Latest news with #Ramadan
Emirates Woman
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
Sheikh Mohammed's most heartfelt moments over the years
Today, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates turns 76 years old on Tuesday, July 15. Since January 4, 2006, Sheikh Mohammed has turned Dubai into a beacon of hope. Through his profound leadership skills and remarkable feat over the year. He has always been a source of inspiration for many in the UAE and across the globe throughout the years. As the Dubai Ruler marks a milestone, we look back on some of His Highness' special moments over the years. Family man at heart While Sheikh Mohammed is one of the key figureheads of this nation, he's also a family man at heart. Particularly when it comes to spending time with his grandchildren. His Highness is regularly seen doting on his grandchildren. To mark the end of Ramadan, during Eid Al Fitr, this year, the Dubai Ruler was at a family gathering with 23 of his grandchildren in a photo posted by his son. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fazza (@faz3) True people person View this post on Instagram A post shared by Khalifa Saeed (@khalifasaeed) Time and time again the Dubai Ruler has proven he's very in touch with his people. A perfect example of this was when he surprised a group of students at Expo 2020 Dubai earlier this year. In a video shared on Instagram, the group of schoolchildren were lined up posing for a photo, but what they were unaware of was that His Highness was standing right behind them. The footage, shared by Khalifa Saeed on Instagram, showed the children being treated to a royal surprise. His Highness then took the time to have a chat with the students. Changing lives View this post on Instagram A post shared by برق الإمارات (@uae_barq) Being the compassionate individual he is, the Dubai Ruler is always ensuring he helps those who are less fortunate. In February 2021, Sheikh Mohammed pledged Dhs8 million to Massar Mundharr and her daughter who was suffering from a degenerative disease. The little girl needed urgent treatment and was diagnosed with type 2 spinal muscle atrophy. This leads to the motor neuron nerve cells in the brain which enable the body to speak, walk, breathe, talk and more. Mundar and her husband were told by doctors at Al Jalila Hosptial, that His Highness had agreed to cover Laveen's medical costs. When he met his biggest fan Four years ago, in January 2017, the Mohammed bin Rashid Government Excellence Award ceremony. It was held at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented policewoman Halima Al Matroushi the award for Best Administrative Employee. However, chose not to receive the award herself. Instead, she let her mother take her place up on stage. Al Matroushi's mother has always dreamt of meeting Sheikh Mohammed, so when her daughter realised it was a possibility, she gave her the opportunity. Advocating young talent Sheikh Mohammed has consistently championed young talent in the region. In 2020, His Highness sent a heartfelt message to an Emirati student who has graduated from university. The Ruler of Dubai first met student Fatima Ahmad Bin Bakhit Al Nuaimi four years ago, posted the sweet message on Twitter. قبلة على رأس ابنتي في ٢٠١٦ لأنها حازت المركز الأول على مستوى الدولة في تحدي القراءة .. تخرجت أمس من جامعة نيويورك بأبوظبي بتفوق .. مبروك لابنتي فاطمة النعيمي.. الوطن يُزهر بكم .. الوطن ينمو بالقراءة ..الوطن يعلو بالعلم .. — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) May 28, 2020 'I had laid a kiss on my daughter's head in 2016 as she ranked first at the state level in the reading challenge,' His Highness said. 'Yesterday, my daughter Fatima Al Nuaimi graduated from Abu Dhabi New York University with distinction. 'Congratulations. The country flourishes with you, thrives in reading and rises with knowledge.' Along with the message, Sheikh Mohammed shared two photos – one of their first meeting in 2016 and one of Al Nuaimi's recent remote graduation. Looking to space At the start of December 2017, he put the call out for young people who were keen to be the first Emiratis in space. 'The people of the UAE will break new barriers; nothing can stand in the way of those who believe nothing is impossible,' Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Instagram. 'Our ambitious goals are fuelled by dedicated people, who support us until, without hesitation or scepticism, we succeed.' His Highness has gone on to spearhead the UAE making a mark in space, in particular with the Emirates Mars Mission where the Hope Probe entered the planet's orbit in February 2021. Royal friends Back in 2017, Sheikh Mohammed met with the UK's Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Windsor Endurance Race, and from the looks of things, they had a great time together. At the time, the Dubai Media Office said the pair of royals discussed 'historic ties, friendship, and cooperation between the UAE and the United Kingdom'. A helping hand Throughout the years, Sheikh Mohammed has ensured offering humanitarian aid is a big priority for the UAE. In 2020, after the catastrophic explosion in Lebanon leaving around 300,000 people homeless and many injured, His Highness ordered 30 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies to be sent immediately on his personal aircraft in response to the devastating blast. Looking to the future In August 2020, the Ruler of Dubai opened a new medical research centre has opened in Dubai that not only studies COVID-19, but also other communicable diseases. The Dhs300 million centre aims to study an array of diseases including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, obesity and more. .