Latest news with #Toscano
Gulf Business
15-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
AlUla Development Company CEO Fabien Toscano on developing the destination with purpose
Image: Supplied Two years into his role as CEO of As the company unveils new projects like NUMAJ in collaboration with Marriott and aligns with Vision 2030's ambitions, Toscano shares how the team is balancing development with preservation, empowering local communities, and embracing environmentally-sensitive design to welcome two million annual visitors by 2035 — without compromising AlUla's unique spirit. It's been two years since the launch of AlUla Development Company. How would you describe the progress so far and how do you approach the responsibility of preserving its beauty while developing it? I think it's been great, to be fair. We've been building the organisation while also focusing our business on what we wanted to achieve. That includes growing the team, getting projects underway, and developing new assets. Personally, it's been a very interesting journey. I joined because I was inspired by the opportunity in AlUla. Unlike other projects, the place is already there — it's a location crafted by nature and steeped in history. Our job is to carefully place beautiful, purposeful assets within this extraordinary setting without disrupting it. Every step we take is guided by that principle. How does your mandate align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, especially considering the latest progress updates? Our strategy is fully aligned with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) strategy and Vision 2030, particularly regarding economic diversification. As a development company, we contribute in three key ways: Developing real estate assets, whether hospitality — like some of our hotels — or residential and other types of developments. Asset management, including our own hotels and several of the Royal Commission for AlUlA' s (RCU) properties. Private sector collaboration, by attracting external investors to AlUla. These are the three clear avenues through which we support the goals of Vision 2030. You launched a new project at ATM 2025 — tell us more about it and what makes it special. The project is called NUMAJ , a 250-room eco-conscious Autograph Collection hotel in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. This hotel is being developed in partnership with Nou Ursae Majoris — which was historically referred to as AlUla Borealis . We combined 'Nou' and 'Majoris' to create NUMAJ. What features and design elements define NUMAJ, and how does it reflect the spirit of AlUla? We've been very deliberate with the architecture — paying close attention to colour, texture, and even engravings that reflect AlUla's character. It's a hotel that embodies everything the destination stands for. It offers both indoor and outdoor experiences, incorporates mashrabiya design elements, and deeply reflects the local culture. It's built for both business and leisure travellers, featuring conference rooms, business facilities, and a broad range of amenities including: The first five-star spa in central AlUla Two pools, including a rooftop pool One signature restaurant and five additional F&B outlets This hotel is going to bring tremendous value to the central AlUla offering, and we're very proud of our collaboration with Marriott to bring it to life. How do you bring a balance between creating a resort-like leisure experience and offering business-focused facilities in AlUla's hospitality projects? For our most recent project, flexibility was key. We wanted a hotel with strong enough amenities to serve both business and leisure travelers. For example, someone visiting for business might also enjoy the leisure facilities — and vice versa. That flexibility is essential, especially given the location in central AlUla, which draws both tourists and business visitors. Our goal was to create a broader offering that could meet diverse expectations without compromising the individual care guests expect. How are you working with other organisations to promote tourism, and what's the strategy for attracting domestic, regional, and international visitors? We're working in close partnership with the Royal Commission and benefiting from improved connectivity. The strategy involves expanding our portfolio to include diverse accommodations. Currently, we operate Caravan by Habitas (a glamping experience), and asset manage several hotels such as Dar Tantora The House Hotel, The Chedi, and Cloud7 Residences catering to different price points and experiences. Our strategy is to gradually grow this offering with a phased, low-impact approach that respects AlUla's natural beauty. This supports the broader target to welcome two million visitors annually by 2035. What kind of tourist demographics are you seeing today, and how has international interest evolved? We're seeing a growing number of international visitors from diverse nationalities — Chinese, Americans, French, Italians — alongside strong numbers from Saudi Arabia and the