Latest news with #Alaya
Otago Daily Times
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Stags tee off 2025 season
Alaya, 3, and her dad Southland Stags player Isaac Te Tamaki putt off at the Southland Stags season launch at Jump 'N' Climb Invercargill. PHOTO: NINA TAPU The 2025 SBS Bank Southland Stags team chose to kick off the NPC (National Provincial Championship) season with rounds of mini golf and games of laser tag at Jump 'n' Fun in Invercargill on Monday. Sponsors and supporters of the team got to pair up with a Stags player for a friendly dual and a chance to grab some "bragging rights". Rugby Southland and Southland Stags commercial marketing manager Jack King said the games were an informal way for the team to show their gratitude towards their sponsors and supporters. "This [launch] was a chance for us to say thank you to our national supporters and partners for their continued support," Mr King said. "It's less formal and more fun and we just wanted to acknowledge all of the new partners to the group." The 2025 squad were introduced to the gathering including a new addition to the coaching team. Rugby Southland chief executive Hua Tamariki said outgoing coach Matt Saunders was critical in bringing the new squad together but he was also looking forward to what Nathan White would bring to the team. "He's a really knowledgeable man, very experienced, and we're looking forward to what he brings into the staff squad this year," Mr Tamariki said. A promotional video was played at the launch which conveyed how the team would attack the season and get the community buy-in. "We want to get the whole community behind you and we believe that you've [team] been set up to do something really special," he said.
What's On
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Celebrities who have the UAE Golden Visa
Launched in 2019, the UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency scheme that offers 5- or 10-year stays for eligible individuals across various fields — from investors and entrepreneurs to creatives, scientists, and sports stars. Among the thousands who have received this prestigious residency are some of the world's biggest names. Think Cristiano Ronaldo, Sanjay Dutt, and even celebrated chefs and artists who now call the UAE home. Whether they're living here full-time or frequenting the city for work, these famous faces are part of the growing global community putting down roots in the Emirates. Here are some of the most recognisable Golden Visa recipients. Christiano Ronaldo Football star Christiano Ronaldo is a frequent visitor to the UAE and was granted his Golden Visa in 2020. He has a friendship with Dubai's Crown Prince HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and is often spotted in Dubai with his family. Chef Izu Ani The renowned British-Nigerian chef known for iconic restaurants such as Gaia, Alaya and Carine received his Golden Visa in 2021. Giorgio Armani In 2021 the legendary fashion designer, who opened the luxurious Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa in 2011, was awarded the visa. Ola Farahat Ola Farahat, Palestinian-Canadian influencer and entrepreneur, received the Golden Visa in March 2022. Ameni Esseibi Known as the Middle East's first curve model, influencer Ameni Esseibi shared the news that she received the Golden Visa on her Instagram page in January 2022. Elissa Famous Lebanese singer, Elissa, was awarded the golden visa last year in October 2024. Mohamed Ramadan The Egyptian singer received his visa in 2020. He is frequently in the UAE and has even filmed two music videos here. Sanjay Dutt The popular Bollywood actor received the golden visa in 2021. He shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), 'I vow to help the country whenever they are in need since that's what our true purpose as humans is, to help each other grow.' > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
What's On
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
3 of the best dishes to try in Dubai this week: July 8 to 10
From a hearty meal to a refreshing salad, cheesy toast with a twist, and a must-try pizza, these are the three standout dishes to eat in Dubai this week. Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia Cheese Chilli Toast Think cheese on toast, but make it bold. This snackable spin on the 1970s Bombay classic takes everything you love – creamy whipped cheese, crunchy sourdough chips, a spicy fermented chilli oil, and little pops of sweet capsicum and serves it up in the ultimate chip-and-dip style. It's gooey, punchy, and seriously moreish. One bite and you'll see why this one's a table favourite and always a reorder. Location: Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia, Jumeirah Al Qasr Times: Daily 12pm-3pm and 7pm to 11:30pm Cost: Dhs75 Contact: 055 168 0802 Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia menu Alaya Shish Chicken A chef's signature for good reason, Abaya's Shish Chicken is flame-grilled indulgence at its finest. Expect tender, juicy chunks of marinated chicken breast and thigh, skewered and seared to perfection. It's served with big, bold cuts of veg — think long sweet pepper, blistered whole tomatoes, and roasted broccoli — all kissed by the grill. A smoky, satisfying dish that's as beautiful as it is bold. Location: Alaya, DIFC, Gate Village 4 Times: Sun to Wed 12:30pm to 12am, Thurs to Sat 12:30pm to 11:20pm Cost: Dhs230 Contact: 04 570 6289 Alaya menu Dhow & Anchor Sunday Roast There's nothing quite like a classic roast to hit the spot and this one brings all the comfort. Dhow & Anchor's Roast of the Day is a hearty, homemade-style meal served with swede mash, crispy roast potatoes, a fluffy Yorkshire pudding, rich beef gravy, seasonal veg, and a creamy cauliflower cheese that steals the show. It's the kind of plate that feels like a hug from home. Location: Dhow & Anchor, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai Times: Sundays from 12pm Cost: Dhs125 Contact: 04 406 8999 Dhow & Anchor menu Image: Instagram > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Crown prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan, pays for all diners during surprise visit to Dubai restaurant