@HHShkMohd: We have launched the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Medical Research at a total value of AED 300 million. The Centre will focus on research on communicable diseases in the country, in addition to research on COVID-19. — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 11, 2020 Praising the women of the nation Honouring women across the UAE, the Ruler of Dubai issued a message in August 2020. Posting a video to his 10.3 million Twitter followers which paid tribute to Emirati women, he expressed his pride towards every female from the UAE. 'To the Emirati women, you worked hard, you accomplished and prove to the world who you are,' he said. '[We are] proud of you, proud of your partnership in the development process, we raise our heads with your achievements. Every year you are better and more beautiful.' إلى المرأة الإماراتية في يومها.. اجتهدتِ.. فأنجزتِ.. وأثبتِ للعالم من أنتِ.. فخورون بك.. معتزون بشراكتك في مسيرة التنمية…. نرفع رؤوسنا بإنجازاتك.. كل عام وأنت أفضل وأجمل.. — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 27, 2020 – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Going for Dubai holidays? Archana Puran Singh warns about how she lost thousands while ticket booking for a popular tourist destination
Dubai, with its glimmering skyline, lavish experiences, and impeccable order, rarely conjures images of petty scams. But for Archana Puran Singh and her family, a recent getaway to the Middle Eastern metropolis came with an unexpected jolt. The Great Indian Kapil Show judge took to her YouTube channel to share how what was meant to be an exciting indoor skydiving experience turned into a frustrating—and expensive—lesson in online fraud. While on vacation with husband and actor-director Parmeet Sethi and their sons Aaryamann and Ayushmaan, Archana booked slots for iFly Dubai, a popular indoor skydiving adventure. The family was excited and all set to tick another experience off their bucket list—until they arrived at the location and learned there was no reservation in their name. 'We've Been Scammed' In her vlog, Archana candidly narrated the ordeal. 'We had booked three slots in iFly Dubai, but this lady is saying that we have no booking. We have been scammed because the website where we made the payment is not theirs. Dubai mein hamare paise doob gaye,' she said, visibly upset. Known for her cheerful screen presence, the actor couldn't hide her disbelief. 'I never expected this to happen in Dubai. There are such strict rules and laws here. People are scared of doing such things,' she added. Parmeet Sethi, standing beside her, echoed the shock. 'I am shocked... Thousands of rupees are gone,' he said, before joking nervously, 'Pata chale yahi scam hai,' referring to the real ticket counter they were then forced to purchase from—this time in cash. Small Clues, Big Realisation As the family retraced the booking steps, it became clear there had been subtle red flags. Aaryamann recalled, 'When I selected a four-minute package, the site suddenly changed it to two. I thought it was a technical glitch.' He admitted not verifying further, assuming a city like Dubai would not permit such lapses in legitimacy. You Might Also Like: No car or equity shares in Netflix. Archana Puran Singh gets Navjot Singh Sidhu as gift for The Great Indian Kapil Show season 3 Even Ayushmaan had his doubts—mentioning how the booking had offered a 'Ramadan discount,' even though the holy month had already ended. By the time the family put the pieces together, the damage was done. The fraudulent website had vanished and no trace of the transaction could be retrieved. A Glamorous City, A Glaring Flaw The incident has sparked conversations online not just about travel scams, but also about how even tech-savvy, well-informed individuals can be tricked in unexpected places. Dubai, a city lauded for its orderliness and strict enforcement of laws, seemed an unlikely place for such deception to occur. Perhaps that's why Archana's story has struck a chord with many of her followers—it feels personal, surprising, and deeply relatable. While the actor didn't reveal the exact amount lost, she repeatedly emphasized the high cost of the tickets. Parmeet eventually purchased new tickets in cash so the family could still enjoy the experience, but the bitter taste of being duped remained. A Vlog With a Warning Archana's vlog—usually filled with joy, travel highlights, and light-hearted family banter—took a more serious tone in this episode. While fans appreciated the transparency, many also commented that it serves as a powerful reminder: scams today are sophisticated, and no one is truly immune. You Might Also Like: When Archana Puran Singh's driver exposed her son's secrets on camera From misleading websites to fake discounts, fraudulent schemes now disguise themselves cleverly—and even cities with the cleanest reputations are not free of digital dangers. Though shaken, Archana and her family chose not to let the scam define their trip. The vlog ends on a warm, humorous note—true to the spirit of the ever-optimistic actor. But the warning is clear: whether you're a seasoned traveller or a first-timer, never let your guard down when clicking 'confirm booking.' You Might Also Like: Is Archana Puran Singh paid to laugh at Kapil Sharma Show? Actress shares a 'funny' truth