GCC. The mix keeps evolving each year, influenced by flight connectivity and destination marketing. AlUla is increasingly becoming a year-round destination. Even in summer, some hotels performed well in occupancy. Improved infrastructure and global awareness are making a real difference. Tell us how you're involving and benefiting the local community through your projects. We're committed to engaging the local community both directly and indirectly. In development, we prioritise sourcing materials locally and working with Saudi contractors. In operations, we employ many Saudis — including locals from AlUla — across our hotels. As hospitality grows, it creates more career opportunities, and we're ensuring our teams reflect the local culture. Our success also supports SMEs, local shops, and the wider economy. Human connection and storytelling from the local community are some of AlUla's strongest assets. What's the focus of your real estate development beyond hospitality? Are there residential or retail plans? Our focus is primarily on hospitality and residential. We're currently working on a 569-room asset in central AlUla to house hospitality and operational staff — an important project for workforce wellbeing. Retail may come in as amenity-based components, but it's not a current priority. We follow a careful, phased development strategy, ensuring every asset aligns with our environmental, social, and design standards. How important is connectivity and accessibility to your plans for AlUla's growth? Connectivity is fundamental. AlUla is now linked to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, and Qatar by air, with more routes coming. The journey from Riyadh is around 1.5 hours by flight, and about three hours by road from Medina or Tabuk. To achieve the two-million visitors goal, increasing accessibility while preserving the visitor experience is key. It's all part of our integrated approach. How are you leveraging technology while preserving AlUla's authenticity? We're very intentional about using invisible technology that enhances, rather than distracts from, the guest experience. This includes smart mobility, greywater recycling systems, and efficient utilities. Technology should remain behind the scenes. Guests come for AlUla's authenticity and natural beauty, so our design and operations are built around that principle. What makes AlUla such a special destination in your view? It's unique and features more than 7,000 years of human activity, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, iconic locations like Elephant Rock and Maraya, and lush green oases. The geological formations are stunning, and the authenticity of the people makes it even more special. Visitors feel something profound. Even my wife ranks it among her top two favourite places in the world. The peace, the beauty — it slows you down and connects you to something deeper. Finally, what is your leadership philosophy, and how do you inspire your team? Passion is the starting point. I believe everyone in the organisation — regardless of title — can be a leader. I foster a collaborative environment where ideas are discussed, and people are empowered. Real estate creates lasting impact, and in a place like AlUla, we have a deep responsibility to enhance what's already beautiful. I lead by example and encourage others to do the same. Our culture is evolving, and I want everyone on the team to feel they can make a difference every day.
Los Angeles Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
When the deportation of an illegal immigrant united L.A. to bring him back
When I think about the gleeful cruelty the Trump administration is showing toward illegal immigrants — including unlawfully deporting planeloads of them, seeking to suspend habeas corpus in order to kick out folks faster and wearing fancy Rolex watches while visiting a Salvadoran super prison — I think of Jose Toscano. The Mexico City native came to Los Angeles as a 13-year-old and enrolled at St. Turibius School near the Fashion District, working at Magee's Kitchen in the Farmers Market to pay his tuition, room and board. 'I had this dream to come to the United States for education,' Toscano told The Times in May 1953. 'Not for the dollars, not to work in the camps for 65 cents an hour.' Why was The Times profiling a 16-year-old Mexican immigrant? Because he was about to get deported. Politicians, the press and private citizens had been railing against 'illegal immigration' and pushing President Eisenhower for mass deportations. Officers received a tip that Toscano was in the country illegally. Newspaper accounts noted that immigration authorities — struck by Toscano's pluck and drive — made sure that his deportation didn't go on his record so he could legally return one day. A Van Nuys News and Valley Green Sheet columnist wrote, 'We must have immigration laws — but they're not designed for folks like Joe.' Meanwhile, The Times' editorial board — not exactly known back then for its kind attitude toward Mexican Americans — argued that Toscano shouldn't be deported, making the case that laws 'should perhaps be tempered a trifle in the face of principles and actions which are of such sterling worth as to be beyond the object of the law itself.' Toscano legally returned to Los Angeles three months later, living with a white family in Whittier that sponsored him and enrolling at Cathedral High. 