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What's On
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
GTA 6 is costing more to make than Dubai's iconic Burj Khalifa
Move over Burj Khalifa, the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI(6) is reportedly eclipsing even Dubai's architectural icon in cost. Rumors suggest its budget could reach $2 billion, compared with the $1.5 billion spent building the world's tallest skyscraper. That investment is mind-blowing considering Burj Khalifa was built over six years, whereas GTA 6 is entering its seventh year of development, and nearly 13 years if you include preliminary work . The game is currently slated for release in May 2026, following several delays. Why so expensive? According to Gulf News, despite Rockstar Games not officially confirming the figure, experts believe it includes not only development costs—software engineers, writers, voice actors, AI programmers—but also a global marketing blitz and planned post-launch content like DLCs and microtransactions. A Reddit breakdown helps illustrate: with tens of thousands of hours of professional labor, high-tech assets and overheads, the project's scale rivals blockbuster Hollywood movies, and then some . Previous Rockstar titles like GTA V reportedly recouped costs within days of launch, GTA 5 made $1 billion in three days in 2013, so high spending may well be justifiable. Returns and industry impact Analysts predict GTA 6 could generate over $7 billion in revenue within 60 days, with pre‑orders alone hitting $1 billion and annual earnings exceeding $3 billion—making it one of the most profitable entertainment products ever . Beyond its financial footprint, the comparison with Burj Khalifa highlights a larger trend: immersive digital worlds are now commanding resources greater than real-world architectural marvels. GTA 6 may be the posterchild of this shift, with its hyper-real open world, cinematic storytelling, and AI-driven NPCs, it's poised to redefine expectations for what games can cost and deliver. Earlier this month, GTA V(5) was approved for use in Saudi Arabia after the the Kingdom's General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM) gave it the greenlight. That means that the game is now cleared for legal sale and play in the country. Previously unavailable through official channels due to its mature themes, GTA V's approval signals a noticeable shift in the Kingdom's approach to gaming regulation. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Gulf Insider
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait Extends Private Driving Licence Validity
Kuwait has extended the validity of private driving licence to 15 years for Kuwaitis and GCC citizens, and five years for expatriate residents, Al Anba Arabic daily reported. Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, issued a ministerial decision extending the validity of driving licence for both citizens, GCC nationals and expatriate residents, marking a significant change to the country's licencing rules. Under the new regulations, the validity of licences for expatriates has been increased to five years, up from three. Licences for Kuwaiti citizens and Gulf nationals will now be valid for 15 years instead of 10. For stateless residents, the licence term will remain tied to the validity of their identification documents. The duration of licences for Kuwaitis had traditionally been 10 years, while for expatriates it was reduced at one point to a single year. Several months ago, Sheikh Fahad Al Sabah extended expatriate licence validity to three years, the new announcement pushes it to five years with immediate effect. Kuwait maintains strict conditions for expatriates seeking a driving licence, including a requirement to hold a university degree. New arrivals are eligible to apply only after residing in the country legally for two years. Source Gulf News
News18
2 days ago
- News18
'Subway On Wheels': Pakistan's Lahore Gets 'South Asia's First' Trackless Rapid Rail
Last Updated: Posting a video on social media, Pakistan Punjab's CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the system is "modern, cost-effective and environment-friendly alternative to conventional transport" What is trackless, environment-friendly, and runs on rubber tyres on roads? It is the new rapid rail in Lahore, which was welcomed by Pakistan Punjab's Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Billed as a 'subway on wheels", this is Pakistan's first trackless and ticketless solar-powered Metro whose country of origin is China. It is part of Punjab's effort to modernise urban transport and a larger plan to deploy this system in 30 cities. Posting a video on social media, Sharif claimed that the rapid rail system is South Asia's first such, and is a 'modern, cost-effective and environment-friendly alternative to conventional transport". 'South Asia's first ART (Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit) has arrived in Lahore. It is track-less, runs on rubber tires & carries 300 passengers. It is a modern, cost-effective & environment-friendly alternative to conventional transport. Test run on canal road soon Insha'Allah!" Sharif posted on X. Watch the video here: This 'track-less" Metro, which will run around on roads, is called the super autonomous rail rapid transit (SRT) and is part of Sharif's newly approved five-year transport masterplan of an automated rapid transport (ART) system in the province. It uses cutting-edge virtual track technology with sensors, GPS, and digital mapping to operate on roads without tracks and is fully electric. According to a report in Gulf News, the SRT system is part of a pilot project for now. Its trial run has begun near Lahore airport, with a controlled corridor selected for early-stage testing, it said. It The report said officials from both Pakistan and China attended the launch. 'This is not just a test drive. This is a test for the future of public transport in Punjab," an official from the provincial transport department was quoted. view comments First Published: July 30, 2025, 16:44 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Once broke and battling arthritis and depression, this 66-year-old Dubai model went on to star with Shah Rukh Khan and Jessica Alba, and his name is…