Economic Times
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Going for Dubai holidays? Archana Puran Singh warns about how she lost thousands while ticket booking for a popular tourist destination
Synopsis During a family vacation in Dubai, actor Archana Puran Singh fell victim to an online scam after booking tickets for an indoor skydiving experience at iFly Dubai. Despite making a payment, the reservation never existed. Archana shared her experience in a vlog, warning others about digital fraud—even in places like Dubai, known for strict laws and order. Archana Puran Singh's Dubai trip took an unexpected turn when a fraudulent website scammed her family out of thousands of rupees. After discovering their indoor skydiving booking was fake, she shared the ordeal on her YouTube vlog. (Image: Screenshot/YouTube) Dubai, with its glimmering skyline, lavish experiences, and impeccable order, rarely conjures images of petty scams. But for Archana Puran Singh and her family, a recent getaway to the Middle Eastern metropolis came with an unexpected jolt. The Great Indian Kapil Show judge took to her YouTube channel to share how what was meant to be an exciting indoor skydiving experience turned into a frustrating—and expensive—lesson in online fraud. While on vacation with husband and actor-director Parmeet Sethi and their sons Aaryamann and Ayushmaan, Archana booked slots for iFly Dubai, a popular indoor skydiving adventure. The family was excited and all set to tick another experience off their bucket list—until they arrived at the location and learned there was no reservation in their name. In her vlog, Archana candidly narrated the ordeal. 'We had booked three slots in iFly Dubai, but this lady is saying that we have no booking. We have been scammed because the website where we made the payment is not theirs. Dubai mein hamare paise doob gaye,' she said, visibly upset. Known for her cheerful screen presence, the actor couldn't hide her disbelief. 'I never expected this to happen in Dubai. There are such strict rules and laws here. People are scared of doing such things,' she added. Parmeet Sethi, standing beside her, echoed the shock. 'I am shocked... Thousands of rupees are gone,' he said, before joking nervously, 'Pata chale yahi scam hai,' referring to the real ticket counter they were then forced to purchase from—this time in cash. As the family retraced the booking steps, it became clear there had been subtle red flags. Aaryamann recalled, 'When I selected a four-minute package, the site suddenly changed it to two. I thought it was a technical glitch.' He admitted not verifying further, assuming a city like Dubai would not permit such lapses in legitimacy. Even Ayushmaan had his doubts—mentioning how the booking had offered a 'Ramadan discount,' even though the holy month had already ended. By the time the family put the pieces together, the damage was done. The fraudulent website had vanished and no trace of the transaction could be retrieved. The incident has sparked conversations online not just about travel scams, but also about how even tech-savvy, well-informed individuals can be tricked in unexpected places. Dubai, a city lauded for its orderliness and strict enforcement of laws, seemed an unlikely place for such deception to occur. Perhaps that's why Archana's story has struck a chord with many of her followers—it feels personal, surprising, and deeply relatable. While the actor didn't reveal the exact amount lost, she repeatedly emphasized the high cost of the tickets. Parmeet eventually purchased new tickets in cash so the family could still enjoy the experience, but the bitter taste of being duped remained. Archana's vlog—usually filled with joy, travel highlights, and light-hearted family banter—took a more serious tone in this episode. While fans appreciated the transparency, many also commented that it serves as a powerful reminder: scams today are sophisticated, and no one is truly immune. From misleading websites to fake discounts, fraudulent schemes now disguise themselves cleverly—and even cities with the cleanest reputations are not free of digital dangers. Though shaken, Archana and her family chose not to let the scam define their trip. The vlog ends on a warm, humorous note—true to the spirit of the ever-optimistic actor. But the warning is clear: whether you're a seasoned traveller or a first-timer, never let your guard down when clicking 'confirm booking.'
