‘I like it hot!’: J. Lo sizzles with killer dancing in Abu Dhabi heat

‘I like it hot!’: J. Lo sizzles with killer dancing in Abu Dhabi heat
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Updated 8 min 18 sec ago

‘I like it hot!’: J. Lo sizzles with killer dancing in Abu Dhabi heat

‘I like it hot!’: J. Lo sizzles with killer dancing in Abu Dhabi heat
  • Jennifer Lopez, 56, shows why she is still one of the world’s hottest artists

Returning to Abu Dhabi after her stellar performance in February, Jennifer Lopez danced the night away at the Etihad Arena in Yas Island on Tuesday as a part of her “Up All Night” world tour.

Performing iconic songs including “On the Floor,” “Ain’t Your Mama” and “Dance Again,” Lopez sizzled with her high energy and killer dance moves.

Although I was disappointed “Jenny From the Block” did not have its own moment to shine, Lopez still performed her 2002 hit single as a medley with Queen’s “We Will Rock You.”

To celebrate her 56th year, she sang “Birthday,” the single released on July 24, which was much appreciated by the crowd.

The superstar thanked her fans and urged them to love one another and to pursue what they love.

Lopez also joked about the UAE heat. “I like it hot!” she said, fanning herself.

With multiple outfit changes and quick intervals, the show switched from high energy songs to slow ballads and medleys.

Lopez paid tribute to her Latin culture and performed some of her hit Spanish songs including “Que Hiciste” and “Si Una Vez.”

She sang while dancing the flamenco in an outfit inspired by the traditional traje de flamenca, a dress traditionally worn by women at festivals in Andalusia, Spain.

The hit singer is no stranger to the Gulf and turned heads in April at the F1 n Grand Prix in Jeddah. And last November she hit the stage at the “1001 Seasons of Elie Saab” event in Riyadh.


Sofia Carson dons Lebanese design on press tour

Sofia Carson dons Lebanese design on press tour
Updated 2 min 24 sec ago

Sofia Carson dons Lebanese design on press tour

Sofia Carson dons Lebanese design on press tour

DUBAI: Sofia Carson is continuing her streak of ensembles by Lebanese designer Elie Saab while promoting her latest project, “My Oxford Year,” set to hit Netflix on August 1.

Carson showed off a belted black blouse by the designer in New York this week, and she completed the outfit with a nude pencil skirt and black leather gloves.

Carson showed off a belted black blouse by the designer in New York this week, and she completed the outfit with a nude pencil skirt and black leather gloves. (Getty Images)

The actress and singer is known for her affinity for Lebanese labels, and previously showed off a look by Saab in March while promoting Netflix film “The Life List.”

Carson arrived at the “CBS Mornings” show in New York City as part of that press tour wearing a green dress from Elie Saab’s Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 2023-2024 collection.

 She also showed off several looks by the Lebanese designer during Netflix festivities in June. Ahead of Netflix Tudum 2025: The Live Event — the streaming platform’s celebration of global fandom and storytelling — Carson appeared in a white ensemble featuring a tailored blazer, wide-leg trousers and a matching shirt. On a separate occasion, she wore an all-black outfit composed of wide-leg trousers and a sheer top with cape-like sleeves. Both outfits were from Saab’s Ready-to-Wear Pre-Fall 2025 collection.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Carson’s latest film sees her star opposite Corey Mylchreest in “My Oxford Year,” a romance written by Allison Burnett and Melissa Osborne and directed by BAFTA nominee Iain Morris. T

“Iain Morris wrote and created one of the most iconic shows in British television, ‘The Inbetweeners’,” Carson, who also executive produces the movie — her second production credit following 2022’s Purple Hearts — told a Netflix blog. “Comedy is his language, so his vision of this film beautifully created a timeless, heartbreaking, sweeping romance, grounded in laughter. Within one scene you may fall madly in love, you may cry, but he will always make sure the joy of laughter is present.”

The upcoming film is, as the title suggests, set in the university town of Oxford in the UK.

