100,000 Dubai residents run the whole city to cap a very exciting, encouraging, and fruitful Dubai Fitness Challenge. This year’s edition saw dozens to hundreds of runners of all ages and abilities sprint through their nearest community, park, or absolutely wherever convenient – turning the vision, “City is a gym” into reality.
And chances are, participants ran through at least one attraction in the city and captured some trophy moments during the course. Here are some celebrations in 32 different locations from A-Z:
Think you’ve seen it all in Burj Khalifa? Not until you see your artwork displayed in the world’s tallest building.
Burj Khalifa, on Instagram, announces an ‘open call’ inviting all emerging designers, light, and 3D mapping artists to submit their works for a chance to be displayed on a literally larger-than-life canvas. With more than 1.2 million LED lights, Burj Khalifa has one of the world’s most iconic structure’s façade.
Individuals and groups from the UAE and other parts of the world can submit their entries.
How to submit artwork?
Simply go to this link on the Burj Khalifa website and click the “Submit entry” button. Submission is open from the 22nd of November until the 31st of December. A winning design will be featured every week.
Imah Dumagay, the Filipino standup comedian who’s making it big in Dubai’s international performing arts scene, will have her first solo act on November 27.
A long-time resident of Dubai, Imah began doing standup comedy in 2018 with the Dubomedy School of Arts. Her debut full-length stand-up show titled, Imah’s Day Off, will have you crying tears of laughter as she recounts her experiences of being a Filipina living in Dubai.
I’m ecstatic to be performing my first whole show in Dubai. I want to make this a very entertaining night as I believe the first impression is the only impression. My comedy journey is just beginning, but I want the people of Dubai to share in it every step of the way.
Imah Dumagay
“Choose Yourself” author James Altucher says he likes to watch standup comedy before every meeting, date, dinner, media appearance, conversation, and public talk.
“I have a lot of inhibitions when I meet people,” he shares on Quora. “I’m scared and somewhat introverted. Standup comedians are the best public speakers in the world, and I think they are the most astute social commentators on the human condition.”
Not only that, Altucher reports that watching standup gives him a boost of energy, material to fold into his conversation, and a better sense of how to time his communication.
Why watch Imah’s Day-off
Watching Imah’s maiden solo show could be one of the best things to happen in your otherwise gloomy 2020.
1. She’s the Imah-kulet
She was our guest at BXD Now Facebook Live, and I could say she’s a fun magnet – on and off the camera. There are funny people and there are naturally funny people. She’s the latter.
2. Class is her middle name
She’s a class act. In Tagalog, “hindi bakya.” Her content is not rude – sometimes harsh but not rude and insulting. That’s what differentiates her brand from the majority of Filipino standup comedy these days.
3. The joke is on her
…and she delivers it very well. Audiences from various nations can easily relate to those typical stereotypes about Filipinos working abroad – and Imah can make everyone laugh comfortably on those anecdotes.
Here’s what I mean:
4. Her comedy is therapeutic
Sometimes all you need is a really good joke and a hearty laugh. If laughter is the best medicine, Imah’s comedy is a VACCINE! Her brand of standup is simply therapeutic.
5. She preaches ‘laugh-changing truth’
…and it’s not offensive at all. In fact they’re among the funniest jokes out there. Check this one:
6. We need a good laugh for 2020
The series of events this year, up to these past few days has been overwhelming, to say the least. We deserve a good laugh. We need humor, not just to guard against our worries, but also to freshen up the mind.
7. Sense of humor makes you more sense
Having a good sense of humor is a sign of a great character. Research shows that sense of humor can improve your mental and physical health, boost your attractiveness, and improve your leadership skills.
So, where to buy tickets
Tickets are available at bookmyshow.com. Please note that attendance is limited to only 50% of the venue capacity to ensure that social distancing is in place.
Date: 27 November
Time: 8:00pm
Doors Open: 7:30pm
Location: The Theatre MOE
Reflecting the diversity of the Dubai comedy scene, this night of laughter will open with a special performance by Egyptian comic Amr Abdelmonem and will be hosted by Liz Bains from the UK.
The show will be in English and is presented by Commercial Bank of Dubai and Co-presented by Moda Line UAE, sponsored by Kickers Sports Bar and Victoriano Glamorous Events, and in partnership with DuBlog, Art for All, and Tag 91.1.
Get to know more about Imah in our interview:
Trust me she’s just at the beginning of a wonderful road ahead.