In a remarkable display of humility and generosity, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, affectionately known as Fazza, surprised diners at a Dubai Mall restaurant by paying for everyone's meal during an unannounced visit. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The moment, captured and shared widely on social media, has stirred widespread admiration from residents and netizens alike. A Surprise Encounter at La Maison Ani The unexpected gesture took place at La Maison Ani, a high-end restaurant located in Dubai Mall and operated by celebrated chef Izu Ani, who is also behind other renowned culinary establishments such as Alaya, Gaia, and Kai Enzo. According to local media outlet Lovin Dubai, the Crown Prince was dining at the restaurant alongside Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The two were accompanied by a small group of aides and friends and reportedly visited the restaurant for lunch on Wednesday. In a video clip shared by Lovin Dubai on Instagram, a woman, described her unforgettable experience: 'He paid the entire bill,' she said, estimating the total cost to be between AED 25,000 and AED 30,000 (approximately $6,800 to $8,200 USD). Lovin Dubai captioned the video: 'Covers the bill for everyone dining at a restaurant in Dubai! That's our Crown Prince.' A Moment That Captivated Diners and Social Media Alike Videos shared online captured the leaders walking into the restaurant and greeting diners with a traditional Islamic salutation, wishing them peace, a gesture that set the tone for what would become an unforgettable experience for everyone present. Among the diners was Emirati national Noura Mohammed AlMarzooqi, who spoke to local news outlet Khaleej Times about the extraordinary moment. 'They were super friendly and said hello to everyone and made the experience really great for us,' she recalled. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now When she asked for the cheque after her meal, she was informed that Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed had paid for everyone dining at the restaurant. 'Only in UAE will you see the royal families spending lovely time with their people and spreading kindness and making the experience priceless,' she said, capturing the sentiment many others would go on to express online. Social media quickly lit up with admiration for Sheikh Hamdan's generosity. Users praised the Crown Prince as 'a great person with a golden heart' and 'someone who always does something amazing.' One commenter noted, 'It happens all the time. Happened to me once,' suggesting that such gracious gestures are not entirely uncommon in the UAE. Another shared a personal dream: 'When I moved to Dubai four years ago, my goal was to meet him so I could ask him to be my business partner. Still waiting.' These reactions reflect the deep respect and affection that many in the UAE feel for Sheikh Hamdan, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Known for his adventurous lifestyle and approachable nature, Fazza remains a beloved figure among both citizens and expatriates, someone whose actions continue to inspire admiration and foster connection across the community. A Statement from La Maison Ani Following the viral attention, La Maison Ani issued an official statement to Khaleej Times, calling the visit from the two Crown Princes both an honour and a privilege: 'It was an absolute honor and privilege for our team to welcome Their Highnesses to La Maison Ani. The experience was seamless, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve them. Moments like these are a proud reminder of the trust placed in us to deliver excellence at every level.' The restaurant also described the Crown Princes' demeanour: 'The Crown Princes maintained a warm and respectful presence throughout their visit. While the occasion was private, their gracious demeanour and generosity left a lasting impression. Both our team and surrounding guests deeply appreciated the atmosphere their presence brought. The visit took place during lunch in a calm and elegant setting. Out of respect for Their Highnesses' privacy, we will not be disclosing further details. '
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
Barber says he will stay open after 'hate' attack
The Syrian owner of a County Londonderry barber shop has insisted he will not be put out of business after a weekend attack which police are treating as a hate crime. Mohamad Alaya, owner of Skin Fade Syrian Barber's in Drumahoe, said the shop its windows and front doors were smashed with stones just a week after it opened. "I have been living in Northern Ireland and working for 10 years, but this is the first time something like this has happened to us," Mr Alaya said. Police said the attack happened sometime after 23:00 BST on Saturday. Mr Alaya said the attack on his business would not deter him from working and serving the Waterside community. "We had just opened the shop recently, and we were surprised on Sunday morning when we got a text to say that the windows had been smashed. "Some stones smashed the windows and we phoned the police. "We can't do much about it." Mr Alaya said he had been overwhelmed by the "incredible support" from the Waterside community since the attack. He said local people had rallied around him and his team. "A lot of people from this area came and said they felt sorry for us and said they will support us and help us," he said. "They told us not to give in and people even offered to help clean the shop up and remove the glass. "We just have to continue, fix it now and keep going." Mr Alaya said he and his staff were determined to reopen as soon as possible. "We don't harm anyone; we help this area. We provide a service in this area by cutting people's hair. "Whatever religion, whatever colour of skin, it doesn't matter - everybody needs a haircut. "We will keep going. We will fix the shop. Whatever they did, we will continue."