“When Anna (Carson), an ambitious young American woman, sets out for the UK and the University of Oxford to fulfill a childhood dream, she’s got her life completely on track. That is, until she meets a charming and clever local Jamie (Mylchreest) who profoundly alters both of their lives,” the film’s logline reads.


Annemarie Jacir’s ‘Palestine 36’ to premiere at TIFF 2025

Annemarie Jacir’s ‘Palestine 36’ to premiere at TIFF 2025
Updated 29 July 2025

Annemarie Jacir’s ‘Palestine 36’ to premiere at TIFF 2025

Annemarie Jacir’s ‘Palestine 36’ to premiere at TIFF 2025

DUBAI: Director Annemarie Jacir’s “Palestine 36” will premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival as a gala screening.

Set on the outskirts of Jerusalem, “Palestine 36” tells the story of the Arab uprising against the British mandate.

“1936. As villages across Mandatory Palestine rise against British colonial rule, Yusuf drifts between his rural home and the restless energy of Jerusalem, longing for a future beyond the growing unrest,” the official logline reads. “But history is relentless. With rising numbers of Jewish immigrants escaping antisemitism in Europe, and the Palestinian population uniting in the largest and longest uprising against Britain’s 30-year dominion, all sides spiral towards inevitable collision in a decisive moment for the British Empire and the future of the entire region.”

The film features an ensemble cast including Oscar-winner Jeremy Irons, “Game of Thrones” star Liam Cunningham, and Tunisian actor Dhafer L’Abidine, alongside Palestinian talents Hiam Abbass, Yasmine Al-Massri, Kamel El Basha, and Saleh Bakri.

Jacir, whose previous credits include “Salt of the Sea,” “When I Saw You,” “Wajib” and episodes of “Ramy,” has been working on the project since before the pandemic.

“For years I’ve dreamed to make a film about the 1936 revolt, one of the most critical moments in our history, but in a way that is intimate, personal and raw. The story follows a group of people that each find themselves in a position they never asked for, and with something so much bigger than they know hanging over them. The film is about the moments in our lives where we are confronted with a choice, a decision that changes us forever,” Jacir previously said, according to Variety.  

The film was partially funded by ’s Red Sea Film Fund and the Qatar-based Katara Studios, among other entities.  


Chris Tucker tops bill of international stars at inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival

Chris Tucker tops bill of international stars at inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival
Updated 29 July 2025

Chris Tucker tops bill of international stars at inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival

Chris Tucker tops bill of international stars at inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival
  • Pete Davidson, Aziz Ansari, Louis C.K. and Omid Djalili also among more than 50 comics who will perform during the 2-week event beginning Sept. 26
  • Others announced on Monday include Tom Segura, Nimesh Patel, Sam Morril, Chris Distefano, Mark Normand, Hannibal Buress and Jimeoin

LONDON: Award-winning Hollywood actor Chris Tucker, critically acclaimed performer Pete Davidson, and Emmy award-winner Aziz Ansari are among more than 50 top comedians from around the world who will perform at the inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival.

The lineup for the event, at Boulevard City from Sept. 26 to Oct. 9, also includes: Tom Segura, known for his Netflix specials, including “Ball Hog” and “Sledgehammer,” and the series “Bad Thoughts;” podcast hosts Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee; Emmy-nominated writer and performer Nimesh Patel; late-night favorite Sam Morril; and UK actor and comedian Omid Djalili.

Also on the bill are Chris Distefano, who in February released his latest stand-up special, “It’s Just Unfortunate,” on streaming service Hulu; Mark Normand, whose special “Soup To Nuts” is on Netflix; veteran writer and comedian Hannibal Buress; six-time Emmy and three-time Grammy winner Louis C.K.; and Jimeoin, known for his observational comedy.

They are among the first 26 performers confirmed by Turki Alalshikh, chairperson of ’s General Entertainment Authority, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Other comics confirmed to be taking part include Andrew Schulz, Bill Burr, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Jessica Kirson, Jimmy Carr, Jo Koy, Kevin Hart, Maz Jobrani, Russell Peters, Sebastian Maniscalco, Whitney Cummings and Zarna Garg.


