Latest news with #KUUMARSHYAM
Al Etihad
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
‘War 2' showcases Abu Dhabi in trailer ahead of release
31 July 2025 23:54 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)The temperatures just soared in Abu Dhabi, UAE and all over India with the release of the trailer for 'War 2,' the most anticipated blockbuster this year from latest offering from the Yash Raj Films (YRF) spy universe has given fans a thrilling preview of the action-packed sequel – and prominently features Abu Dhabi as a backdrop for its high-octane UAE capital is showcased in sweeping shots of Yas Island and the Corniche, with turquoise waters and sleek urban landscapes adding cinematic in the city spanned more than 11 days, with many of the trailer's standout action sequences shot across these scenic with stylised stunt work, dramatic chases, and a pulsating score, 'War 2' aims to be the most ambitious title yet in YRF's interconnected spy saga. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film brings together Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan, reprising his role as Agent Kabir, and Telugu cinema heavyweight NTR Jr as Agent Vikram – both marking their 25th year in the film Dhabi's Creative Media Authority (CMA) and Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) supported the production, making this the third collaboration with Yash Raj Films following 'Tiger Zinda Hai' and 'Bunty Aur Babli 2.' 'War 2' is also the 14th Indian production to film in the emirate, reflecting its growing popularity as a location for large-scale South Asian Roshan and NTR Jr, the film also stars Kiara Advani and is set to release globally on August 14 in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu languages. It is one of 180 major productions supported under the rebate initiative of on the production, Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of the CMA, said, 'India's film industry remains at the forefront of partnerships we are establishing ... brings incredible talent into our nation to see all that Abu Dhabi has to offer in terms of variety of location, established industry talent, experienced and supportive film commission and financial assistance.' While informing that a local crew along with three interns benefitted from the project, Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of ADFC, added, 'The countdown to what promises to be an electrifying follow-up to War has begun. We look forward to seeing Abu Dhabi on the big screens across the world and also feel immense pride at our wide-ranging efforts, which have established Abu Dhabi as a home for Indian cinema.'
Al Etihad
08-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Tom Moody sees growth and ambition for Desert Vipers and UAE cricket
9 July 2025 00:50 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)Desert Vipers coach Tom Moody is optimistic about both his team's trajectory in the International League T20 (ILT20) and the wider development of UAE cricket, citing progress in player maturity, strong franchise stability and a consistent upward guided the Vipers to two finals in the three seasons of the UAE's flagship franchise cricket tournament, the veteran Australian coach also conceded that the franchise has done everything and yet, fell short of winning the title.'We had the opportunity to reflect on what we've done well. And there are a lot of things that we've done well. You don't reach two finals in three years without getting a lot of things right,' Moody said.'As we look to continue to evolve and grow as a franchise, that's exactly what we're intending to do in Season 4 and beyond – evolve both on and off the field.'This season the league has advanced as it vies for better positioning in a crowded cricket calendar and the T20 World Cup happening next year in India in that time frame. A few more tweaks are also being introduced for ILT20 4.A strong proponent of the ILT20, Moody said. 'The ILT20 as a whole has got a big advantage that it is contained in one geographical spot. So when it comes to logistics, travel, training and recovery – all those types of things – we're pretty central. Our circus is very much contained, and that's a huge plus for a positive environment. A lot of players and coaches like the consistency of that.'All six participating franchises have announced a few players they would retain, and Vipers, known for including a quartet of Pakistani players last season as the only franchise to sign the countrymen, have not yet expressed intention to retain any of them early rest of the five franchises have Indian owners and so Vipers remain the only avenue for players from Pakistan and Bangladesh. To a question from Aletihad on the luxury of exclusivity on such player options, Moody, chose to play with a straight bat.'Everyone's got the opportunity to pick from the global cricketing pool,' he said. 'We have enjoyed the relationships we've had with a few Pakistan players over the last couple of years. We pick what we feel is the most fitting players and skill sets that we need for our squad.'Moody did take note of the development in UAE's local talent. 'The exposure that the UAE players have got from the beginning to this point now, we've seen a huge uptick not only in skill improvement but also in performing under pressure,' he said.'There is improvement, both mentally and technically. And I'm sure that this upward curve is only going to continue... patience is required,' Moody said. 'We've only really seen the rise of UAE cricket over recent years. What we're seeing is significant growth and players continuing to develop with exposure, particularly through the ILT20 and the various development tournaments.'For UAE cricket to take the next leap, Moody believes consistent performances from the national side players in the ILT20 will in due course attract attention on the world stage. 'Once the consistency of performances in existing tournaments is there, naturally the opportunities will continue to be given to the UAE to take that next step up.'On action elsewhere, Moody last week questioned India's chances in the second Test against England, which India won, thanks to Shubhman Gill's team having more all-rounders than specialist batsmen. Comparing the argument with the demand for all-rounders in T20 leagues, Moody said: 'In Tests, you're dealing with ever-changing conditions, over five days of cricket. And you want more specialists in those positions, whereas in T20 cricket, having the depth is an option that provides you with the opportunity to pivot a lot quicker in the shorter format.' Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
ADNOC Pro League: Top teams get easy openings after draw
