this October, where he will proudly represent the UAE. Mohammed is thankful as he tells us: 'I am truly honoured and deeply grateful to receive the support of Yohan and Michelle Poonawalla. Their belief in my journey means more than I can put into words. This is not just a sponsorship, but a powerful source of motivation. This partnership gives me the confidence to pursue my goals on the international stage, and I will strive to make them and my country proud,' promises Mohammed. The duo has big plans for Mohammed and the luxury motorsport space. 'Over the next few years, we would like to see him use these resources for opportunities to compete on international platforms and represent Lebanon with pride. As for the luxury motorsport market in the UAE, it continues to evolve rapidly. The region's infrastructure, world-class tracks, and global appeal have made it a hub for both high-level racing and premium automotive culture. I believe the next phase will see even greater integration of youth development programmes, technology-driven racing, and lifestyle experiences that merge motorsport with luxury living. It's an exciting time to be part of this landscape,' concludes Yohan.
