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NARUTO THE GALLERY Experience Makes Its Middle East Debut in Dubai

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Celebrating over 20 years of the global anime sensation NARUTO, fans in the Middle East will have a rare opportunity to experience the iconic world of their favorite ninja, as NARUTO THE GALLERY experience makes its debut outside of Japan, for the first time in Dubai. This unique experience, direct from Tokyo, will run from January 31  to April 6, 2025, at The Concourse Convention Center, near the Dubai Outlet Mall, marking the first time outside East Asia that the beloved anime’s legacy will be celebrated on this scale.

Created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the NARUTO anime’s debut in Japan, this immersive experience takes fans on a journey through the series’ iconic moments, themes, and characters. Featuring vivid life-size installations and exclusive artwork from the animation, NARUTO THE GALLERY offers an opportunity to step into Naruto Uzumaki’s world, including rare behind-the-scenes content from the series’ origins. From the vibrant landscapes of Konoha (Hidden Leaf Village) to unforgettable battles and intimate character portrayals, visitors can relive every pivotal moment of the beloved anime.

Experience Includes:

●      Authentic Artifacts and Original Artwork: View never-before-seen concept art and materials used in creating the series, transported directly from Japan

●      Interactive Displays: Fans can engage with iconic scenes and immerse themselves into the universe of NARUTO through dynamic video presentations on large screens and multiple monitors.

●      Fans can engage with iconic scenes and participate in interactive exhibits that immerse them into the universe of NARUTO

●      Exclusive Merchandise: Limited-edition NARUTO memorabilia and exclusive merchandise, making it a must-visit for any anime fan

As a landmark event for regional anime fans, NARUTO THE GALLERY reflects the global influence of Japanese anime and its cultural crossover appeal. With Dubai known as a bridge between East and West, this event reinforces the city’s position as a hub for innovative and world-class entertainment experiences.

Ticketing & Venue Information: This is a ticketed event, with tickets starting at AED 60 per person. Tickets can be purchased online through Platinumlist or at the venue itself. The exhibition will be held in The Concourse Convention Center, which is seamlessly connected to the Dubai Outlet Mall.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with NARUTO THE GALLERY Executive Committee to bring such an authentic and original experience to Dubai,” said Ahmad Khalifa, CEO, Akiba. “Al Ahli Group and Akiba are committed to growing the pop-culture scene in the region, spanning from West Asia to Africa, and introducing year long, themed experiences and events, celebrating various iconic properties. And kicking off our series of events with NARUTO THE GALLERY, is extra special, as we celebrate NARUTO’s 20-year legacy by creating an incredible experience for anime fans in the region to connect with the series on a personal level.”

“We are truly honored to bring NARUTO THE GALLERY to Dubai as its next destination. Through this exhibition, we hope to provide as many fans as possible with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history and legacy of NARUTO,” said the NARUTO THE GALLERY Executive Committee.

Event Details:

●      Event Name: NARUTO THE GALLERY

●      Dates: January 31, 2025 – April 6, 2025

●      Venue: The Concourse Convention Center, First floor Dubai Outlet Mall

●      Tickets: Starting at AED 60, available at Platinumlist and at the venue

●      Operating Hours: 12pm – 10pm (weekdays); 12pm – 11pm (weekends, Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr)

Global Stage Set in Riyadh as Ministry of Sports Leads World Stadiums and Arenas Summit

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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – With the support of the Ministry of Sport, the World Stadiums and Arenas Summit will be held at the Mandarin Al Faisaliah on April 29-30, 2025, the only dedicated summit hosted by the Government of KSA focusing on the development of stadiums and arenas in the Kingdom. This landmark summit will catalyze the Kingdom’s ambitious initiative to construct eco friendly world-class sports facilities, affirming Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a global sports hub with sustainability goals taking center stage in all aspects of the country’s sports development.

The summit is poised to serve as a crucial platform for global industry leaders in sports facility development, world-renowned architects, sustainability experts, and technological innovators. The agenda is meticulously designed to foster rich discussions about the future of stadium design and construction with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, smart technologies, and enhancing fan experiences.

In a statement, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud, Minister of Sport, expressed great enthusiasm and said, “The sports sector is witnessing changes and the latest steps taken by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 are visible. We are currently studying the governance of sports economy and the government seeks to facilitate those entering the Saudi sports sector, whether it is for investment reasons, for building academies or for developing athletes.”

