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Zawya
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Organised by Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, Congress of Arabic and Creative Industries to take place in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi: Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Congress of Arabic & Creative Industries will take place on 14 and 15 September 2025 under the theme Arabic Creativity Reimagined: Innovation in Storytelling and Audience Engagement. The congress returns in a dynamic new standalone format, cementing its position as the first international platform fully dedicated to the richness and potential of Arabic creative expression. It aims to generate forward-looking perspectives that strengthen Arab participation in the creative industries while supporting sustainable development across both cultural and economic spheres. The congress will feature a wide range of professional activities, including training sessions and workshops on artificial intelligence, digital publishing, scriptwriting, audiobook production, and game design. It will also cover sustainable business model development in the digital age. His Excellency Dr Ali Bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, said: "Arabic is not only a language of poetry and philosophy, it's a language of innovation, invention, and imagination. The Congress of Arabic & Creative Industries aims to elevate, safeguard and advance Arabic creativity and to explore opportunities for investment using modern technologies and artificial intelligence. Our goal is to build a new narrative that drives development and fosters cross-cultural dialogue that transcends borders.' The two-day programme will bring together leading Arab and international creatives, cultural and media policymakers innovation leaders, C-suite executives in Technology, and content creators from Abu Dhabi and beyond. Attendees will take part in a diverse agenda of specialised panel discussions, workshops and knowledge exchange opportunities that foster global partnerships and collaborative efforts to advance Arabic creative industries. Interactive sessions will unite writers, directors, tech experts, and media professionals, while book signings and cultural activities will engage the public directly with content creators and explore the expansive horizons of Arabic creative industries. The Congress will also feature Tracks for Professional Capacity Building, offered in collaboration with leading global and regional entities such as Google, Amazon Web Services (AWS), TikTok, Adobe, and Sard Writers' Room, and covering an extensive range of topics, including Digital Design, Screenwriting, Generative AI Tools for Arabic Content Creation, Ed-tech, Audiobook Market Dynamics, Digital Content Business Models, and Game Development. The congress stands as a strategic platform to launch new initiatives, discover emerging markets, and support regional talent by connecting creatives with leading institutions, contributing to a significant repositioning of Arab creative industries on the global stage. The 2025 edition features the Congress X Youth Programme, an interactive platform dedicated to university students. Aiming to inspire the next generation of cultural and creative leaders, this vibrant, youth-focused platform will feature capacity-building initiatives, the Congress X Youth Innovation Awards, and a dynamic showcase of emerging young talent. It represents a strategic investment in creative futures, offering young participants a rare opportunity to connect with professionals, gain exposure, and be recognised on a global stage. The congress's new standalone format reflects the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre's strategic focus on strengthening the role of the Arabic language in enriching creative industries and contributing meaningfully to global cultural dialogue. It also reaffirms Abu Dhabi's status as a global hub for cultural innovation and creativity. The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre invites all interested participants to register for the Congress at an essential gathering that underscores the Centre's commitment to advancing the Arabic language as a driving force in the creative industries. About the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, was established by a law issued by the President of the United Arab Emirates, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, to promote the Arabic language, set general strategies for its scientific, educational, cultural and creative development, and enhance cultural communication and Arabic language proficiency at the local and international levels. It also aims to support Arab talents in the fields of writing, translation, publishing, scientific research, and audiovisual content creation. It plays a key role in organising book fairs and supporting the publishing industry in the region. To achieve this, the Centre relies on dedicated programmes, the expertise of its teams, and partnerships with prestigious technical, cultural, and academic institutions around the world. About the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's culture, tourism and creative sectors, fuelling economic progress and helping achieve Abu Dhabi's wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate's position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi aims to unify the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate's potential. It helps coordinate efforts and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies, and systems to support the culture and tourism industries in the emirate. DCT Abu Dhabi's vision is defined by the emirate's people, heritage, and landscape. The Department works to enhance Abu Dhabi's status as a hub of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its rich traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives, and creative thought.
