Elf The Musical Coming to Holiday Season

Abu Dhabi is set to welcome a festive treat this December as Elf The Musical makes its way to the Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The beloved holiday musical, inspired by the popular film Elf, will run from December 14 to December 15, 2024.

The musical, which is produced by Olivier Award-winning producer Paul Taylor-Mills, promises a lively and entertaining experience suitable for all ages. The show will feature a range of spectacular elements, including Santa’s magical flying sleigh, an audience snowball fight, and a giant candy cane journey from the North Pole. These scenes will be enhanced by impressive video-film backdrops displayed on a large LED screen.

The performance schedule includes four shows over the two days: December 14 at 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM, and December 15 at 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM. The musical’s runtime is approximately 80 minutes.

Tickets for Elf The Musical are currently available for purchase. Pricing varies depending on the seating category, with options ranging from AED 75 for bronze seats to AED 575 for VIP floor seating.

This festive event is expected to provide an enjoyable holiday experience for families and theater enthusiasts alike, capturing the spirit of the season with its vibrant production and engaging performances.

Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Under Investigation in France

Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, is under formal investigation in France concerning organized crime activities linked to the messaging app. The Paris prosecutors’ office has placed Durov under judicial supervision, requiring him to pay a €5 million deposit and report to a French police station twice a week. He is also barred from leaving France.

Durov was detained at Le Bourget airport near Paris last Saturday under a warrant related to his app. The investigation includes allegations of:

  • Complicity in facilitating illicit transactions by organized gangs through Telegram.
  • Refusal to cooperate with authorities.
  • Complicity in the organized distribution of child sexual abuse images.

Being placed under formal investigation does not imply guilt but indicates that authorities have sufficient grounds to proceed with their inquiry. Durov has not commented publicly on these allegations. His lawyer, David-Olivier Kaminski, stated that Telegram complies with European digital regulations and maintains moderation standards comparable to other social networks. Kaminski called the allegations against Durov “absurd.”

This case is notable as it marks a rare instance where a social media platform owner has been detained due to the use of their platform. The situation has sparked discussions about freedom of speech and the responsibilities of tech companies. Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), has supported Durov, criticizing the notion of moderation as censorship. Chris Pavlovski, founder of the video-sharing app Rumble, reported fleeing Europe in response to Durov’s detention.

Telegram, headquartered in Dubai, faces accusations of ignoring serious criminal offenses related to child abuse material. The company contends that its moderation tools meet industry standards. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized France’s commitment to freedom of expression and stated that the case is not politically motivated.

Telegram, with over 950 million registered users, has been criticized for not participating in international child protection programs. Durov, who founded VKontakte and left Russia in 2014 due to government pressure, holds multiple passports including those from St Kitts and Nevis and the UAE.

The ongoing investigation continues to draw international attention, with concerns about the security and reliability of Telegram’s platform.

 

NOVO Cinemas at IBN Battuta Mall Close Down

Novo Cinemas has officially closed its cinema at Ibn Battuta Mall. The closure was confirmed when a hoarding was observed replacing the cinema’s entrance in China Court. This development was first reported by Khaleej Times, following a reader’s observation.

The closure of the Ibn Battuta Mall location has been verified on the Novo Cinemas website as well as the Ibn Battuta Mall website. This move marks a significant change for moviegoers who frequented this cinema, as it was a popular venue in the mall.

Novo Cinemas is now consolidating its operations to a select number of locations. The remaining Novo Cinemas venues are:

  • Dragon Mart 2 in Dubai: A popular spot for cinema-goers in the Dragon Mart area.
  • Sahara Centre in Sharjah: A well-established location serving the Sharjah community.
  • Manar Mall in Ras Al Khaimah: Providing cinema experiences for residents in Ras Al Khaimah.
  • Bawabat Al Sharq Mall in Abu Dhabi: Catering to audiences in Abu Dhabi with its cinema offerings.

The decision to close the Ibn Battuta Mall location is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on key areas with strong customer bases. For those seeking to visit Novo Cinemas, these remaining locations offer a range of movie options and amenities.

Customers who frequented the Ibn Battuta Mall cinema will need to visit one of these alternative locations to continue enjoying Novo Cinemas’ services. The company has not provided specific reasons for the closure but has focused on maintaining service quality at their remaining sites.

For more information on movie schedules and other details, customers can visit the Novo Cinemas website or contact their customer service.

Dubai Named World’s Best Location for Remote Work

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have taken the Top Spots on Savills Executive Nomad Index.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been ranked as the top cities in the world for long-term remote workers, according to the latest Savills Executive Nomad Index. Dubai retains its leading position for the second consecutive year, while Abu Dhabi has moved up to second place from fourth.

The index, part of Savills’ Impacts program, evaluates 25 destinations based on factors like digital nomad visa availability, climate, quality of life, and residential markets. Dubai stands out for its exceptional air connectivity, with Dubai International Airport being the busiest in the world for international passenger traffic. The expansion of Al Maktoum airport is expected to make it the largest globally once completed.

Savills’ Andrew Cummings highlighted Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s appeal due to their modern infrastructure and high quality of life, which support both personal and professional growth. The cities are recognized for their vibrant business environments, offering ample networking and growth opportunities.

Other top cities in the index include Málaga, Miami, Lisbon, Barcelona, and Palma, all known for their beachside access. The index also notes that executive nomads—who are often older and travel with families—value safety, healthcare, and educational facilities, leading to a rise in prime rents in many top locations.

New additions to the 2024 index include Palermo, Cape Town, Grenada, Bali, and San José, Costa Rica. Palermo is noted for its affordability compared to other Italian cities, while Cape Town benefits from South Africa’s new Digital Nomad Visa program.