Latest news with #KIRSTINBERNABE
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Sing and dance like your K-Pop idol: KCC brings ‘dream school' to Abu Dhabi
8 Aug 2025 00:15 KIRSTIN BERNABE (ABU DHABI)Calling all K-Pop stans in the UAE: Want to train like your BTS bias or perform like a member of Blackpink? This could be your chance. The Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) in the UAE is bringing a K-Pop professional workshop to Abu Dhabi – the first in the region. KCC has teamed up with Dong-Ah Institute of Media and Arts (DIMA) – a top-tier institution known for producing world-class K-Pop talent – so you can be sure this 'training' is the real from August 20 to 22, the 'Kpop Academy X DIMA Dream School' promises a unique opportunity that will immerse participants in Korea's dynamic music workshop will be conducted in mixed-gender classes with age-specific sessions for youth, adults, and children. It will be held at Dee Studio, Abu Dhabi. The programme includes K-Pop Dance, Vocal, and Video Production Classes. And the best part? It is free of charge. Take note, however, that this is open only to non-Korean participants. Those interested can sign up throughhttps:// Here's the class schedule and a glimpse of what to expect from 'Kpop Academy X DIMA Dream School': August 20 Group: Youth 1pm-3pm: Dance class (HUNTR/X – 'GOLDEN' and BTS – 'I NEED YOU')3pm to 4:30pm: Vocal class (HUNTR/X – 'TAKE DOWN' and BTS – 'I NEED YOU') August 21 Group: Adults 1pm-3pm: Dance class (BLACKPINK – 'JUMP')3pm to 4:30pm: Vocal class (BTS – 'Life Goes On') August 22 Group: Children 1pm-3pm: Dance class (SAJA Boys – 'SODAPOP' and NewJeans – 'Super Shy')3pm to 4:30pm: Video Production K-Pop Academy 2025 Besides the 'Dream School' sessions, KCC is also hosting a regular course under its K-Pop Academy 2025 initiative, which started on July 27 and runs until August 22. Here, participants get to learn the choreography for two full K-Pop songs, guided by professional instructors from Korea. KCC recently opened additional slots only for females aged 14 and above. Here's a reminder from the centre, though: 'This is an official KCC course. No-shows may affect your eligibility for future KCC events and programmes. Only register if you can attend all sessions.'Classes are on Monday and Wednesday (6pm-8pm); Tuesday and Thursday (6pm-8pm); and Sunday (2pm-4pm). Those who wish to sign up for the regular course under K-Pop Academy can go to this link:
Al Etihad
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Al Etihad
Al Wahda Mall to operate ticketless paid parking system from next week; here's how it works
KIRSTIN BERNABE (ABU DHABI) Al Wahda Mall will start operating its new ticketless parking system by next week, the shopping centre's management told Aletihad on Tuesday. Shoppers were accustomed to getting paper parking tickets from machines upon entry, paying at kiosks inside the mall, and then reinserting the validated ticket at the exit point. However, this process has been temporarily suspended as Al Wahda Mall upgrades its parking facility into a smart, environment-friendly system that won't require tickets or barriers. Mayank Pal, General Manager of Al Wahda Mall, confirmed to Aletihad that they would start using an AI-powered park-and-go system 'around next week'. Equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, the system scans vehicles' licence plates at entry and exit, calculating parking duration to determine fees. The vehicle number then serves as identification, replacing the old paper ticket format, said Sooraj Kp, Deputy General Manager at Al Wahda Mall. Visitors can pay using a mobile application or by scanning a QR code displayed on signboards around the mall. Pay stations have also been installed, allowing motorists to view and settle parking fees simply by entering their vehicles' plate number. Both cash and card payments are accepted. Additionally, mall staff will be present in the parking area to assist drivers and facilitate transactions. Al Wahda Mall is one of two popular Abu Dhabi shopping centres set to implement a smart parking management system in the coming days. Dalma Mall will begin operating its Parkonic facility from July 25, as reported by Aletihad. With the new system, Al Wahda Mall seeks to ease traffic movement at its parking lots, Pal said. 'We are looking to have seamless entry and exit for our visitors and this new technology will be able to prevent delay, particularly at entry and exit points.' The mall clarified that parking charges will remain unchanged. From 8am to 10am, the fee is Dh10 per hour. After 10am, parking is free for the first three hours; charges then apply as follows: Dh10 for three to four hours; Dh20 for four to five; Dh30 for five to six; Dh50 for six to seven; and Dh100 for over seven hours. Shoppers can have their fees waived or receive additional free hours through parking validation, with no minimum spend required. To do so, visit the customer care kiosk at the mall or inside LuLu Hypermarket, present the receipt, and provide the vehicle plate number.
