In the UAE
Sharjah Film Platform: A Shout Out To All The Aspiring Filmmakers

Sharjah Art Foundation has launched the open call for film submissions for its second edition of the annual Sharjah Film Platform (SFP). Films selected for this edition of SFP will be included in the platform’s film programme from 11 to 21 December 2019 at Sharjah Art Foundation’s open-air Mirage City Cinema and the nearby Al Hamra Cinema, Sharjah.
So if you believe you’ve got what it takes to join the competition, then hurry up to enter, as films selected will be included in the platform’s film programme next December.
The competition was first launched last year, as a way to support upcoming filmmakers in the UAE and surrounding region. In addition to the film programme, SFP supports two other core components: a public programme featuring workshops and discussions, and the premieres of the Short Film Production Grant recipients’ films.
Last year’s inaugural SFP featured the screening of over 140 short and feature-length narrative, documentary and experimental films made by local, regional and international filmmakers from 40 countries.
The competition truly sets a great opportunity for both upcoming and established filmmakers, critics, film producers and students.
Deadline for submission is June 1, to apply visit sharjahart.org
In the UAE
Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena Will Welcome Back Visitors on November 20

Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena has announced the return of its live shows, in respect to safety procedures of course and a new protocol called ‘Venue Shield’.
The venue will welcome back audiences for the first time since February this year as OJ Lifestyle presents their Dark Knights Edition 1.0 event.
The arena first opened its doors last year in June, with many celebrities making headlines including Russell Peters and Maroon 5.
“We are very pleased to be able to provide live entertainment to the community of Dubai again, and we are excited to welcome the OJ Lifestyle team to Coca-Cola Arena on November 20th,” said Guy Ngata, CEO of Coca-Cola Arena.“There has been a tremendous amount of work implemented across many sectors in Dubai to get to this point, and we are pleased to now open our doors again with the safety of our guests of the utmost importance.” He added.
“It’s critical that we assure people they are attending a safe environment allowing fans and artists to enjoy an amazing live experience, which we are confident will be the case,” Ngata continued.
In the UAE
UAE Announced the Relaxing of Islamic laws to Promote Personal Freedoms

The United Arab Emirates announced on Saturday a massive overhaul of the country’s Islamic personal laws, which will allow unmarried couples to cohabitate and loosen the restrictions on alcohol and more.
This aims at broadening personal freedoms as the country is positioning itself as a Westernized destination for tourists. These reforms will boost the country’s economic and “consolidate the UAE’s principles of tolerance,” said state-run WAM news agency.
These changes is also a reflection for the efforts of the Emirates’ rulers to keep up with the rapidly changing society at the UAE.
The amendment will allow for “cohabitation of unmarried couples,” which has been criminalized before in the UAE and in an attempt to “protect women’s rights,” the government will also get rid of the laws that defend “honor crimes,” a widely criticized tribal custom in which a male relative may evade prosecution for assaulting a woman seen as dishonoring a family.
What do you think of the UAE’s move in adapting with the current changes that the country is facing?
In the UAE
Dubai Set to Launch Several Sustainable Projects For A Greener World!

Dubai has proven all the time its keenness on leading a sustainable life and on October 31st, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum looked at some interesting projects that are likely to transform Dubai into the ultimate destination for environmental sustainability.
Sheikh Mohammed, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai took a look at four new upcoming projects: the Green Dubai Project, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary development, a public beach development, and the Dubai Center for Waste Processing project.
In a statement, Sheikh Mohammed said, “The UAE is committed to implementing innovative projects that optimize the use of resources and solve critical challenges as part of the country’s strategy to ensure environmental sustainability. A key element in the UAE’s development model, environmental sustainability is reflected in all initiatives and projects launched by gov’t entities, independently or in partnership with the private sector. Sustainability is key to the UAE’s future-readiness.”
The Dubai Green project will be build along the city’s Al Mamzar Creek and will be an open garden that shall be developed over the next four years. The project will cost around AED 2 billion and will contain lots of greenery and exotic flowers.
Besides having new beached and heavenly greenery, Sheikh Mohammed also shed the light on the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary project, which will preserve and develop biodiversity and ecosystems across the emirate.
The largest project so far is the Dubai Center for Waste Processing, which might be built in Warsan. It is set to be one of the world’s largest waste processing plants, and will work to achieve some of the most efficient processing and energy generations across the city.
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