The National
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Nadine Labaki, Hend Sabry and Mo Amer to speak at Congress of Arabic & Creative Industries in Abu Dhabi
Palestinian-American actor and comedian Mo Amer and Lebanese filmmaker Nadine Labaki will participate in this year's International Congress of Arabic & Creative Industries, taking place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on September 14 and 15. They will be joined by Tunisian actress Hend Sabry, and a number of other content creators, technologists and policymakers to discuss future opportunities and challenges in telling stories from the Arab world. Entry is free upon registration. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the congress will look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping regional creative industries with sessions focusing on how it enhances storytelling and audience development, preserves heritage and sparks new forms of creative entrepreneurship. Also part of the programme is a panel looking at how to maintain the appeal of Arabic language for future generations. Following core strands focusing on industry capacity building and a showcase of youth creative projects, the event will also feature exhibition stands and representatives from companies including Google, Meta, Snap Inc and TikTok. It will mark the return of the Innovation Awards – a competition encouraging students to pitch ideas to promote the Arabic language. 'This year's Congress of Arabic & Creative Industries marks a bold new chapter in our mission to position Arabic creativity at the forefront of global cultural discourse,' Ali bin Tamim, chairman of Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, tells The National. 'By convening some of the most dynamic thinkers and creators from the region and beyond, we are not only redefining the narrative around Arabic culture, but also actively shaping the future of storytelling.' Launched in 2022, the congress has steadily expanded from its focus on publishing to include the state of the creative industries. Last year's event featured DCT Abu Dhabi chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, who called for a renewed role for the creative sector in education. 'This is an investment of the mind when it comes to school curricula, when it comes to cultural programming in understanding what the Arab world has contributed,' he said. 'It is not just about the present and past, but also the future.' Al Mubarak highlighted the need for new Arabic cultural content to reach younger generations and stressed that the UAE's growing creative economy, which at the time of the event employed more than 400,000 people and contributed four per cent to the GDP, is already a key driver of that shift. Egyptian-American economist Mohamed El Erian, also present at last year's event, praised the UAE's investments in artificial intelligence as a tool for enhancing rather than replacing creativity. 'AI is going to impact every single person,' he said. 'But I see that AI will be less of a replacement and more of an enhancer.'
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Gregg Wallace's autism caused an 'inability to wear underwear' and was partly responsible for his inappropriate behaviour friends of sacked MasterChef star claim
Friends of Gregg Wallace have said his autism is partly responsible for his inappropriate behaviour, it was reported last night. The 60-year-old's condition has allegedly caused an 'inability to wear underwear because of his autistic hypersensitivity to labels and tight clothing'. His autism is said to result in him having an 'oddity of filters and boundaries', The Times reported. A source close to Wallace said the complaints against him were primarily related to language and most were before 2018, when he realised he had been behaving inappropriately. 'He stopped going out with the team and stopped telling jokes because he realised he didn't know what was right and what crossed the line,' a friend said. Wallace is planning to sue the BBC and makers of MasterChef following his dismissal, The Daily Telegraph reported. 'So many people on the show talked openly about suspecting that he had autism for years before he got his diagnosis,' a source said. It comes as an industry watchdog said Wallace's 'cheeky chappie' excuse for his sexual misconduct doesn't wash. The public did not see the former MasterChef host's 'uglier side', said Baroness Kennedy, who heads the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority. On Tuesday the BBC received 50 new claims over Wallace, including that he groped a worker on the show. Wallace said the allegations are 'uncorroborated tittle-tattle'. Due to the BBC's cost-cutting measures, it's been deemed unlikely that Gregg will receive any or redundancy package, but he could land a six-figure payout from a tribunal in his favour. On Tuesday, Gregg released a statement ahead of the investigation into his misconduct allegations being published later this week. Wallace denies the claims and has condemned the corporation in a scathing social media post saying he had been cleared of 'the most serious and sensational accusations'. But fresh claims come from people who say they encountered him across a range of shows with the majority alleging he made inappropriate sexual comments towards them, according to BBC News. Writing on Instagram, Gregg said he had taken the decision to go public before the Silkins report was published as 'he cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged' Out of the 50 allegations, 11 women have accused him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, such as groping and touching. The report is to be officially published on Thursday, but Wallace's legal team have claimed to have seen the report. A BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. 'We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.' In response to the latest allegations, a spokesperson for Wallace told the BBC: 'Gregg continues to co-operate fully with the ongoing Banijay UK review and as previously stated, denies engaging in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.'
