Latest news with #Ishtar
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Between freedom and restrictions, Syrians navigate new reality
Syrian singer Ishtar halted concerts when Islamist-led forces seized power nearly six months ago. She's now back on stage, but lingering fears have reshaped Damascus's nightlife scene. Performing an international repertoire to a packed venue in the capital's Old City, she told AFP that "some bars and restaurants were closed and others had problems with licences... but thank God, today we have started to work again." Since longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad was overthrown on December 8, Syria's new Islamist authorities have not officially imposed restrictions on public behaviour, but some incidents -- mostly described as acts by "individual" perpetrators -- have sparked worry about personal freedoms. Ishtar, 26, said that after Assad's ouster "we stopped all our activities -- we became afraid of singing openly anywhere". Since then, however, locals and foreigners have crowded into cafes, restaurants and bars in the capital, discussing political and individual freedoms as well as issues once considered taboo like the fate of missing people and the deposed government's notorious prisons. But recent weeks saw two attacks on nightclubs, one of them deadly. Authorities said they had arrested those involved in one of them. The international community has urged the new authorities to respect personal freedoms, protect minorities and involve all components of Syrian society, including women, in the country's delicate transition. Facing criticism, the authorities have sought to present a flexible and open model of governance. - Uncertainty - "We don't want division or for society to be split between those who want (diversity) and those who oppose it," said Ishtar, who studied opera and blends musical styles during her performances. Pensioner Rima Shashati, who was among those in the audience, expressed optimism. The negative incidents that took place have "generally been individual acts", she said, but after long years of war, "we need to join together and love each other". At times, young men have chanted religious slogans outside bars serving alcohol in Damascus's Old City or called for their closure, according to video footage. Security forces have raided and closed some bars for not possessing a valid alcohol licence despite them having been open for years, sparking concern among employees and patrons. One bar owner said the Assad government "would close unlicenced bars then let them reopen after they paid fines or bribes". "Now, it seems they will be closed permanently," he told AFP, requesting anonymity due to security concerns. Alongside other licenced venues around him, he said he welcomed customers until late. Security patrols routinely pass by the area without any problems. In a sign of the tensions, some social media users have lashed out at girls wearing swimsuits or dancing. Videos showing female university students wearing a face-covering niqab and rumours claiming the prohibition of gender-mixing in buses have caused heavy controversy. - 'Still on the path' - AFP reporters did not observe gender segregation on buses at a major station in Damascus. However, a traveller from Damascus to the north of the country said that a driver had asked her to sit far from her male friend in case the bus was stopped at a security checkpoint. Vehicles blasting Islamic messages have been seen driving slowly around the streets of Damascus. At an exhibition of anti-Assad posters from the early days of the country's civil war, at a Damascus train station, 29-year-old Abdel Rahman Lahham told AFP he had been stopped by a man in military uniform for wearing shorts. "He told me, 'Do you know that your outfit is haram?'," or forbidden on religious grounds, Lahham said. When swimming pools reopened this month for the summer season, some kept their regular dress codes and allowed mixed attendance, while others have been hesitant. A hotel whose pool used to be open to the public is now only for guests. One large hotel has restricted the service of alcohol to private rooms after previously offering it at the restaurant, guests told AFP. Majed al-Naasan, 33, who returned to Damascus in February after a decade in Austria, said "there is concern, but it's not just linked to the government", but to the fact that "we are still on the path to stabilising security". "There is worry in Damascus, but there is also the will to live," said Naasan, who organises cultural events. lar/lg/nad/ami/cms
France 24
6 days ago
- General
- France 24
Between freedom and restrictions, Syrians navigate new reality
