Weekly UAE museum and gallery guide: Celebration of late Palestinian photographer Majd Arandas
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Gulf Today
a day ago
- Gulf Today
Renowned Emirati artist, broadcaster Razika passes away at 71
The esteemed Emirati artist Razika Al Taresh, one of the pioneering female media figures in the UAE, has passed away at the age of 71. Known for her impactful contributions to the artistic landscape, she leaves behind a legacy of memorable works in television and theatre. Emirati artist Habib Ghuloum mourned her passing on his Instagram account, writing: "Our colleague, the esteemed artist Razika Al Taresh, has passed away. May Allah Al Mighty have mercy on you, Umm Saif, and forgive you. Our heartfelt condolences to her family and the artistic community in the UAE.' Razika had been battling health issues for an extended period, with Habib Ghuloum previously calling for prayers for her recovery in 2024. Considered a trailblazer in Emirati media, Razika began her career in 1969 as a radio presenter on Abu Dhabi Radio. In the 1970s, she transitioned to acting, starring in numerous television series, plays, and films. One of her most iconic roles was "Mitha" in the popular series "Ashhafan.' Her theatrical works include "Allah Ya Al Dunya," "Al Sabr Zein," and "Tib Al Awal Tahawul." In cinema, she appeared in three films: "Eqab," "Al-Khitba," and "Dhill." Additionally, she contributed to the world of writing through several works. Tributes continue to pour in for the iconic actress and beloved national figure.
Middle East Eye
2 days ago
- Middle East Eye
Gary Lineker: BBC 'should hang its head in shame' over shelved Gaza documentary
Veteran BBC presenter Gary Lineker said that the British broadcaster "should hang its head in shame" after watching Gaza: Medics Under Fire, a documentary originally commissioned, then dropped by the news corporation. Speaking after a screening of the film in London on Thursday, the BBC's former Match of the Day presenter said it was "one of the most important films" he'd seen. "It really did need to be seen, I think everyone would agree with that," he added. The documentary tells the stories of Palestinian doctors and health workers working in Gaza under Israeli bombardment and lays out allegations that the Israeli army systematically targeted hospitals and medical staff in the besieged strip throughout its military campaign. The BBC announced that it had dropped the film in June after a months-long delay due to impartiality concerns. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters "We have come to the conclusion that broadcasting this material risked creating a perception of partiality that would not meet the high standards that the public rightly expect of the BBC," it said in a statement. 'The BBC should hang its head in shame.' Former footballer and broadcaster Gary Lineker has criticised the BBC for censoring the documentary Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, produced by Basement Films, after watching it — Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) July 4, 2025 But many critics said the BBC's decision was an act of censorship, and that it capitulated to pressure to block a film detailing Israel's conduct on the besieged Palestinian enclave - actions like targeting health workers and hospitals, which would amount to grave violations of international law. The film was eventually picked up by Channel 4, where it aired on Wednesday, and Zeteo. This is a very hard watch, it's extremely rare to have a documentary released about Gaza on commercial TV, most have been shelved and censored, particularly by the BBC, who refused to broadcast this. Utterly horrific. — Ben Parsons (@benparsons76) July 3, 2025 Lineker also said the public broadcaster had "declined" in the past two years during Israel's war on Gaza. "I've defended it and defended it against claims that it is partial. It talks about impartiality all the time," he said. Gaza: Doctors Under Attack: Powerful documentary exposes Israel's deliberate targeting of medics Read More » "The truth is at the moment, at the very top of the BBC, not the BBC all over... we're seeing it on our phones everyday. The problem is they're bowing to pressure from the top and this is a worry." It isn't the first time the BBC's former Match of the Day presenter has slammed the broadcaster for censorship. Lineker was among 500 prominent figures in the entertainment industry who called on the BBC to restore a documentary, Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone, which was aired in November, only to be dropped four days later. The signatories accused the broadcaster of politically motivated censorship following an intense campaign by pro-Israel groups and rival British media outlets, who alleged the documentary promoted 'Hamas propaganda'. 'Unprecented war crimes' Gaza: Medics Under Fire, which presents personal accounts of the detention, torture and death of medical workers on the frontline, has sent shockwaves online. "No sane person could watch Gaza Doctors under Attack and have a shred of respect for the state of Israel," said one user. A British doctor said: 'now you understand why they [BBC] didn't want you to see…the documentary'. 'Britain sends weapons to 'Israel.' Britain sends RAF spy planes over Gaza. Britain calls 'Israel' an ally' she added in a post on X. Now you understand why they didn't want you to see the Gaza: Medics Under Fire documentary. Our family cried through every moment of it. We recognised each face, each massacre, each heartbreak. To know that we directly pay for this is unbearable. Britain sends weapons to… — Dr Rahmeh Aladwan (@doctor_rahmeh) July 2, 2025 Historian William Dalrymple, said the film "shows the reason why Israel will not let journalists in: the unprecedented war crimes that the IDF commit everyday". Released by @zeteo_news today, this documentary is a must watch. Once you do, you'll realize why the BBC refused to show it. It shows Israel's systematic destruction of Gaza's healthcare system, attacks on hospitals, and targeting, detaining and torturing doctors and medics. — Assal Rad (@AssalRad) July 2, 2025 Others invited viewers of the documentary to demand the BBC explain its partiality claim about the film. "The BBC said Gaza: Doctors Under Attack fell below the standards the British public expects of the broadcaster," said British journalist Hamza M Syed. "If you watched the documentary tonight on @Channel4 and felt otherwise, you should demand to know how and why the BBC came to that conclusion."