From 1937 to 1941, President Manuel L. Quezon opened the doors of the Philippines to the Jews. His remarkable act of opening the country to the refugees saved 1,200 Jews from the Holocaust.
If this doesn’t sound familiar to you, the highly acclaimed Filipino film, Quezon’s Game is here to remind all of us of this very courageous and interesting part of Philippine history. The film centers around the president’s plan to shelter Jews in the Philippines who were fleeing Nazi Germany during the pre-World War II era.
The movie is set to be shown in the UAE starting November 12. Incidentally, this first Filipino movie to be shown in the UAE this year happens at the same time when Dubai welcomes its first flight with tourists from Israel.
Multi-awarded actor Raymond Bagatsing plays the president’s role while the equally talented Rachel Alejandro plays the role of his wife, Aurora Quezon. The film was directed by Matthew Rosen who is British-Jewish.
Why you should see the movie
In a time when many Filipinos today express displeasure and confusion with the current Philippine government, the movie is a great way to look back and be reminded that once upon a time, the country is steered by a truly great leader.
Where to watch Quezon’s Game in the UAE
The public can watch the movie in select screens from the following cinemas:
Please check the cinema websites (linked above) for updates on the schedule.
You may also follow ABS-CBN Middle East on Facebook for further updates.
The awards
The film won at least 20 awards as an entry in various international film festivals. In January 2019, Quezon’s Game won 12 accolades at the Cinema World Fest Awards in Ottawa, Canada.
CINEMA WORLDFEST AWARDS CANADA
Award of excellence “ACTING” Male Lead
Award of excellence “ACTING” Female Lead
Award of excellence “SUPPORTING ACTOR”
Award of excellence “ORIGINAL SCORE”
Award of excellence “LIGHTING”
Award of excellence “PRODUCED SCREENPLAY”
Award of excellence “SOUND DESIGN”
Award of excellence “COSTUME DESIGN”
Award of excellence “SET DESIGN”
Award of excellence “DRAMA FEATURE”
Award of excellence “COLOR TREATMENT”
Award of excellence “DIRECTING”
THE INDIEFEST FILM AWARDS 2019 CALIFORNIA
Excellence “LEADING ACTOR” Raymond Bagatsing
Excellence “ASIAN FILM” Carlo L. Katigbak Lorena H. Rosen Olivia M. Lamasan Linggit Tan-Marasigan
Excellence “ORIGINAL SCORE” Dean Rosen
Excellence “CINEMATOGRAPHY” Matthew Rosen
Excellence “DIRECTION” Matthew Rosen
Excellence “SPECIAL MENTION” Film Feature Carlo L. Katigbak Lorena H. Rosen Olivia M. Lamasan Linggit Tan-Marasigan
CINEMA WORLD FEST ANNUAL GALA 2019
Best in Show
ACCOLADE GLOBAL FILM COMPETITION 2019
Excellence “SPECIAL MENTION” Film Feature Carlo L. Katigbak Lorena H. Rosen Olivia M. Lamasan Linggit Tan-Marasigan
WORLDFEST HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2019
Best Director
Best Producer
Best Art Direction
Best Foreign Feature
Watch the trailer
In the not-so-distant past, we cannot comfortably share in public anything that has to do with Israel here in the UAE. We cannot even post our photos from our Israel pilgrimage. But thanks to the recent Israel-UAE peace agreement, we’re seeing these beautiful changes continuously happening, and this film showing in the country is one true evidence of this remarkable peace treaty.
Filipino folk-pop band Ben&Ben marks a definitive new era in music with the release of their latest single, “Di Ka Sayang” – an empowering anthem that respects individuality without prejudice.
The inspiration
It all started with a conversation between brothers Paolo and Miguel.
“Migs and I were having a conversation on our career choices and how hard it was to fight for who we really are and what we want to do in life, amidst societal and family expectations”
Paolo Benjamin
They decided to release it a year later where it is most timely, with what’s happening around, and with many of our dreams being crushed by the pandemic and other circumstances.
Inspiring confidence and fearlessness in the face of adversity, the MTV Europe Music Awards-nominated band confronts everyday challenges of life with light and motivation. But instead of perpetuating the erasure of our collective struggles, their song “Di Ka Sayang” encourages listeners to get out of the rut and be in charge of their own decision matters, no matter the costs.