Performing an international repertoire to a packed venue in the capital's Old City, she told AFP that "some bars and restaurants were closed and others had problems with licences... but thank God, today we have started to work again." Since longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad was overthrown on December 8, Syria's new Islamist authorities have not officially imposed restrictions on public behaviour, but some incidents -- mostly described as acts by "individual" perpetrators -- have sparked worry about personal freedoms. Ishtar, 26, said that after Assad's ouster "we stopped all our activities -- we became afraid of singing openly anywhere". Since then, however, locals and foreigners have crowded into cafes, restaurants and bars in the capital, discussing political and individual freedoms as well as issues once considered taboo like the fate of missing people and the deposed government's notorious prisons. But recent weeks saw two attacks on nightclubs, one of them deadly. Authorities said they had arrested those involved in one of them. The international community has urged the new authorities to respect personal freedoms, protect minorities and involve all components of Syrian society, including women, in the country's delicate transition. Facing criticism, the authorities have sought to present a flexible and open model of governance. Uncertainty "We don't want division or for society to be split between those who want (diversity) and those who oppose it," said Ishtar, who studied opera and blends musical styles during her performances. Pensioner Rima Shashati, who was among those in the audience, expressed optimism. The negative incidents that took place have "generally been individual acts", she said, but after long years of war, "we need to join together and love each other". At times, young men have chanted religious slogans outside bars serving alcohol in Damascus's Old City or called for their closure, according to video footage. Security forces have raided and closed some bars for not possessing a valid alcohol licence despite them having been open for years, sparking concern among employees and patrons. One bar owner said the Assad government "would close unlicenced bars then let them reopen after they paid fines or bribes". "Now, it seems they will be closed permanently," he told AFP, requesting anonymity due to security concerns. Alongside other licenced venues around him, he said he welcomed customers until late. Security patrols routinely pass by the area without any problems. In a sign of the tensions, some social media users have lashed out at girls wearing swimsuits or dancing. Videos showing female university students wearing a face-covering niqab and rumours claiming the prohibition of gender-mixing in buses have caused heavy controversy. 'Still on the path' AFP reporters did not observe gender segregation on buses at a major station in Damascus. However, a traveller from Damascus to the north of the country said that a driver had asked her to sit far from her male friend in case the bus was stopped at a security checkpoint. Vehicles blasting Islamic messages have been seen driving slowly around the streets of Damascus. At an exhibition of anti-Assad posters from the early days of the country's civil war, at a Damascus train station, 29-year-old Abdel Rahman Lahham told AFP he had been stopped by a man in military uniform for wearing shorts. "He told me, 'Do you know that your outfit is haram?'," or forbidden on religious grounds, Lahham said. When swimming pools reopened this month for the summer season, some kept their regular dress codes and allowed mixed attendance, while others have been hesitant. A hotel whose pool used to be open to the public is now only for guests. One large hotel has restricted the service of alcohol to private rooms after previously offering it at the restaurant, guests told AFP. Majed al-Naasan, 33, who returned to Damascus in February after a decade in Austria, said "there is concern, but it's not just linked to the government", but to the fact that "we are still on the path to stabilising security". "There is worry in Damascus, but there is also the will to live," said Naasan, who organises cultural events.
Mid East Info
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
CITY-WIDE MAMMA MIA!-INSPIRED ACTIVATIONS CELEBRATING THE ARRIVAL OF THE ICONIC MUSICAL NEXT MONTH - Middle East Business News and Information