BreakingNews.ie
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Gregg Wallace's alleged behaviour ‘never been acceptable', says watchdog chief
Gregg Wallace's alleged misconduct 'should've never been acceptable', watchdog chairwoman Baroness Helena Kennedy has said, after it was reported the TV presenter has been sacked by MasterChef production company Banijay UK. Baroness Kennedy, who heads the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority, which aims to improve behaviour in the creative industries, made the comments after BBC News reported fresh claims of inappropriate behaviour by the 60-year-old from 50 more people. Advertisement Wallace had stepped back from hosting the BBC cooking show last year after a number of historical complaints came to light, with the latest claims including allegations he groped one MasterChef worker and pulled his trousers down in front of another. Baroness Helena Kennedy heads the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority. Photo: Robert Perry/PA. On Tuesday, the former greengrocer said in an Instagram post that he had been cleared of the 'most serious and sensational accusations' against him ahead of the report into his alleged misconduct, but added that he recognised some of his humour and language was inappropriate 'at times' and apologised for this. Speaking on the BBC's Newsnight magazine show, Baroness Kennedy said: 'The thing about this is that it should've never been acceptable behaviour, and people did complain about it. 'Being a cheeky chappy and the guy that the public were attracted to as being their frank-speaking, playful man that they saw on the telly, he was not speaking on the television the way that he was speaking to the people around him.' Advertisement Baroness Kennedy said the public might have enjoyed watching Wallace playing the 'cheeky chappy' but that they had not seen his 'uglier side'. The latest set of allegations reported by BBC News, saw a university student claim that Wallace reached under her skirt and pinched her bottom in a nightclub, while a junior worker alleged he dropped his trousers in front of her while he was not wearing any underwear. Other recent claims include a MasterChef worker who said she tried to complain about comments he allegedly made about her body in 2022, and a former policeman who tried to raise concerns after he allegedly witnessed Wallace making inappropriate sexual comments at a charity event in 2023. BBC News reported the majority of new allegations claimed he made inappropriate sexual comments, with 11 women accusing him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, such as groping and touching. Advertisement Baroness Kennedy added: 'Now I know that Gregg was saying that he is someone with neurodiversity problems, that he's autistic, and that may explain some of his deeply inappropriate behaviour, but he's not inhibited, he's disinhibited in what he does, but that's also a role for management. 'If you employ someone, and then you discover that they actually don't know how to contain themselves and how to behave, then you have to basically be taking them on one side and nipping it in the bud at an early stage. That was not done. 'I think that's part of a reflection of the way in which television has changed in the last 20 years.' Baroness Kennedy said 'it's not so much that suddenly we've become politically correct' but the issue was about behaviour that was never acceptable. Advertisement BBC News said it had not seen the final Banijay report into Wallace's behaviour, but it was understood the presenter had been sacked. Philippa Childs, head of broadcasting union Bectu, said she would 'like to feel' a similar situation could not happen again, but added that convincing people to come forward was a 'real problem for the industry to tackle', adding that young workers were 'vulnerable' as they feared for their jobs. She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I can't say I'm surprised that there have been further claims, given that's what normally happens when a story emerges about an individual of bad behaviour, then other people do feel more confident in coming forward.' Childs said her union had also been approached with further revelations. Advertisement Production firm Banijay previously said Wallace was 'committed to fully co-operating' with the external review, while his lawyers had previously strongly denied 'he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature'. World Gregg Wallace sacked as MasterChef presenter, says... Read More The most recent series of MasterChef: The Professionals continued to air last year amid allegations against Wallace, but two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials were pulled from the BBC's schedule in December 2024. Speaking at the time, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she would look to impose new standards in the creative industry amid the allegations. Banijay UK declined to comment on Wallace's comments, while the BBC said it would not comment until the investigation was complete and subsequent report was released.