As Saudi Arabia strides towards a transformative future in sports, the World Stadiums and Arenas Summit represents a pivotal platform for global experts to collaborate and contribute to the country’s vision of developing sustainable and technologically advanced sports venues. The event underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge design and sustainable practices into sports infrastructure in readiness to host major global sports events.”

The summit will delve into essential topics including the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs in stadium construction, the latest trends in modular and multi-functional venues, the integration of AI, IoT, and data-driven solutions to enhance stadium operations, and innovative strategies to boost fan engagement and experience. Additionally, the discussions will extend to investment and legacy planning to ensure the long-term utility and profitability of sports facilities post-major events.

Saudi Arabia’s rise as a prime destination for global sports is backed by significant investments in infrastructure capable of hosting major events like the AFC Asian Cup 2027, the Asian Winter Games 2029, and the FIFA World Cup 2034. These investments are crucial to the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals under Saudi Vision 2030 and position the nation at the forefront of the global sports venue market.

Anticipated to attract over1000 delegates, the summit will feature 45+ expert speakers and 120+ sponsors and exhibitors from over 50 countries. It will offer interactive project showcases, presentations, and case studies that highlight the latest innovations and strategies in sports facility development and in shaping the future of the sports infrastructure industry in Saudi Arabia.

Century Financial and Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club Celebrate Grand Finale of UAE Polo Federation Cup 2025

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The UAE Polo Federation Cup, presented by Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club in partnership with Century Financial concluded with a spectacular final at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. The event, which was the biggest in its history, featured nine elite teams vying for the coveted championship title in an exhibition of world-class polo.

The final day tournament kicked off with four teams in action with El Basha Polo playing Bin Drai Polo in the 1st match. The second match was between AM Polo and Abu Dhabi Polo showing remarkable skillsfrom both sides. The final match saw an exciting clash between AM Polo emerging victorious with a score of 8/7 and Abu Dhabi Polo as Runners-up. The match showcased exceptional skills of the players, culminating in a thrilling display that captivated the audience. Polo lovers and guests also enjoyed a range of experiences, including exclusive VIP viewing areas, exclusive dining options, and social interactions with friends and family during the match.

Nayef Bou Hamdan, General Manager of Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club said, “This year’s UAE Polo Federation Cup exceeded expectations, delivering not only top-tier polo action but also a comprehensive experience that catered to all attendees. Our club has continuously been at the forefront of combining premier equestrian facilities with luxury lifestyle offerings, and this event was a testament to our commitment to excellence.”

Shaheen Akbari, Executive Director at Century Financial, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership: “It has been a privilege to partner with the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club for this prestigious event. The energy and elegance displayed during the finals were remarkable, and we are thrilled to have been part of an initiative that brings together the community through a shared passion for polo.”

Santiago Torreguitar, Director of Tournaments at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, added, “The caliber of competition this year was truly exceptional. The tournament showcased a remarkable blend of seasoned veterans and promising new talent, each bringing their own unique strengths to the field. Witnessing such fierce matches and the diverse levels of skill displayed by all teams was not only a testament to the growth of polo in the region but also a promise of the sport’s bright future here. It was an honour to host such a vibrant celebration of polo at our club.”

The finals day was not just about the sport but also offered a variety of experiences for guests, including unparalleled networking opportunities, exclusive access to the VIP lounge, and the ‘Predict and Win’ contest, where spectators had a chance to win prizes by predicting the champion team.

As families, foodies, and sports enthusiasts came together, they enjoyed the Ultimate Polo Brunch, offering an array of exquisite food selections, alongside fun activities like pony rides and play stations, ensuring a grand family day out. The Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club continues to set the standard for exceptional equestrian events and remains dedicated to enhancing the polo community in Dubai and beyond.

7th META Cinema Forum Day 1 highlights key Insights, Trends and Industry Milestones

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The 7th META Cinema Forum kicked off today at the Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, bringing together cinema leaders and innovators from across the META region. Opening with remarks from Lara Tan, Conference Director at Great Minds Group, and Paul Schwarz, Technical Director at Dubai Acoustic Research Laboratory, the forum set a strong tone for exploring the future of cinema in the Middle East and Africa.

The first day included a panel discussion that addressed the role of government and new strategies aimed at fostering a holistic film culture and supporting the movie industry alongside the creative economy. The discussion covered various aspects, including the establishment of new authorities and mandates, funding institutions, state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, and educational platforms to nurture talent. Moderated by Rory McLoughlin, Founder of Like Minds, the panel featured industry leaders Sameer Al Jaberi, Nader Al Rawahy, Georges Khouri, and Nancy Paton.