NDTV
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Archana Puran Singh Says She Lost "Thousands Of Rupees" In Skydiving Scam on Dubai Holiday
Actor-reality show judge Archana Puran Singh recently opened up about falling prey to a scam in Dubai. The actor, who currently appears on The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix, in a vlog shared that she and her family had bought tickets for a ride on iFly Dubai, an indoor skydiving experience, while holidaying in Dubai. What's Happening When Archana Puran Singh, along with her husband, actor-filmmaker Parmeet Sethi, and sons Aaryamann Sethi and Ayushmaan Sethi were recently in Dubai for a vacation. When she, along with her family, got to iFly Dubai to finally enjoy a ride each, the teller at the company's desk told them there was no booking in their name. Shocked at the revelation, Archana Puran Singh in the vlog said, "We had booked three slots in iFly Dubai, but this lady is saying that we have no booking. We have been scammed because the website where we made the payment is not theirs. We have been scammed in Dubai. We have already paid and the tickets are not cheap... Dubai mein hamare paise doob gaye. I never expected this to happen in Dubai, there are such strict rules and laws. People are scared of doing such things." "I am shocked... Thousands of rupees are (gone)..." said Parmeet Sethi, who later paid in cash for the real tickets. " Pata chale yahi scam hai (What if it turns out that this is also a scam)" he quipped. While booking the tickets, Aaryamann Sethi said it was weird that "when I selected a four-minute package, the site suddenly changed it to two. I thought it was a technical glitch." He was now unable to find that allegedly fraudulent website. It all made sense now to Ayushmann Sethi too who said the bookings came with "a Ramadan discount" when the month of Ramadan was long over. In A Nutshell In her recent vlog, Archana Puran Singh revealed she and her family became the victims of a financial scam where they were defrauded of thousands of rupees when they booked tickets for an indoor skydiving experience in Dubai which turned out to be fake. In the video, the actor, however, didn't reveal how much money they lost in the con.