7 July 2025 00:15 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)The upcoming ADNOC Pro League season promises to be a thrilling campaign right from the early weeks, thanks to the continued use of artificial intelligence to craft competitive and balanced fixture schedules of premier competitions in the UAE.A draw ceremony at the ADNOC headquarters in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, witnessed by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, kickstarted the domestic the fifth consecutive year, the UAE Pro League has employed a smart electronic draw system, designed to maximise high-profile matchups and ensure fairness across the board. Yet, coincidentally, the top legacy teams in the league, such as Al Ain, Al Jazira, Al Wahda, Shabab Al Ahli, Al Wasl and Sharjah have got easy fixture-ranking clashes lined up for the first match would all be expected to hit the ground running before the schedule parity balances AI to model scheduling similar to Europe's top leagues – such as the Premier League and Serie A – the draw ensures no more than two matches take place in the same city each week and considers external commitments, home-and-away balance, and traditional result: a fixture list geared toward fan engagement and fierce the opening round avoids marquee clashes, things heat up quickly from the second. That round will see Shabab Al Ahli meet Al Wahda in a high-stakes encounter, while Sharjah take on Al Jazira, both matchups likely to influence the early title 3 continues the intensity as Al Wasl face Al Ain, two sides eyeing silverware, while Al Jazira go head-to-head with Al Nasr in a classic capital vs Dubai showdown. Drama follows Al Nasr as they take on fellow Dubai rivals Shabab Al calendar hits a major peak for the fifth match day for the top teams, featuring: Shabab Al Ahli vs Al Ain, the Abu Dhabi derby between Jazira and Al Wahda, Al Wasl vs week's highlight will be the Dubai derby between Al Wasl and Al Nasr, ensuring a charged atmosphere for supporters across the second half of the season maintains the excitement, kicking off with intriguing fixtures including Ajman vs Shabab Al Ahli, Al Bataeh vs Al Jazira, and Al Wasl vs Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) Cup also sees several compelling potential matchups. Al Nasr will meet Al Bataeh, with the winner to face Shabab Al Ahli. Sharjah clash with Dibba, and may face Al Ain if the latter beat champions Al Jazira await the winner of Al Wasl vs Al Dhafra, while Al Wahda face Ajman, with the victors taking on Baniyas or Khorfakkan. The draw for the sixth season of the eUAE Pro League Championship was also drawn, with teams slotted into two Al Bataeh, Sharjah, Kalba, Ajman, Dibba, Al Jazira have been put in Group A, while the other one has Khorfakkan, Al Wasl, Al Ain, Al Wahda, Shabab Al Ahli, Al Nasr, Al Dhafra. The draw event brought together a host of dignitaries besides Al Jaber and Abdulla Al Jneibi, Chairman of the UAE Pro League. The use of AI and adherence to international best practices reflects the League's long-term vision under its 2020–2030 strategy, aligning with the UAE Government's AI Strategy 2031. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
UAE youth players gearing up in Thailand for IMMAF World Championships
7 July 2025 00:15 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)The UAE Youth Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) team is undergoing intensive training in Phuket, Thailand, as part of its final preparations for the 2025 IMMAF Youth World camp, which runs until July 19, aims to sharpen the skills of the young athletes ahead of the global competition taking place in Al Ain from July 21 to coaching staff has selected 20 athletes to take part in the camp, representing three youth age categories: Youth C (12–13 years), Youth B (14–15 years), and Youth A (16–17 years). Under the supervision of the coaching and administrative teams, the programme focuses on boosting physical fitness and refining technical and tactical abilities to ensure full readiness for the Al Menhali, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation's technical director, said the training camp in Thailand has created the right conditions for the team to stay focused and keep improving. He praised the athletes for their strong attitude and consistent discipline."The camp in Thailand is an important step in our preparation. We've seen clear progress in the athletes' performance, which shows how committed they are to representing the UAE in the best possible way at this major event," he Zafiropoylos Apostolos added that the programme includes high-intensity sessions that closely mimic real competition scenarios, along with tactical drills designed to enhance decision-making under pressure. He also noted the personalised training approach and the team's strong sense of unity and cohesion. The camp forms part of the national federation's broader strategy to continue its illustrious record of sporting achievements, elevate the nation's international rankings, and position the UAE as a leader in the global MMA landscape. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Dubai club coach attends pre-season meet of EuroLeague Basketball
2 July 2025 22:59 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)As Dubai Basketball club prepares for a historic foray into EuroLeague Basketball, coach Jurica Golemac got to rub shoulders with his counterparts to prime up before their teams commence their rivalries on the second-most popular league in basketball held its annual workshops in Barcelona, with coaches gathering to continue the collaboration, open dialogue, and future-focused planning with the league's most influential three teams added and one team dropped for the upcoming season, the rookie representatives at the gathering, including Golemac, shared their excitement at being part of the new environment. 'The EuroLeague is the best competition in Europe and everybody wants to be a part of it,' Golemac said. 'It's very important to have these meetings, even more than once a year. It helps the organisation, the players, the referees and the coaches. And the fans!'The workshop was opened by Euroleague Basketball President Dejan Bodiroga, who reflected on a remarkable 2024–25 season and thanked the coaches for their contributions to the continued growth of the competition.'I would like to congratulate everyone for the amazing season that we finished, also to the teams who qualified for the Final Four [held in Abu Dhabi in May], especially to Sarunas [Jasikevicius] and his season winners, Fenerbahce,' stated Dejan were outlined the organisation's strategic vision moving forward on sustainable growth, product quality, and deeper engagement with fans across digital platforms. 'Once again, we have taken the EuroLeague a step forward, celebrating record attendance, television and digital audience with an outstanding Final Four in Abu Dhabi, showing once again the Euroleague's tremendous potential to grow beyond its traditional markets,' stated Paulius Motiejunas, Euroleague Basketball CEO.