Leila Masinaei, Managing Partner at GM Events, reflected on the forum’s significance: “This year’s META Cinema Forum has been all about innovation and collaboration. We’re creating a space where the region’s rich cultural narratives are celebrated alongside groundbreaking technologies. The positive response to the META Cinema Forum has been incredible, and it’s inspiring to see how much the event has grown over the years. Each edition brings together an increasingly diverse and passionate group of industry leaders, innovators, and creators, which reflects the region’s commitment to building a world-class cinema culture. This year’s forum showcases how far we’ve come in terms of technology, storytelling, and audience engagement. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact we can have as an industry when we unite to share knowledge, foster partnerships, and embrace new ideas.”

The day also saw exciting project updates, including a presentation from VOX Cinemas and panel discussions on immersive technologies, AI in filmmaking, and future cinema design. Day 1 ended on a high note with exclusive screenings and networking sessions, setting the stage for another impactful day ahead.

As the premier platform for cinema stakeholders in the META region, the 7th META Cinema Forum is ideal for anyone invested in the future of cinema. The forum is also featuring a trade show, networking opportunities, and exclusive screenings, including a highly anticipated 2025 blockbuster preview.

7th META Cinema Forum Set to Unite Global Cinema Industry Leaders in Dubai

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The 7th edition of the META Cinema Forum, the largest cinema convention in the Middle East and Africa, will take place in Dubai on November 11-12, 2024, at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Dubai, U.A.E. Organized by GM Events, the event will bring together top leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from the cinema industry to explore the latest trends, technologies, and strategies that will shape the future of cinema across the region.

After groundbreaking successes of the previous editions, the premier cinema convention for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa will feature in-depth sessions on the latest statistics in cinema construction and infrastructure, updates on major cinema projects across the META region, and exclusive insights into box office trends. The cinema industry in the META region has seen remarkable growth, with box office revenues increasing by 20% annually and over 50 new cinemas opening each year. 

This year, attendees will delve into advancements in cinema technology, explore the evolution of cinema architecture and mixed-use spaces, and participate in interactive industry insights sessions. Highlights include studio product presentations, special movie premieres, and the prestigious META Cinema Awards. 

Leila Masinaei, Managing Partner at GM Events, expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s META Cinema Forum, saying, “This year the event is about more than the latest technology and trends, it’s a platform for telling our own stories, rooted in the rich culture and diversity of our region. Bringing together creative minds and industry leaders, the forum enables us to share these narratives with the world. As we embrace new trending tools, we also carry the responsibility to tell impactful stories that resonate and endure. This is our moment to bring our region’s voice to the global stage.”

The event promises two days of insightful discussions, panel sessions, and presentations on key industry topics, ranging from box office performance to the latest in cinema technology and audience engagement strategies. With a stellar lineup of experts, the forum will feature high-profile speakers from global cinema giants, regional authorities, and leading industry stakeholders in panel discussions on government support, immersive technologies, cinema design and networking opportunities with industry leaders plus product presentations.

The forum will kick off with an insightful presentation by Maria Rua Aguete, Senior Research Director, Media and Entertainment at Omdia, who will delve into the latest cinema industry facts and statistics, providing a comprehensive analysis of global and regional box office performances. A series of panel discussions and presentations will explore the evolving role of government in fostering a holistic film culture, with esteemed speakers including Sameer Al Jaberi of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, and Georges Khouri of Tecom Group.

Highlights include the latest project updates from leading cinema chains like VOX Cinemas and Star Cinemas, engaging participants in discussions on enhancing cinema experiences through advanced technologies and innovative design. The day will culminate in exclusive screenings, offering delegates a first look at upcoming blockbusters.

Day 2 of the forum will focus on expanding the cinema industry through content diversity and strategic partnerships. Highlights include a panel on the demand for varied content, featuring discussions on the growth of Arab cinema and the importance of regional and international collaborations, followed by a fireside chat with Warner Bros.’ Toby Tennant on Hollywood’s role in shaping the META region’s cinema landscape and fostering future alliances.

As the premier platform for cinema stakeholders in the META region, the 7th META Cinema Forum is idealfor anyone invested in the future of cinema. The forum will also feature a trade show, networking opportunities, and exclusive screenings, including a highly anticipated 2025 blockbuster preview.