Latest news with #DubaiTourism
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Once broke and battling arthritis and depression, this 66-year-old Dubai model went on to star with Shah Rukh Khan and Jessica Alba, and his name is…
There was a time when the 60s were regarded as the age bracket best fit for retirement. However, for Puneed Sud, age is just a number, and it simply can't slow him down. At the age of 66, Puneet Sud has transformed himself into a model-actor who is working alongside some of the biggest names of Bollywood and Hollywood - such as Shah Rukh Khan , Jessica Alba , Zach Efron, and Jeremy Irons . From a corporate employee to a glamworld model According to Gulf News, Puneet came to Dubai decades ago with only $ 2 and a dream to make it big in the city. Initially, he sold door-to-door T-shirts and caps, and then in 1991, he joined a news organization. Later, he co-founded a magazine as well. He hates the word retirement, as, according to him, it is for cars that don't run anymore. However, this determination that she showcases together came to him after he fought his toughest battle with a crippling disease. In 2016, he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and Puneet told the news portal that he was on the verge of giving up. 'I had suicidal thoughts. It was dark,' he said. However, the same disease became the catalyst for his reinvention. Puneet recalled a three-second ad shoot that changed his perspective towards life. He shared that he played a very small role in an ad shoot, which he landed because the actor who was supposed to play the grandfather didn't show up. After the shoot, he went home and told his wife, 'Forget the coffee, I'm a star!' Working with the stars Puneet's big break came during COVID. He was seen opposite Jessica Alba and Zac Efron in a Dubai Tourism ad. The actress even told him that he reminded her of her grandfather. 'That broke the ice,' said Puneet. Thereafter, he got a chance to play a cameo in a commercial with Shah Rukh Khan. Though most of his scene was edited out, Puneet recalled his experience with SRK and said, 'The man walked in at 9 pm, fashionably late, but when he enters, time does stop.' And the list doesn't end here.... Puneet got a pivotal role opposite Jeremy Irons in a Hollywood film, and this topped all his previous achievements. 'I auditioned late at night, got the role, and the next thing I knew, I was sitting across from an Academy Award winner. Watching him rehearse was like a masterclass in acting,' said Puneet. This journey was not without rejections; however, he refused to take them as stoping signs. And looking ahead, he is optimistic about further redefining the age norms.
Times
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Times
British teen jailed in Dubai for consensual sex returns to UK
A British teenager who was jailed in Dubai after a consensual holiday romance has returned home following his release from prison, the Foreign Office has confirmed. Marcus Fakana, 19, from Tottenham, north London, was given a royal pardon for his early release from the al-Awir prison in the United Arab Emirates. He arrived back in the UK on Thursday. In December last year, the apprentice builder, then aged 18, was sentenced to one year in jail after having sex with a 17-year-old from the UK who was on holiday with her parents. Sex with anyone under the age of 18 is an offence in the conservative Gulf state. Fakana was given an 'Eid pardon', which can be issued by the monarch or president as a gesture of compassion during the religious holidays. • Facing jail in Dubai was hell — but I'm going back in two weeks The campaign group Detained in Dubai, which has been campaigning for his release, confirmed Fakana was 'officially pardoned' by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and prime minister of the UAE. 'Marcus should never have been put through this,' Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, said. 'He was supposed to spend a short few days with his family but ended up spending nearly a year in the tourist destination. We are thrilled that after an intensive campaign, he was officially pardoned and is home safe, surrounded by those who love him.' Sex with under-18s is an offence in Dubai ALAMY The group previously criticised David Lammy, the foreign secretary and Fakana's local MP, for being reluctant to help. The Foreign Office had said it was assisting with the case. Fakana had joined his parents for a short holiday on August 26 last year when he met a 17-year-old Londoner staying at the same hotel. The girl's mother is alleged to have reported the relationship to Dubai police after returning to the UK and seeing pictures and chats on her daughter's phone. Dubai police arrested Fakana at his hotel. The girl, who was just one month short of her 18th birthday at the time of the incident, would have been arrested had she remained in the emirate. • Marcus Fakana: I pray I'll be deported from Dubai 'Marcus is back where he belongs,' Stirling said. 'But no one should have to endure this. He was 18 at the time and the British woman involved is now 18 too. 'Dubai could have chosen to fine and to deport him. Instead, the 18-year-old was sentenced to one year in prison.' Speaking about Fakana, Stirling added: 'He is so grateful for all of the support he received throughout this painful situation. Marcus will take a short time to recover before telling his story in his own words.' A Foreign Office spokesperson said: 'He was released on an Eid pardon last week. We understand he wanted to get back to the UK without media attention and to see his family. We supported him and were in contact with them.'