Barnama
16 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Creative Entrepreneurs Transform Abandoned Premises Into Thriving Businesses
A mid the rise of towering cityscapes, abandoned and dilapidated buildings often sit forgotten—eyesores in the landscape and magnets for crime. In recent years, a growing wave of creative entrepreneurs has been breathing new life into neglected spaces, turning them into vibrant hotels, cafes, and event venues through adaptive reuse. This concept, long embraced abroad, involves repurposing abandoned buildings by preserving their original structure—transforming them into distinctive cafes, restaurants, or even hotels. OLD QUARTERS For Muhammad Zairee Izwan Zahir, transforming four blocks of abandoned four-storey police quarters in Sungai Petani, Kedah into a hotel was one of the best decisions his father ever made. Muhammad Zairee Izwan Zahir, Managing Director Zaque's Hotel Now known as Zaque's Hotel, the three-star establishment has become a popular lodging option, especially for out-of-town guests. 'The idea to turn the police quarters into a hotel came from my late father, Zahir Yahya, in 2016. As a contractor, he saw the building's potential. 'Alhamdulillah, he successfully obtained a lease for the land and building from the relevant agency. At the time, none of us knew his intention was to build a hotel,' Zairee told Bernama. Initially, Zairee and his family had doubts about the plan due to the building's dilapidated condition. 'Imagine a building covered in dust and moss, rusted window grilles, and crumbling walls. The place was in a quiet, remote location,' he recalled. But that didn't deter his father, who used his own funds and skills as a contractor to gradually restore the premises. Zaque's Hotel offers room with modern minimalist room design 'The renovation and interior makeover took four years and was completed by the end of 2019. The hotel began operating immediately after,' he said. 'The building still retains the original structure and form of the police quarters to preserve its identity. The room layout and other design aspects were entirely my late father's vision. 'After he passed away in June 2020, my siblings and I took over the hotel's operations, managing everything from administration to the kitchen and menu planning,' said Zairee, now the hotel's Managing Director. NOW A POPULAR DESTINATION Zairee, now 28, shared that the hotel, initially offering only lodging, has expanded to host events such as weddings. The previously dull 1,507-square-metre site is now a bustling venue following a series of upgrades. 'We offer 30 rooms and 45 apartment-style units. We also host weddings, Ramadan buffets, birthday celebrations, and government meetings. 'Customer reviews show high ratings, and we're among the top venues for events in Sungai Petani. Besides the modern minimalist room design, our proximity to the town centre also plays a big part,' he added. A abandoned police quarters was renovated into a three-star hotel In nearly five years of managing the hotel, Zairee has learned that old buildings shouldn't be dismissed as worthless structures—they can be valuable investments. He believes that not all dilapidated buildings should be torn down, as they can become sources of income. 'I wasn't sure if converting the old building was a smart move—but clearly, my late father made the right call. This hotel has become a livelihood for our family. 'From a forgotten, quiet space, this place is now a hotspot. With creativity and a smart approach, old things can be useful and profitable,' he said, adding that he plans to build a swimming pool to attract more guests. FROM ABANDONED HOUSE TO CAFÉ Another entrepreneur, Mohd Shafiq Zolkipli, 39, also saw potential in an old inherited house and turned it into a cafe that has been operating since early February. The cafe, do8camp, blends traditional heritage with a relaxed, modern vibe to attract visitors. Located in Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan, the cafe, do8camp, blends traditional heritage with a relaxed, modern vibe to attract visitors. 'The cafe was originally a family home owned by my wife's grandmother. After my father-in-law passed away in 2020, the 1950s-era house was left vacant and deteriorated. That's when I decided to breathe new life into it,' he told Bernama. Seeing its strategic location at Jalan Temiang-Pantai - frequented by motorcycle and cycling groups - he believed it had business potential. Using his own funds, Mohd Shafiq repaired the damaged parts of the building while preserving the traditional wooden architecture. The front yard was converted into a casual outdoor area with camping-style tables and chairs, and the backyard was repurposed for small events or group hangouts. With its tranquil setting and greenery, the cafe offers a perfect spot for a coffee break. Mohd Shafiq Zolkipli rus the do8camp cafe together with his wife 'We're going for a 'camping cafe' concept, built with my own savings and run by my wife and me. The cafe can accommodate about 60 people at a time. 'We focus on serving various coffee drinks and light bites such as pasta,' he said. A POPULAR HANGOUT SPOT Though located in a rural village, the cafe has seen a steady stream of customers since its opening six months ago. 'Our initial target was bikers and cyclists, but we were excited to see locals supporting the business and using the cafe as a gathering place. 'It gets livelier on weekends and school holidays when people return to their hometowns and drop by for coffee,' he said. The cafe is open from 5 pm to midnight. Do8camp cafe-serving various coffee drinks. Mohd Shafiq encourages other owners of abandoned homes to consider repurposing their properties rather than letting them decay. He explained that unattended houses—especially wooden ones—are prone to termite damage and structural wear, which can lead to high repair costs. 'Many people think old houses have no value, but if properly maintained and repurposed, they can generate income—whether as a cafe or for other investments,' he said. — BERNAMA