A massive statement
Written by Paolo and Miguel Benjamin and produced by Jean Paul Verona along with lead guitarist Poch Barretto, percussionist Toni Muñoz, keyboardist Patricia Lasaten, and violinist Keifer Cabugao, the anthemic rocker arrives with a massive statement: tribal beats and esoteric details that evolve into a soaring, pop-rock production, but whose unrelenting energy and sonic ambition feel like a natural progression from their past releases.
Pat Lasaten recalls how the arrangement and production of “Di Ka Sayang” challenged the team to have fun and explore an entirely new world of possibilities in terms of lyrics and musicality.
“Our goal from the start is to create a vibe and sound like no other song of ours before: one that would immerse the listener into the message of the song, and into a mood that we wanted the message to be experienced in.”
Pat Lasaten
This creative mindset allows Ben&Ben to hone their trademark sound without rethreading into past themes and venture into ideas outside of their comfort zones, especially now that the band has all the time to make new music under one roof.
Watch the official video:
Vocalist and guitarist Miguel Benjamin shares in a statement, “We’ve also been exploring new soundscapes and writing about themes other than love and heartbreak, and we’ve been having a lot of fun in the process. ”
If it’s about the best Thai food in Dubai, Benjarong will always be on top of my list. Let me share 5 reasons why this restaurant at Dusit Thani Dubai is considered iconic:
1. Authentic Thai Cuisine
Benjarong’s mouth-watering selection of authentic Thai cuisine is a true culinary journey. Carefully crafted by Thai Chef de Cuisine Wichit Panyo and his team, the multi-award-winning cuisine finds the perfect harmony and balance between the five flavors of sweet, spicy, sour, salty, and creamy, by using the freshest, finest quality ingredients.
Must-try dishes
Some of Chef Wichit’s favorites include:
Gai Burger Bai Kraprao Lae Khai Dao – grilled chicken burger topped with mushroom, holy basil sauce, Thai fried egg, and steamed rice
Gaeng Kiew Wan – green curry with Thai eggplant, sweet basil leaves, and the choice of vegetables and tofu, chicken, beef, or prawns
Phad Cha Pla Salmon – stir-fried salmon fish with Thai round eggplant, zerumbet, green pepper, chili, and sweet basil leaves
Khao Neaw Mamuang – sticky rice flavored with pandan and served with mango and coconut ice cream
The classic Pad Thai is always a winner.
2. Vibrant colorful ambiance
From hues of blue velvets to deep reds in the ceiling, accented by greens, golds, and whites in the columns and architectural highlights, Benjarong has been transformed and reborn with a vibrant display of color, which stylishly preserves its rich heritage. An enchanting array of European motifs, fused with aesthetically intriguing Thai elements, gives a fresh new look to the space, maintaining a contemporary chic aesthetic that effortlessly blends with a sense of rustic luxury.
Large hand-woven lanterns hang above plush velvet sofas, creating a wonderful juxtaposition, as an elegant light installation with backlit, gold-leafed, circular lights gives a nod to the full moon festivities of Thailand.
3. Instagrammable food presentation
Larb Gai Salad
Yum Khao Klong Lae Quinoa Salad
Yum Neua Nam Tok Salad
Yum Som O Pomelo Salad
Chef’s Signature Khao Soi
Coconut Creme Brulee
For guests who are all about the ’gram and looking to snap their next piece of Insta-gold, keep an eye out for the top five most Insta-worthy dishes, easily identified by the icon next to them on the menu.
4. An immersive social setting
Benjarong’s beverage selection features a wide array of flavor-filled cocktails and mocktails expertly prepared by the resident mixology maestro, craft and Southeast Asian hops, and an extensive international grape collection, alongside lots more sips and spirits.
5. The view
Located at the 24th floor of Dusit Thani Dubai, with picturesque views of Burj Khalifa and the wandering cityscape, Benjarong’s ideal location, amidst the Dubai skyline, is tastefully exemplified by white frames, which capture the sweeping views of the city, adding to the grandeur of the lofted space, yet retaining a casual, exciting and fun look and feel.
Opening hours
Saturday to Thursday
Lunch: 12pm to 3pm
Dinner: 7pm to 11.30pm
Fridays
Brunch: 12.30pm to 4pm
Dinner: 7pm to 11.30pm
For reservations and enquiries, please call +971 4317 4515, WhatsApp +971 54 990 8007 or email dine.dtdu@dusit.com
For one morning, bikers are invited to cycle around two iconic routes in the 14-lane Sheikh Zayed Road.
The most popular highway in Dubai is set to become a huge cycling track on November 20, Friday as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge 2020.
How to join and register?