Khaleej Times
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma explore Dubai's top spots like never before
Dubai might already feel like a second home to Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, but their latest campaign in the city proved there's always more to uncover. In their first-ever destination-led collaboration, the power couple takes us on an intimate journey through Dubai — not as celebrities, but as travellers finding new joys in a city they thought they already knew. Titled 'Dubai, Ready For A Surprise', the campaign flips the script on what we expect from a Dubai visit. Think thrill-seeking moments, quiet getaways, and hidden gems, all woven together through playful surprises the couple planned for one another. The debut campaign captures Virat and Anushka exploring everything from the city's iconic landmarks to offbeat experiences that reflect their shared love for meaningful travel. WATCH: View this post on Instagram A post shared by AnushkaSharma1588 (@anushkasharma) Virat Kohli said: 'This campaign really brought out a different side of Dubai for us. Whether it was relaxing at Tapasakeat One&Only One Za'abeel – home to the UAE's longest sky infinity pool – or letting loose at the iconic O Beach, it reminded us how Dubai always delivers something unexpected. It's a place that evolves with you. That's what keeps us coming back." Anushka Sharma added: 'Dubai has always been special, but working on this campaign made it feel personal in a new way. From quiet, meaningful moments to spontaneous discoveries, it wasn't about ticking boxes — it was about making memories. There's a warmth and ease to the city that instantly puts you at peace, while still offering new experiences every time." Whether it's the adrenaline or the quiet calm, 'Ready For A Surprise' invites viewers to see the city the way Virat and Anushka do — full of wonder, and warmth. Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), added: 'This collaboration with Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma is a natural fit — their genuine affection for Dubai and the way they engage with audiences make them ideal champions for the city." He adds, "India remains one of our most important source markets, and partnerships like these help us foster meaningful cultural connections, inviting Indian travellers to explore and rediscover Dubai in new and exciting ways.' However, this is just the beginning. There's many more unexpected moments and quirky surprises, set to come our way over the coming weeks. So, all the Virushka fans, keep an eye out!
Arabian Business
24-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai attracts 8.68m visitors in first five months of 2025 as hotel room numbers reach 153,356
Dubai attracted 8.68m international visitors between January and May 2025 — a 7 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, which saw 8.12 million arrivals — according to the latest Tourism Performance Report released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The report revealed that Dubai hosted 1.53 million international visitors in May alone, underlining the emirate's continued global appeal as a year-round destination. Western Europe topped the list of source markets, contributing 22 per cent of total visitors — approximately 1.917m tourists. This was followed by: Russia, CIS and Eastern Europe: 1.396m visitors (16 per cent) South Asia: 1.242m visitors (14 per cent) GCC region: 1.275m visitors (15 per cent) Middle East and North Africa: 989,000 visitors (11 per cent) Northeast and Southeast Asia: 771,000 visitors (9 per cent) Americas: 601,000 visitors (7 per cent) Africa: 346,000 visitors (4 per cent) Australia: 141,000 visitors (2 per cent) Dubai's hospitality sector also posted strong year-on-year growth. By the end of May 2025, the city had 825 hotel establishments with a combined 153,356 rooms — up from 822 hotels with 150,202 rooms in May 2024. Dubai tourism growth Average hotel occupancy: 83 per cent (up from 81 per cent in 2024) Total occupied room nights: 19.09m (up 4 per cent from 18.34 million in 2024) Average length of stay: 3.8 nights Average daily room rate: AED620 ($169) — a 5 per cent increase from AED590 ($161) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): AED513 ($140) — up 7 per cent from AED478 ($130) The sustained momentum in Dubai's tourism and hospitality industries reflects the city's robust infrastructure, global connectivity, and commitment to diversified experiences .
Time Out Dubai
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
How to eat out in Dubai for just Dhs10 this summer
You heard right. Dubai is serving up Dhs10 dishes this summer, and you don't want to miss out on trying some of the city's best dishes for a fraction of the price. Launched for the first time as part of Dubai Summer Surprises, the initiative will see restaurants all over the city offer up one particular plate for less. Running from Friday August 1 until Sunday August 31, you'll be able to treat yourself to flavours from a selection Dubai vendors for only Dhs10. If you like this: Dubai Summer Surprises 2025 full lineup revealed The final list of restaurants taking part is still to be confirmed, but you will be able to browse the entire menu closer to the time on the Dubai Tourism website. But Dhs10 dishes aren't the only summer surprise for all the Dubai foodies out there, as Summer Restaurant Week will also return between Friday July 4 and Saturday July 12. Offering a two-course lunch menu for Dhs95, or a three-course dinner for Dhs150, you can choose from over 50 different restaurants around the city. From Café Kitsuné to Khadak, you can find all participating restaurants here. Speaking about the month-long offer and upcoming events, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: 'DSS 2025 strengthens Dubai's standing as a city brimming with unbeatable value, seamlessly bringing together every major tourism pillar – be it retail, hospitality, entertainment, gastronomy, or leisure. 'Our packed programme offers compelling reasons for residents and visitors alike to stay and explore unique citywide experiences that are accessible, exciting, convenient, and full of unforgettable moments at the best value time of the year.' Dhs10. Aug 1-31. Various locations. Hungry for more? New Dubai restaurants 2025: The just-opened spots you need to try next The new dining spots you need on your radar The best casual dining restaurants in Dubai to have on your radar Where dinner for two is under Dhs400 A huge new arts venue has opened at Mall of the Emirates It's going to bring top live entertainment to one of the city's biggest malls