Al Etihad
21-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Dalma Mall to implement paid parking system from July 25
22 July 2025 00:10 KIRSTIN BERNABE (ABU DHABI) Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi will start charging parking fees 'no earlier than July 25', the shopping centre has confirmed to Aletihad . Parking will be free for the first three hours and Dh10 for every additional hour. Those watching a movie are eligible for an additional free hour upon validation of their cinema tickets via the web charges will apply on Saturdays, Sunday and public holidays; but the system will be operational 24/7 on all other mall has partnered with Parkonic and Salik to implement a smart, ticketless parking management system featuring Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.'ANPR scans your vehicle's licence plate on entry and exit, calculating parking duration accurately and minimising wait times,' the mall said in a statement. Parking Payment GuideThere are multiple ways to pay the mall's parking fees - through the Parkonic portal or via Salik, the road toll operator in Dubai. 'The Parkonic app allows motorists to register their vehicle, top up their wallet, find available parking spaces before arrival, manage their account, and settle payments easily,' the mall can either pay via the app or by scanning a QR code displayed at the mall. App users have the option to load up an e-wallet, from which charges are automatically deducted.'If a customer settles their parking fee before exiting … the parking session will automatically close upon departure,' the mall no payment is made in advance, however, the parking fee will be deducted directly from the visitor's Salik wallet upon exit.'If the linked Salik wallet has insufficient funds, the motorist will have a five-day grace period to top up and clear the dues.'Asked how pending payments are tracked and charged, the mall said: 'This would work (in the same way) as the Salik notifications when one visits or crosses Salik gates to go to Dubai. Customers get notified that [they have] crossed a Salik.'For Dalma Mall, introducing paid parking is part of enhancing the overall customer experience.'Over time, complimentary parking has often been misused by non-shoppers and long-term parkers, leading to congestion, reduced availability, and inconvenience for our valued customers,' it said. 'By implementing a smart, fair paid parking system, we are safeguarding convenient, secure and reliable parking for genuine shoppers and visitors.' Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi brings community together in safe, enjoyable summer season
15 July 2025 01:21 KIRSTIN BERNABE (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi authorities are stepping up community initiatives this summer, prioritising public health and safety while helping families turn children's school holiday into quality time and learning the spirit of Year of Community, local government entities are running a range of awareness and outreach campaigns for various segments, from motorists and workers to students and business Dhabi Police and the emirate's Civil Defence are on top of a broad safety campaign covering roads and homes, reminding residents of preventive measures for a 'safe and incident-free' summer. Motorists are urged to keep their vehicles in check, particularly their tyres, to avoid accidents on the road. The risk of tyre blowouts increases during summer as higher temperatures raise the internal air pressure and place additional stress on the tyre rubber, potentially compromising its condition, according to experts. The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) recently launched a field campaign to educate truck drivers on the importance of regular vehicle inspections, especially amid the summer heat. In a video shared on social media, teams from the authority can be seen stopping heavy vehicles, engaging with drivers about precautions, and conducting thorough inspections, focusing particularly on tyre condition. Home SafetyAt home, families are advised to inspect their fire alarms, appliances and electrical outlets and make sure these are in good condition. The Abu Dhabi Police have also reminded residents to avoid 'leaving smartphone chargers plugged in' and ensure water heaters are well maintained. In another awareness campaign, the Department of Energy (DoE) is focusing on the safe and responsible use of electricity and gas cylinders, 'particularly during the summer, when high temperatures lead to increased reliance on electrical power'.The DoE recently released some guidelines on gas safety for both residences and commercial establishments. 