'As I continue to study the history of your country in school,' he wrote to The Times that September, 'I shall remember that what you did for me is one of the things that makes this country of yours so great.' His story was such a feel-good tale that it appeared in Reader's Digest and the local press checked in on Toscano for years. The Mirror, The Times' afternoon sister paper, reported on his 1954 wedding, the same year that immigration officials deported over a million Mexican nationals under Operation Wetback, a program that President Trump and his supporters say they want to emulate today. Two years later, The Times covered Toscano's graduation from Fairfax High, where he told the crowd as the commencement speaker that he wanted to become an American citizen 'so that I, too, can help build a greater America.' After a three-year stint in the Marines, Toscano did just that in 1959, changing his legal name from Jose to Joseph because he felt 'it's more American that way,' he told the Mirror. He told the paper he had dreams of attending UCLA Law School, but life didn't work out that way. The last clipping I found of Toscano in The Times is a 1980 Farmers Market ad, which noted that he was a widower with two daughters still working at Magee's but had advanced from washing dishes to chief carver. 'He's a happy man who likes his work,' the ad said, 'and it shows.' Rereading the clips about Toscano, I'm reminded of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Salvadoran national who established a life for himself in this country before he was deported in March despite a judge's order that he be allowed to remain in the United States. This time around, immigration officials and the Trump White House have insisted Abrego Garcia deserved his fate, sliming him as a terrorist and MS-13 member despite no evidence to back up their assertions. Toscano's story shows that the story can have a different ending — if only immigration officials have a heart. Stephen says: 'Anything by Jim Croce.'Alan says: ''In My Life' by The Beatles.' Email us at essentialcalifornia@ and your response might appear in the newsletter this week. Today's great photo is from Times photographer Juliana Yamada at the Kia Forum where fans flocked to see legendary singers Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Stephanie Mills and Gladys Knight perform their greatest hits. Have a great day, from the Essential California team Gustavo Arellano, California columnistKevinisha Walker, multiplatform editorKarim Doumar, head of newsletters How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to essentialcalifornia@
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How ‘Long Bright River' Star Amanda Seyfried and Showrunner Nikki Toscano Recast the True Crime Formula
Amanda Seyfried has tackled plenty of different roles: a Golden Age of Hollywood starlet, the perpetrator of Silicon Valley's greatest known scam, an adult film icon, a dim high schooler with an uncanny knack for predicting the weather. But she's never played a cop, as much as she's wanted to. 'No one looks at me and thinks 'cop,'' Seyfried said during a recent THR Frontrunners panel. 'And then someone did.' More from The Hollywood Reporter Peacock Unscripted Slate Includes Nelly and Ashanti Reality Show, 'House of Villains' Moving Over From E! Natasha Lyonne, Rian Johnson Reveal Where 'Poker Face' Season 2 Goes Now 'Ted' Animated Series From Seth MacFarlane a Go at Peacock The Emmy winner and Oscar nominee plays a Philadelphia police officer in Peacock's Long Bright River, an adaptation of Liz Moore's best-selling novel of the same name. And the 'someone' Seyfried referred to is co-creator, showrunner and executive producer Nikki Toscano, who'd been working on adapting Moore's material for some time before she made an ovation for Seyfried to come on board as a star and executive producer. 'We totally courted her,' said Toscano, who wrote the series alongside Moore. 'There's something so lovely about Amanda because she's just puts it out there. She doesn't want to be going through reps. She just wants to have an open conversation [about the material].' Seyfried's first spin on playing law enforcement isn't exactly a conventional one. While there is a serial killer and a slow-revealing puzzle around her character's missing sister, Long Bright River mostly keeps the mystery box elements in the back seat. 'What was so unique [about] Liz's novel was this love story between these two sisters juxtaposed against this murder mystery,' added Toscano. 'In order to solve not only the murder mystery, but her sister's disappearance, [Amanda's] character has to reflect on their collective past and her role in their estrangement.' That's not to say Seyfried didn't just enjoy her scenes in uniform. 