Registration is FREE. Cyclists as young as 5 years old can join as long as they can complete a minimum of 4 kilometers cycling distance. Just bring your own bike, helmet, and gears, and WATER. No bike rentals will be available at the venue.
Every rider must register online at https://dubairide.com/ to take part in the exclusive circuits.
The routes
The Family Route: The 4km ride will commence close to The Dubai Mall Cinema Parking entrance, taking riders around Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai. Participants will make a full circle around Souk Al Bahar, The Dubai Fountain, and the Burj Khalifa, before finally heading back to the finishing point.
The General Route: The 14km Sheikh Zayed Road Route will take participants along a loop of the main highway, between Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Safa Park. For the first time in history, both directions of the highway will be open for cyclists only (For ages 13+ only).
“Participants can enjoy the thrill of an outdoor bike ride while experiencing a unique perspective of iconic sights across Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and Dubai Canal,”
Received from Dubai Ride email (Nov. 17, 2020)
Tips for the riders
Multiple laps of the route/s are allowed
Water will be available on the route courtesy of Mai Dubai
People Of Determination can access both routes and should contact ambassadors@linkviva.com to access the course
After your ride head to The Dubai Mall for a well-earned breakfast
Arrival and parking information
Your parking information will be shared Wednesday 18 November by email
Arrive 20 minutes prior to your check-in time
Bikes should be rear-mounted or inside the car – cars with roof-mounted bikes will not be able to access parking
For those cycling to the event, you will need to proceed through the check-in areas
Please wear your ride bib and proceed to the check-in area
Gear
No backpacks are allowed on the route
Ensure your bike is in good working condition
Check your tyres and brakes
Wear your helmet and wear a mask at all times
Wear closed sport shoes
No motorized/electric bikes will be allowed on the route
Bib collection
Please collect your bib prior to event day.
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre, Enter through Dubai Sports World, Za’abeel Hall 6 When: Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th Nov Time: 3pm – 11pm
You must have your QR code.
Parking is available at Zabeel Plaza, Al Mustaqbal Street Parking (first 30 minutes is free) or take Dubai Metro.
Safety measures for riders
Speed limits will be set for cyclists to ensure public safety. Cyclists will also be encouraged to follow strict social distancing throughout the ride.
Ride for a cause
While the event remains free-to-enter, participants are encouraged to support Education Uninterrupted – a nationwide fundraising campaign that tackles the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the education of children and youth in the UAE.
As part of preparation for the historic ride, get on your wheels this early and check out this ultimate guide for the best places to bike in the city, and everything else you need to know about cycling in Dubai.
Etisalat provided the world’s fastest mobile download speeds in the United Arab Emirates between January and July 2020, with an average download speed of 115.89 Mbps, gaining recognition as the world’s fastest mobile network provider at the Ookla Speedtest Awards 2020.
Ookla is the global leader in fixed broadband and mobile network testing applications, data, and analysis.
“This is a milestone achievement and a testament to our relentless efforts towards our strategy and vision to ‘Drive the digital future to empower societies’.”
Etisalat Group Acting CEO, Hatem Dowidar
The UAE has become one of the countries with the fastest mobile and fixed internet speeds in the world.
The Top 10
Etisalat had a 98.78 speed score in the report. The other networks on the top ten list include:
How would you like to be rewarded by just walking?
Fitze, the UAE’s first-ever fitness rewards-based app that converts steps into coins announces its most rewarding challenge ever – 200k steps in 30 days. This initiative is also in line with the ongoing Dubai Fitness Challenge.
Fitze is a one-of-a-kind fitness reward application launched in the UAE that allows users to avail of exclusive and exciting rewards. This application is free to download from the App Store, Google Play, and Huawei App Gallery.
Users can take up intense challenges for bigger chances of winning more exclusive rewards and prizes.
The rewards
The challenge is open to everyone. Participants may receive any of the following rewards on a daily basis depending on what preset goals they will achieve:
Millennium Hotels and Resorts staycations
Air Pods, Samsung Smart Watch, or Nutri Bullet from Jumbo Electronics
AED200 vouchers from American Rag Cie
New Balance sneakers, Brooks or AED1000 Recovapro voucher from Absolute Run
Free Meals from Munch:On
Free Pizza from Freedom Pizza
Fruits and Vegetables hamper from FreshOnTable
Hamper worth AED300 from X50 Lifestyle
Goodies from SaladJar
Keto Meals from Ingfit
Poke bowls from Wildflower
Free desserts from Coco Yogo
Week-long meal plan from Meals on Me
Laundry credit from Clip Y
Here’s a screenshot of my app. You can see I’m still too far away.