'With rising temperatures during the summer, please ensure that gas cylinders are stored in safe and suitable locations,' it said in a social media post. Cylinders must not be exposed to direct sunlight or any sources of flame, nor should they be stored inside vehicles or enclosed spaces, it added. The authority enumerated other measures: Gas connections should be checked for leaks using water and soap, in addition to installing detectors. In case of a leak, the valve must be closed and the windows opened immediately; then emergency numbers should be dialled without delay. The gas valve must be closed after every use, especially before going to sleep or leaving the house. All household members, including children and domestic helpers, must be aware of basic safety pratices, the DoE added. Supporting Workers Workers' welfare is another priority for UAE authorities. Besides the annual Mid-day Break initiative, which prohibits any outdoor work from 12:30pm to 3pm every day until September 15, various entities are going the extra mile. The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), represented by Abu Dhabi City Municipality, recently visited labour groups in Al Wathba and distributed cold beverages and gifts. For delivery service workers across the UAE, air-conditioned rest stations have been set up, allowing them to cool down and take a break in between orders. Leisure and Family Time Beyond ensuring that the safety aspects are covered, Abu Dhabi's government entities also recognise that this season is a time of fun and family bonding for schoolchildren on their academic Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) offers diverse learning opportunities for students across the emirate, from sports activities and arts workshops to cooking classes and AI bootcamps. Dozens of programmes have been developed in collaboration with leading organisations, ADEK said in a previous report. At parks, fountains have come up, too, as part of the municipality's efforts to spread 'summer joy'. The splash pads are activated from 5pm to 11pm in five areas: Al Shamkha Square and Al Khatim, Al Barjeel, Al Bayraq and Al Fanous Parks. Those who love the sea can go swimming under the stars at the emirate's first night beach. Earlier this month, Hudayriat Island's Marsana East Beach opened for night swimmers and will operate until September 30. From Monday to Thursday, visitors can swim from sunset until 10pm, with tickets priced at Dh50 for those aged 12 and above, and Dh25 for children aged six to 11. Year of Community Continue full coverage
Al Etihad
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Move over, pistachio kunafa: ‘Abu Dhabi Chocolate' is coming soon, says chef behind viral flavour
8 July 2025 00:14 KIRSTIN BERNABE (ABU DHABI)It's been a long time coming: Abu Dhabi is finally getting its own chocolate — one moulded in its own story, one that 'truly reflects its soul'. That's the promise of Nouel Catis, the chef who developed the recipe of the viral pistachio kunafa an interview with Aletihad, Catis confirmed that 'Abu Dhabi Chocolate' will be launched in two months. While he kept the flavour profile a secret, the chef described the upcoming release as a product 'that the city truly deserves'.Having lived in Abu Dhabi for seven years, Catis holds the capital close to his heart. The Filipino expat served as an inflight chef for the UAE's flagship carrier Etihad Airways for half a decade, before launching his own culinary consulting company in 2018.'I'm drawing from those memories to craft a chocolate that truly reflects the soul of Abu Dhabi and puts it on the global chocolate map,' he told Aletihad. Distinctly Local Flavours Looking back on the collaborative brainstorming session that led to the creation of 'Dubai Chocolate', it was Catis who selected what he believed was 'the right combination of ingredients to evoke a sense of nostalgia'.'If anything, I was the chef who created the original formulation — one that became the foundation for what would later evolve into the now-famous pistachio kunafa chocolate.'In Abu Dhabi, Catis sees a vibrant community of food lovers, especially among Emiratis. He has observed a growing interest in build-your-own desserts and a love for matcha, the popular Japanese green tea powder now used to flavour all things aside from the usual the hype, however, Catis believes Abu Dhabi has many distinctly local flavours that could play a key role in upcoming food trends.'Aseeda remains a cherished dessert, along with traditional Emirati flavours like saffron, cardamom, and other warm spices,' he said. 'I believe these ingredients will continue to evolve, being reimagined and paired with more contemporary flavour profiles to keep them exciting and relevant for the next generation of food lovers.' Pistachio Kunafa Wasn't the First Catis has been living in the UAE since 2009, following a previous post in Jordan. What many may not know is that pistachio kunafa wasn't the first viral Middle Eastern dessert that he had conceptualised. He was also behind the popular 'Baby Dynamite', for which he delivered a TEDx Talk in now has two brands under his name: SNA'AP Chocolate, known for its enhanced version of 'Dubai Chocolate', and The Sweet Life, the region's first build-your-own dessert concept. Abu Dhabi Chocolate will be launched under SNA'AP. 'Abu Dhabi is ready for its own culinary story to be told through chocolate,' he said — and soon, that story will be unwrapped.