Featuring Mamma Mia-themed brunches, fitness classes, ladies nights, quiz nights, art sessions, and more! Abu Dhabi, UAE – Get ready to immerse yourself in the joy, energy, and music of MAMMA MIA! The Musical, as we bring city-wide, Mamma Mia-inspired activations to both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, in celebration of the beloved musical arriving at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, in one month, from 11-22 June 2025 . From themed brunches and quiz nights to fitness classes and glam packages, these activations will immerse fans across the UAE in the spirit of MAMMA MIA! and set the vibe for one of the most joyful musicals in the world. The vibrant mix of activities will also feature exclusive discounts, giveaways, and of course, plenty of ABBA music to keep the good vibes flowing! Here's a breakdown of the confirmed activations: CRANK: Mamma Mia-themed Spin Classes – Abu Dhabi & Dubai MAMMA MIA!-themed Spin classes with ABBA hits to get your heart pumping and your feet moving! Locations & Date : Dubai: Friday 16 May, 1:30 PM with Dan & Carissa Abu Dhabi: Sunday 18 May, 11:00 AM with Erin Russell Offers : Exclusive giveaways to lucky participants 10% off Mamma Mia tickets Fahid Beach Club by Barbossa: Mamma Mia-themed Sunset Session – Abu Dhabi MAMMA MIA Sunset Session at Abu Dhabi's vibrant beachside destination with upbeat ABBA tracks. Date : Saturday, 17 May Offers : 20% discount on F&B packages for all MAMMA MIA! ticket holders Cafe Del Mar: Mamma Mia-themed Week – Abu Dhabi MAMMA MIA!-themed Week at Cafe Del Mar featuring Ladies Day, Rose Day, and Ladies Night with a soundtrack of ABBA's top Mamma Mia hits! Dates : 19 May – Ladies Day 20 May – Rose Day 21 May – Ladies Night Offers : 10% off on Mamma Mia tickets Mamma Mia-themed Ladies Nights – Abu Dhabi Ishtar: MAMMA MIA! Ladies night across two days at Ishtar, with fabulous Mamma Mia-themed drinks and cocktails. Date : Offers : Three complimentary MAMMA MIA-themed cocktails for ladies Craft by Side Hustle: MAMMA MIA! Ladies night, where you can dress in Mamma Mia-inspired 80s outfits and dance to themed music featuring ABBA's best Mamma Mia hits! Date : Wednesday, 21st May Offers : Unlimited house drinks for ladies for only AED 99 Tips & Toes Glam Package – Abu Dhabi & Dubai From head to toe, get ready to dazzle with a MAMMA MIA!-inspired glam that includes the ultimate hair and nail services across all Tips & Toes UAE branches. Date : Starting 22 nd May until 11 th June Offers : For AED 585 (originally valued at AED 780), you get: BeautiFile Manicure & Pedicure (the newest, advanced technique) Golden Silk Hair Treatment Blow-Dry S'rr Ocean-Scented Hair Perfume (inspired by MAMMA MIA's coastal energy) Lush'd Lip Glaze (freshly launched retail addition and inspired by the natural makeup of MAMMA MIA) Mamma Mia ticket giveaways 10% off on Mamma Mia tickets MAMMA MIA! Inspired Quiz Nights Crafty Fox – Abu Dhabi MAMMA MIA! quiz night at Crafty Fox, where you can test your knowledge of the beloved musical. Date : Thursday, 22nd May Offers : Ticket giveaways for winners The Keg Room – Abu Dhabi Another round of MAMMA MIA! quiz night fun, at The Keg Room, where you can test your trivia skills. Date : Wednesday, 4th June Offers : Ticket giveaways for winners Barbossa Brunch – Abu Dhabi MAMMA MIA!-themed brunch at the lively Barbossa with delicious food and drinks, featuring ABBA hits. Date : 31st May Offer : 10% discount on Mamma Mia tickets Design & Dine x Hawksbill, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club – Abu Dhabi MAMMA MIA!-themed art night at Saadiyat Beach Club, where participants can bring out their artistic side and create MAMMA MIA!-inspired masterpieces, while enjoying delicious bites and ABBA-inspired drinks. Date : 31st May Offers : 10% off on Mamma Mia tickets 10% of Design and Dine package for MAMMA MIA ticket holders Tickets to the musical are available today via and with prices starting from AED 125 (weekday shows). Notes to Editor MAMMA MIA! The Musical Dates: June 11–22, 2025 Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi About Proactiv Entertainment Proactiv Entertainment is a global promoter and producer of large-scale shows, international exhibitions and music concerts. With headquarters in Barcelona, and offices in Madrid and Abu Dhabi, Proactiv Entertainment has more than thirty years of experience in the entertainment sector. Our projects include internationally recognized shows such as Broadway's The Lion King, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Star Wars in Concert, Marvel Universe Live, Peppa Pig's Adventure, Harlem Globetrotters, WWE, Monster Jam and successful exhibitions like FC Barcelona The Exhibition and Meet Vincent Van Gogh. Moreover, Proactiv Entertainment also has a long tradition in music having collaborated with artists like Andrea Bocelli, Maluma or Enrique Iglesias. As the company grew, an international expansion began first in the Middle East, and later into North and South America and the rest of Europe, where we have organized and produced original shows for a wide variety of audiences. For all media inquiries, contact: Rojina Al Shehazeh | Stephanie Dafeta | Tala Labadi Email: proactiv@