'I'd totally play a cop again,' said Seyfried. 'I respect the job and love portraying the good ones … And the uniform is transformative. Daniel Day-Lewis always talks about those fucking shoes, and he's right. The uniform just goes 10,000 miles further.' Long Bright River marks a few firsts. Toscano, who previously served as showrunner on Amazon's Hunters and the Paramount+ miniseries The Offer, made her directorial debut with episode six of the limited series. 'As a showrunner, you are the person that is there every day when the directors are coming in and out,' she said. 'So there is something really, really nice about just having a very direct relationship with your cast and not passing a message along.' Apparently Toscano's first time directing went so well, her star didn't even realize she hadn't done it before. 'What?' Seyfried exclaimed on the panel. 'I didn't know that! She's a fucking pro. She knows what she's doing.' All eight episodes of Long Bright River are now streaming on Peacock. Watch the rest of the panel interview, which includes Seyfried going from a Manchester accent to a Tulsa drawl in the same sentence, in the video above. This edition of THR Frontrunners is sponsored by NBCUniversal. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise 'Yellowstone' and the Sprawling Dutton Family Tree, Explained
Trade Arabia
04-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
AlUla unveils design concept of NUMAJ by Autograph Collection
AlUla Development Company (UDC), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, has announced further details about the Autograph Collection Hotel project, which it is developing and will be operated by Marriott International. The announcement reveals the design concept for the hotel, NUMAJ: A Tapestry of the Land, along with innovative sustainability practices targeting LEED Gold certification. NUMAJ is a semi-abstract name derived from the star system Nu Ursae Majoris, historically linked to AlUla Borealis. This celestial reference reflects AlUla's heritage as a guiding point for ancient travellers navigating by the stars. The name itself stems from the Arabic phrase 'Al Kafzah al Ula' meaning 'the first leap', symbolising a bold beginning and a journey of discovery, mirroring the immersive experience that the hotel promises. This announcement follows the participation of Fabien Toscano, CEO of UDC, at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai. The 250-room hotel, expected to open in 2027, is designed by GioForma, the architects behind the iconic Maraya building. Inspired by AlUla's natural and cultural heritage, the NUMAJ design concept draws on the region's rich variety of textures, colours, and materials, with indoor-outdoor continuity replicating AlUla's vernacular architecture. The design reflects AlUla's soul through its materiality, lighting, and structure, incorporating elements such as engraved mushrabia patterns, local stonework, and hand-crafted detailing that celebrate the region's artistic traditions. Additionally, the hotel's site-specific architecture employs a grid system to manipulate light and shadow, creating a dynamic and visually engaging environment. In line with UDC's commitment to sustainable development, the Autograph Collection Hotel is targeting LEED Gold certification. Innovative sustainability practices are reflected in several key design elements, including the use of grey water for irrigation, sourcing of local materials, UV-resistance glazing to reduce heat inside the building, water-efficient landscaping, and an energy-conscious lighting strategy that respects AlUla's Dark Sky policy. The hospitality experience will provide guests with a hybrid of premium business and finest resort aesthetics, targeting business travelers, couples, and families. Alongside 5 dining venues, a spa, gym, 2 swimming pools, a signature restaurant, conference and business centre, and retail spaces, the hotel lobby will feature a rock collection showcasing AlUla's geological diversity, offering a captivating glimpse into the region's natural heritage. "Following our initial announcement in 2023, we are excited to share further insights into the Autograph Collection Hotel project, revealing the design concept and sustainability aspects," said Toscano. "The concept reflects our commitment to creating a destination that is both luxurious and authentic, celebrating AlUla's unique heritage and natural beauty. We believe this design will offer guests an unparalleled experience that is deeply connected to the spirit of AlUla."
News18
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Mango Menus Across India That You Can't Miss