The Independent
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Gregg Wallace's alleged behaviour ‘never been acceptable', says watchdog chief
Gregg Wallace's alleged misconduct 'should've never been acceptable', watchdog chairwoman Baroness Helena Kennedy has said, after it was reported the TV presenter has been sacked by MasterChef production company Banijay UK. Baroness Kennedy, who heads the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority, which aims to improve behaviour in the creative industries, made the comments after BBC News reported fresh claims of inappropriate behaviour by the 60-year-old from 50 more people. Wallace had stepped back from hosting the BBC cooking show last year after a number of historical complaints came to light, with the latest claims including allegations he groped one MasterChef worker and pulled his trousers down in front of another. On Tuesday, the former greengrocer said in an Instagram post that he had been cleared of the 'most serious and sensational accusations' against him ahead of the report into his alleged misconduct, but added that he recognised some of his humour and language was inappropriate 'at times' and apologised for this. Speaking on the BBC's Newsnight magazine show, Baroness Kennedy said: 'The thing about this is that it should've never been acceptable behaviour, and people did complain about it. 'Being a cheeky chappy and the guy that the public were attracted to as being their frank-speaking, playful man that they saw on the telly, he was not speaking on the television the way that he was speaking to the people around him.' Baroness Kennedy said the public might have enjoyed watching Wallace playing the 'cheeky chappy' but that they had not seen his 'uglier side'. The latest set of allegations reported by BBC News, saw a university student claim that Wallace reached under her skirt and pinched her bottom in a nightclub, while a junior worker alleged he dropped his trousers in front of her while he was not wearing any underwear. Other recent claims include a MasterChef worker who said she tried to complain about comments he allegedly made about her body in 2022, and a former policeman who tried to raise concerns after he allegedly witnessed Wallace making inappropriate sexual comments at a charity event in 2023. BBC News reported the majority of new allegations claimed he made inappropriate sexual comments, with 11 women accusing him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, such as groping and touching. Baroness Kennedy added: 'Now I know that Gregg was saying that he is someone with neurodiversity problems, that he's autistic, and that may explain some of his deeply inappropriate behaviour, but he's not inhibited, he's disinhibited in what he does, but that's also a role for management. 'If you employ someone, and then you discover that they actually don't know how to contain themselves and how to behave, then you have to basically be taking them on one side and nipping it in the bud at an early stage. That was not done. 'I think that's part of a reflection of the way in which television has changed in the last 20 years.' Baroness Kennedy said 'it's not so much that suddenly we've become politically correct' but the issue was about behaviour that was never acceptable. BBC News said it had not seen the final Banijay report into Wallace's behaviour, but it was understood the presenter had been sacked. Philippa Childs, head of broadcasting union Bectu, said she would 'like to feel' a similar situation could not happen again, but added that convincing people to come forward was a 'real problem for the industry to tackle', adding that young workers were 'vulnerable' as they feared for their jobs. She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I can't say I'm surprised that there have been further claims, given that's what normally happens when a story emerges about an individual of bad behaviour, then other people do feel more confident in coming forward.' Childs said her union had also been approached with further revelations. Production firm Banijay previously said Wallace was 'committed to fully co-operating' with the external review, while his lawyers had previously strongly denied 'he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature'. The most recent series of MasterChef: The Professionals continued to air last year amid allegations against Wallace, but two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials were pulled from the BBC's schedule in December 2024. Speaking at the time, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she would look to impose new standards in the creative industry amid the allegations. Banijay UK declined to comment on Wallace's comments, while the BBC said it would not comment until the investigation was complete and subsequent report was released.