Fitze reward partners are Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Absolute Run, Salad Jar, Coco Yogo, Wildflower Poke, Meals on Me, Fresh on Table, X50, Freedom Pizza, and Ingfit.
We see a huge opportunity in Dubai to encourage and drive fitness and healthy living. Launching this challenge which is by far the most rewarding challenge ever to be announced, we are certain to invoke a healthy positive change in lifestyle and help people reach their maximum fitness potential this year.”
Neha Samuel, Chief Operating Officer, Fitze
The rewards are just sweet bonuses. Beyond the enticing prizes, it’s all about encouraging everyone to stay fit and lead an active and healthier lifestyle.
Dubai Miracle Garden returns for its 9th season on Sunday, November 1, 2020. The world’s largest natural flower garden is set to reopen under stringent health and safety protocols designed to ensure visitors can continue to enjoy a fun-filled experience within a safe environment.
Over 150 million flowers of 120 varieties, including some of which have never been cultivated in the Gulf region, are among this year’s attractions.
The park has also enhanced its night experience by adding sculptures with twinkling lights.
Visitors will be welcomed by some of the most popular and prominent cartoon characters at the main entrance and be treated to skillfully designed 3D shapes of life-size animals.
Disney Avenue
Disney’s Mickey, Goofy, Donald Duck & Friends will be in a stunning floral display again.
Mickey Mouse Flower Statue
As part of a new licensing deal with Walt Disney Company, Dubai Miracle Garden put up an 18-meter high Mickey Mouse floral structure covered with almost 100,000 flowers and plants weighing almost 35 tons.
Emirates A380
This is a Guinness World Record holder of the largest floral installation of 500,000 fresh flowers and living plants covering a life-size version of Emirates A380.
Big Teddy Bear
A 12-meter high teddy bear which comprises of thousands of fresh flowers and plants. The teddy is holding a heart to send a message of love and harmony.
Lost Paradise
‘Lost Paradise’ is an underground floral cascade with a 20-ft depth where you can find an amazing ambiance of dozens of floral houses and bungalows.
Lake Park
The lake has a number of water fountains around the area and are fully showered with colorful flower arrangements.
Floral Clock
A 15-meter mechanical clock made of real plants and flowers with designs that alter according to season.
Other key attractions
An aerial floating lady dressed in exotic flowers
Palace at the Amphitheater – serves as an observatory where visitors can enjoy live entertainment shows
Hilltop for an amazing 360 degrees view of the floral park
Floral Castle – a garden dining experience, illuminated nightscape, and the distinctive Caribbean and Asian hammocks
Cabanas with billowing drapes and floor cushions
Gazebos
Giant tortoise at the entrance gate
3D floral designs
Umbrella passages
Butterfly passage
Hearts passage
Walking Tracks
A 400-meter walking track at the park offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy walks through the magnificent floral artistry.
“Every year, we challenge ourselves to create new and distinctive displays to keep Dubai Miracle Garden close to the hearts and minds of our visitors.”
Engineer Abdel Naser Rahhal, Creator and Co-founder of Dubai Miracle Garden and Vice Chairman of Cityland Group
Ticket prices
Adult (13 years old and above): AED55
Children (3 years – 12 years) AED40
People of determination and Children’s below 3 years old: Free of Charge
Park hours and timings
Dubai Miracle Garden will be open daily:
Weekdays: 9AM – 9PM
Weekends: 9AM – 11PM
Public Holidays: 9AM – 11PM
Entertainment at the park
The 72,000 square meters park offers visitors a dedicated space for entertainment and the sale of food and beverages.
Live shows at the amphitheater
Trampoline park
3D mapping
Flower parade
(Soon) Family zumba
COVID-19 safety protocols
Dubai Miracle Garden ensures that all necessary measures and protocols have been put in place in line with the health authority’s requirements and procedures. The venue will strictly monitor the body temperature of visitors entering the garden and hand sanitizers will be available across all areas. Social distancing rules will also be implemented strictly. The park’s team has been trained to fully carry out health, safety, and security measures.
Guinness World Records
The Dubai Miracle Garden was recognized 3 times by the Guinness World Records.
The Tallest Topiary Structure (Supported) forming a shape of Mickey Mouse – 2018
World’s largest floral structure forming the shape of A380 – 2016