Bella Hadid gets nostalgic as she advocates for Palestine

Bella Hadid gets nostalgic as she advocates for Palestine
Updated 28 July 2025

Bella Hadid gets nostalgic as she advocates for Palestine

Bella Hadid gets nostalgic as she advocates for Palestine

DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid sent social media fluttering over the weekend when she shared a heartwarming carousel of rare childhood photos on Instagram. The 28‑year‑old delighted fans with snapshots from her early years.

The series of images begins with Hadid dressed as a young cowgirl, sporting a straw hat and boots on what appears to be a farm-themed outing.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

In the carousel caption, Hadid referred to her “inner baby bels,” adding, “Huggin her today. Smiliest & happiest kid. Hated the camera. Has anything changed!?

“Oh and most importantly….in case you forgot…. FREE PALESTINE!!!!!! I know this little fire cracker would have been screaming it from the rooftops,” she added.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, Hadid collaborated with Chopard as the brand shared new campaign images of the supermodel wearing pieces from its high jewelry collection ahead of Paris Couture Week.

In one of the images, Hadid wears a diamond necklace featuring a large yellow gemstone at its center. In another, she wears a coordinated jewelry set consisting of sapphire and diamond drop earrings, a matching necklace, and a statement ring.

“@BellaHadid embodies the essence of High Jewelery — radiant, refined, unforgettable. A tribute to timeless glamor ahead of Paris Couture Week,” the brand wrote on Instagram.

The model’s collaboration with Chopard began in 2017 when she became one of the faces of the brand’s high jewelry collections. Since then, she has appeared in several campaigns and has worn Chopard pieces at major international events, including the Cannes Film Festival, Met Gala, and Paris Fashion Week.

Hadid has had a busy summer. In June, with the help of close friends, she expanded her beauty brand Orebella with a range of accessories.

The model and entrepreneur teamed up with Wildflower Cases co-founders Sydney and Devon Lee Carlson to launch a limited-edition collaboration featuring two new products: an iPhone case and a “scentable wristlet.”

Hadid took to Instagram to announce the launch, writing: “Feeling like the luckiest girl in the world to be able to be creative with my beauty boss sisters. Life is beautiful when we have the opportunity to watch our friends winning. So proud of you two. So proud of our teams. So proud of us. Love you all — thank you for bringing this vision to life.”
 


Review: ‘Citizen Sleeper 2’ is narrative gaming at its best

Review: ‘Citizen Sleeper 2’ is narrative gaming at its best
Updated 28 July 2025

Review: ‘Citizen Sleeper 2’ is narrative gaming at its best

Review: ‘Citizen Sleeper 2’ is narrative gaming at its best

DUBAI: The sequel to one of indie gaming’s most beloved narrative gems, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, proves that lightning can strike twice. Again featuring an imaginative space setting, the dice-driven roleplaying game thrives on subtle storytelling that feels both intimate and epic.

In Citizen Sleeper 2, you step once more into the worn metal frame of a Sleeper — a synthetic body powered by a digitized human consciousness, stripped of its original memories. While the first game saw you fleeing the corporate entity that created you, the sequel shifts gears. This time, you are a Sleeper who has broken free from the chemical leash of Stabilizer only to find yourself bound by another kind of chain — indentured to ruthless gang boss Laine, trading one form of control for another.

What sets Citizen Sleeper 2 apart is its ability to make every choice matter without bombarding the player with flashy moral prompts. Conversations feel organic, decisions ripple outwards with quiet but devastating impact and the characters are drawn with nuance and compassion.

The gameplay remains as relaxing as it is engrossing. The dice mechanic returns, offering a meditative rhythm of planning and risk, but there is added depth in how resources, relationships and time must be balanced.

As the hours pass, the stakes rise. What begins as a personal quest for survival grows into a meditation on community, identity and the cost of freedom. By the time the credits roll, Citizen Sleeper 2 feels less like a game you played and more like a story you lived.

It is narrative-driven gaming at its best.