Latest news with #ArabChamberof
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Growing Arab community in Rockford attracts new businesses and families
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Hussain Adbul, who owns , 753 Highgrove Place at Perryville Crossings, said he had a desire to share his Yemeni culture with the Rockford community while connecting to a growing Arab population in the Forest City. 'I have noticed recently that there is people moving here from other cities, such as Chicago, that find that the values for the Arab community in this area has been expanding. You know, I'm from the area and kind of witnessing and seeing it in person. Every year, we're constantly seeing growth,' Abdul said. Mustafa Abdall, President of the Greater Rockford Arab Chamber of Commerce, said there are more Arab-American owned-businesses coming soon, like the recently announced , or the grocery store and townhouse behind Forest Plaza, on South Mulford Road. 'I can tell you that we have 300 to 500 families moving to Rockford. All of them are doctors and business owners because of the safe, safe and welcoming community. It is a very successful example, how Rockford forges a very unique, diverse city,' Abdall said. With Arab-American Heritage Month in full swing, the Arab Chamber says it wants to reach out and showcase its culture. 'I feel like my community [doesn't] know a lot about Arab culture. They might see these [anti-Israel] protests going around, and they just see like, maybe that's the only things that stick to their mind about my community, unfortunately,' Abdul said. 'But there's a lot more interest in my community here. If somebody were to try to put time to tour, learn something new, when you see them coming back, you know that you do something right because they're coming back for that same drink. And I just feel like, I feel like I did something right. You know, it's not often you feel like you do stuff right in life, you know? But this is one of those moments in my life. I feel like I did something right.' The Arab Chamber is also hosting the first ever Arab Heritage Festival on April 26th, at 2510 S. Alpine Road, with food trucks, dancing, and live music. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Khaleej Times
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
This Dubai-based actress is on a mission to connect Brazilian and Emirati cinema
From the vibrant streets of Brazil to the dynamic skyline of Dubai, actress Sabrina Petraglia's journey is more than just a geographical shift—it's a cultural mission to connect her country's cinema with Emiratis. Having moved to the UAE with her family two years ago, she has found herself enamoured with the region, transforming what was meant to be a temporary stay into a deep-rooted passion for showcasing the Emirates through the lens of Brazilian storytelling. Before moving to the UAE, Sabrina, like many others, had preconceived notions about the region. However, experiencing the country firsthand altered her perspective entirely. Now, she is on a mission to bridge the gap between Brazil and the Emirates through cinema. 'Cinema can bridge cultures, and I believe in the power of Brazilian film,' she says in a chat with City Times. 'Connecting Brazil with the UAE through film is something I'm determined to make happen—and as soon as possible.' Brazil's Ainda Estou Aqui (I'm Still Here) won Best International Feature Film at the Oscars. In doing so, it became the first Brazilian film to achieve that feat, proving the country's artistic depth and storytelling prowess. Sabrina, who knows lead actors Selton Mello and Fernanda Torres personally, was thrilled by the recognition. 'Seeing Brazilian cinema gain recognition on this scale strengthens my commitment to cultural exchange and production,' she explains. 'This victory will shift global perceptions of our industry and open many doors for Brazilian talents internationally.' Blending Brazilian and Emirati storytelling Inspired by the landscapes, people, and vibrancy of Dubai, Sabrina has a desire to create; she wants to make the city a character, she says, "showcase its beauty, rhythm, and culture through film. That said, Sabrina is currently working on a Portuguese-language film that will introduce Dubai to a Brazilian audience. 'The Emirates is a place where even the boldest ideas feel possible,' she says. While keeping project details under wraps, she reveals that the script is in its final editing stages and that discussions are underway to begin filming later this year. 'It's something that has never been done before in this country or in Brazil.' Sabrina's first major step in cultural exchange came with the UAE premiere of Mar de Mães (Ocean of Mothers), a Brazilian film centered on motherhood and female solidarity. 'I started with a 60-seat cinema, then 100, then 200, and by the premiere day, over 600 people from diverse backgrounds had signed up to attend,' she revealed, adding that the overwhelming reception proved that Brazilian films resonate with Middle Eastern audiences. With key figures such as Brazilian Ambassador Sidney Romero and Rafael Solimeu from the Arab Chamber of Commerce in attendance, doors opened for future collaborations. Beyond film, Sabrina's work with TV Globo, Latin America's largest entertainment network, has further connected Brazil and Dubai. When she joined Família É Tudo, she persuaded the writer to incorporate Dubai into the storyline, leading to a landmark moment where scenes were filmed at Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future. 'It was a way to showcase Dubai to millions of Brazilian viewers,' she says. 'And it worked beautifully.' The UAE's influence on her vision Sabrina is deeply inspired by the UAE's ethos—its discipline, ambition, and collective vision. 'The philosophy here is that nothing is impossible. That energy is real,' she shares. 'It makes you want to value your own work even more.' Her goal is to merge Brazilian creativity with the structure and scale of Emirati productions, setting the stage for unprecedented collaborations between the two cultures. Sabrina's next step is to bring an entire Brazilian film crew to the UAE for her latest project. But she isn't just focusing on acting—she is stepping into the role of producer, aiming to be the bridge between the two countries. She wants audiences to immerse themselves in her productions, she says, "to experience the Middle East through our eyes, and to see our talent working on Arab soil.' And while every actor dreams of walking the Oscars red carpet, Sabrina's aspirations go beyond personal accolades. 'I want to see multiple Brazilian and Middle Eastern films at the Oscars,' she says. 'I believe in unity, in bringing different worlds together—yes, I dream big!'