There was a time when the 60s were regarded as the age bracket best fit for retirement. However, for Puneed Sud, age is just a number, and it simply can't slow him down. At the age of 66, Puneet Sud has transformed himself into a model-actor who is working alongside some of the biggest names of Bollywood and Hollywood - such as Shah Rukh Khan , Jessica Alba , Zach Efron, and Jeremy Irons . From a corporate employee to a glamworld model According to Gulf News, Puneet came to Dubai decades ago with only $ 2 and a dream to make it big in the city. Initially, he sold door-to-door T-shirts and caps, and then in 1991, he joined a news organization. Later, he co-founded a magazine as well. He hates the word retirement, as, according to him, it is for cars that don't run anymore. However, this determination that she showcases together came to him after he fought his toughest battle with a crippling disease. In 2016, he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and Puneet told the news portal that he was on the verge of giving up. 'I had suicidal thoughts. It was dark,' he said. However, the same disease became the catalyst for his reinvention. Puneet recalled a three-second ad shoot that changed his perspective towards life. He shared that he played a very small role in an ad shoot, which he landed because the actor who was supposed to play the grandfather didn't show up. After the shoot, he went home and told his wife, 'Forget the coffee, I'm a star!' Working with the stars Puneet's big break came during COVID. He was seen opposite Jessica Alba and Zac Efron in a Dubai Tourism ad. The actress even told him that he reminded her of her grandfather. 'That broke the ice,' said Puneet. Thereafter, he got a chance to play a cameo in a commercial with Shah Rukh Khan. Though most of his scene was edited out, Puneet recalled his experience with SRK and said, 'The man walked in at 9 pm, fashionably late, but when he enters, time does stop.' And the list doesn't end here.... Puneet got a pivotal role opposite Jeremy Irons in a Hollywood film, and this topped all his previous achievements. 'I auditioned late at night, got the role, and the next thing I knew, I was sitting across from an Academy Award winner. Watching him rehearse was like a masterclass in acting,' said Puneet. This journey was not without rejections; however, he refused to take them as stoping signs. And looking ahead, he is optimistic about further redefining the age norms.
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Pamela Anderson Talks About Playing Femme Fatale In The Naked Gun: 'I Work A Lot On…'
Last Updated: The Naked Gun reboot, starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, hits Indian theatres on August 1, 2025. Anderson reflected on how she prepped for her part. The iconic spoof-comedy The Naked Gun is making a comeback with a fresh reboot, and this time, Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson are taking the lead. Hitting Indian theatres on August 1, 2025, the film blends modern humour with nostalgic callbacks to the beloved original. Anderson spoke about how she prepped for her character. Liam Neeson stars as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., the well-meaning but clumsy son of the original detective, while Pamela Anderson steps into the role of Beth Davenport, a femme fatale with wit and edge — drawing inspiration from Priscilla Presley's iconic character. Anderson revealed that she approached Beth with care and nuance. 'I work a lot on the character before I even get to set. I bring a lot with me and then stay flexible to collaborate with the director," she said, adding that her preparation remains the same whether it's a dramatic film or a high-energy comedy. Her collaboration with director Akiva Schaffer helped shape the character's emotional core. 'Akiva is very scientific with the jokes, but I really wanted to bring honesty, authenticity, and even some vulnerability to the role," she explained. 'It was a true collaboration, and I think there are some very sincere and tender moments you wouldn't typically expect in a film like this." Her co-star Liam Neeson also spoke about their collaboration. He told Gulf News, 'I love the fact that I didn't know Pamela's history. I was aware of Baywatch many years ago. I didn't avidly watch it, but I knew of its popularity. Pamela has a terrific sense of humour. There were no airs and graces, none of that nonsense. She was there to act and to work. She was very available, and I really enjoyed her company. We had a few giggles between takes." Watch the trailer of The Naked Gun here: As the franchise returns to the big screen with a new cast and tone, Pamela Anderson's grounded take on her character might just add a surprising emotional depth to all the laughs. The Naked Gun is directed by Akiva Schaffer (Saturday Night Live, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and from producer Seth MacFarlane (Ted, Family Guy). Joining the cast are Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, with Danny Huston. First Published: July 28, 2025, 19:36 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