The creamy richness of an Alphonso cheesecake, the fiery tang of mango salsa, the icy chill of mango-infused cocktails- chefs are reimagining mango magic with flair As the heat ramps up and mangoes reach their peak, restaurants across India are serving sunshine on a plate—one luscious bite at a time. From traditional Indian treats to global gourmet twists, this year's summer menus are drenched in golden indulgence, celebrating the season's most iconic fruit in style. Whether it's the creamy richness of an Alphonso cheesecake, the fiery tang of mango salsa, or the icy chill of mango-infused cocktails and sorbets, chefs across the country are reimagining mango magic with flair. From Bengaluru's SAWARI India and Mumbai's Sozo Izakaya to pan-India favourites like Toscano, these limited-time menus capture the vibrancy of Indian summer with inventive pairings, nostalgic flavors, and tropical flair. Think spicy mango baogers, mango ricotta mascarpone, aam panna coolers, mango-meets-matcha drinks, and even mango treats for your furry friends. Here's a curated list of standout mango-forward menus across India, where every dish is a juicy ode to summer. advetisement SAWARI India, Bengaluru Mangoes Reign Supreme at SAWARI India – A Tribute to Summer's Golden Fruit Dates: May 1 onwards, until mango season ends Timings: 12 PM – 11 PM daily Price for Two: ₹1,200 Location: 2nd Floor, No.125/2, Hennur Bagalur Main Road, Opp. Southern Asia Bible College, Visthar, Byrathi, Bengaluru Indulge in the essence of Indian summer with SAWARI India's Mango Festival Menu featuring Alphonso and native varieties. Highlights include spicy beverages like Mango Jaljeera, Spicy Mango Tango, and classics like Mango Lassi. End your meal with luscious desserts including Mango Kulfi, Aam Rabri, and Alphonso Mango Ice Cream, all served in a setting of elegant ambiance and live music. Toscano – All India (Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad) Sapori di Mango – An Italian Summer with Alphonso's Sweet Embrace Availability: Limited-time summer menu Toscano infuses the magic of Alphonso mangoes into decadent Italian creations. Try the Alphonso Mango Pavlova layered with gel, meringue, and vanilla gelato, or the indulgent Chocolate Hazelnut Mango Cheesecake. Lighter options like the Mango Ricotta Mascarpone Gesture offer a refined finish. Complete the experience with refreshing Summer Sorbets like Mango Passion Fruit and Lemon Mint. Thai Naam, Mumbai Tropical Thai Summer: Mango Magic at Thai Naam Location: F-1, 1st Floor, Bay 99 Campus, near JW Marriott Sahar, Andheri, Mumbai Thai Naam presents a mango-forward menu rooted in Thai culinary tradition. Relish the Mango Sticky Rice, Mango Prawn Rolls, Mango Coconut Drink, and the velvety Mango Ice Cream. This curated seasonal selection is an homage to both mangoes and Thai flavors. Zane's Cafe & Pet Spa, Mumbai Paws & Purees: Zane's Mango Menu Is Summer's Sweetest Escape Location: RR House, Todi Mill Compound, Lower Parel, Mumbai Celebrate summer with Zane's vibrant mango specials in a pet-friendly setting. Sip on a Mango Cold Brew or Mango Matcha Latte, savour brunch favourites like Smashed Avo & Mango Toast and Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa, and don't miss desserts like Mango Cheesecake and Aamras Pancakes. A menu bursting with tropical goodness for both foodies and furry friends. Toscano (Summer Salads Edition) Beyond Caprese – Summer Salads & Sandwiches with Italian Flair Toscano's extended summer menu celebrates the bounty of the season with vibrant fruit and cheese pairings. Indulge in Mango & Melon Salad with Smoked Fior di Latte, Buffalo Mozzarella with Summer Fruits, and hearty Sourdough Sandwiches featuring pesto chicken or Parma ham. Desserts like Chocolate Waffle Cones with Seasonal Fruits add a sweet ending. Sozo Izakaya, Mumbai Summer Sandos & Baogers – Sozo's Take on Tokyo Street Bites Location: JP Road, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova, Andheri West, Mumbai Contact: +91 98679 86481 Sozo's summer menu features handheld comfort with a bold Japanese twist. Try Sandos like the Eggstraordinary or Junglee Chicken Samurai, or opt for Baogers like the Chicken Crunchified or Cluckin' Awesome. Perfectly portioned, rich in flavour, and made to share – these street-style bites pack summer joy in every bite. Berlin Brew, Mumbai Brewed for the Heat – Berlin Brew's Seasonal Craft Beers top videos View All Location: Unit No.2, Times Square, Andheri East, Mumbai Cool down with Berlin Brew's creative beer lineup including the Tropical Twist IPA, Alphonso Mead, and the zesty Gondhoraj Witbier. Set in a stylish taproom that blends mid-century elegance with industrial edge, it's the ultimate summer hangout with bites, brews, and beats. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : alphonso mango alphonso mangoes health benefits of mangoes langda mango Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: April 30, 2025, 09:55 IST News lifestyle » food Mango Menus Across India That You Can't Miss Latest News NBA Playoffs 2025: Celtics Close Out Mediocre Magic; Pacers Register Chippy OT Win To Eliminate Bucks Sports Football 'It's Onlf Half-Time': David Raya Backs Arsenal To Make Comeback Against PSG To Reach UCL Final India Maharashtra Govt Sets Up Investment Platform To Boost Infrastructure Funding Movies CID: Parth Samthaan To Leave Show Due To Dropping TRP, Shivaji Satam To Make A Comeback? Food Mango Menus Across India That You Can't Miss latest news