Arabian Post
2 days ago
- Arabian Post
Bandit's Village Boosts Thrill Factor at Yas Waterworld
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai A dramatic expansion at Yas Waterworld has introduced Bandit's Village, a new adventure zone featuring over 20 attractions, including a massive crocodile-themed slide and a reimagined storyline inspired by classic Arabian tales. The addition marks a significant enhancement to Abu Dhabi's flagship water park, aiming to draw larger family crowds during the extended summer season. Unveiled with theatrical flair, the centrepiece ride sends guests plunging through the jaws of a giant crocodile-like creature, a centrepiece built to evoke high drama and immersive storytelling. The new water attractions are framed within an interactive environment designed to transport visitors into the world of the Bandit, a long-standing character in the waterpark's lore. Park officials confirmed that the development adds both visual spectacle and narrative continuity to the attraction, reinforcing the park's position as a destination for experiential entertainment. ADVERTISEMENT Spanning several zones and themed in intricate detail, Bandit's Village includes multiple flume rides, splash pads, climbing features, and water tunnels, all constructed to appeal to children and adults alike. The area has been crafted to extend the duration of visitor engagement, providing more diverse experiences and encouraging longer dwell times. With extended operating hours throughout the peak travel months, the new zone is expected to contribute substantially to footfall and guest satisfaction. The new expansion reflects Yas Island's broader strategic emphasis on integrated family entertainment. With Abu Dhabi increasingly positioning itself as a regional leisure destination, the timing of the rollout aligns with efforts to boost tourism traffic, particularly among residents from the Gulf region and international travellers looking for curated family activities. This move is part of a wider pattern of competitive theming and investment by parks on Yas Island to match global leisure benchmarks. Located within proximity to other major attractions such as Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld has leveraged its thematic strength around Emirati culture and folklore to differentiate itself. The character of the Bandit has played a central role in the park's storytelling framework since its inception, and the Village serves as an expanded narrative environment where guests can experience the backstory more fully through ride design, queue experiences, and environmental elements. Guests can expect theatrical elements embedded into the ride sequences, with interactive lighting, sound effects, and character appearances throughout the zone. One of the signature features involves a multi-slide experience that mimics an escape from a bandit ambush, concluding in a dramatic plunge through the crocodilian mouth installation. Park designers have emphasised the attention given to architectural authenticity and atmosphere, using textured stonework, tribal motifs, and animated props to deepen immersion. The opening of Bandit's Village also responds to changing visitor expectations in the post-pandemic leisure economy. Analysts tracking theme park trends have noted a shift towards more story-driven and customisable experiences, as audiences seek environments that merge thrill with narrative depth. This aligns with Yas Waterworld's long-term strategy of building on local cultural roots while embracing global design standards. With Yas Waterworld already home to over 40 rides and attractions, the new zone increases its offering to more than 60, strengthening its profile as one of the Middle East's largest water-based theme parks. Management teams behind the expansion have hinted at further phased developments within the Bandit storyline, suggesting that the current unveiling may be the first in a series of immersive expansions.
