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Ronah Maria Ventura
Journalist and Author
Ronah Maria Ventura is an insightful journalist and author with a sharp eye for the trends, events, and stories that matter across the UAE.
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Stories by Ronah Maria Ventura
Free desserts await Emirati women in Dubai on August 28
Emirati Women’s Day sees Dubai’s eateries gifting free desserts and special menus to women on Aug 28.
20 Aug 2026
Dave Marsh, Bruce Springsteen Biographer, Dies at 76
Dave Marsh, the renowned music journalist and author of the first Springsteen biography, has died at age 76.
19 Aug 2026
Maluma announces 2027-28 world tour under new Fénix partnership
Maluma's 2027-28 world tour, launched under a fresh partnership with Fénix Entertainment, promises a global showcase of his latest hits.
18 Aug 2026
The Grand Nad Al Sheba Gardens Opens on August 19 with Waitrose and More
The Grand Nad Al Sheba Gardens opens on August 19, 2026, bringing Waitrose, Maple Bear Nursery and other everyday services to Dubai residents.
18 Aug 2026
Accident-Free Day offers drivers chance to erase four black points
Accident-Free Day lets UAE drivers pledge a safe August 31 and potentially erase four black points from their records, boosting road safety ahead of the school year.
17 Aug 2026
Priscilla Lacle, Entrepreneur, Founder, and CEO of Oriyé Is Charging Toward Skincare’s Biggest Revolution
17 Aug 2026
Coco 2 Confirmed for November 2029 Release
Coco 2 arrives in November 2029, bringing back Benjamin Bratt as Ernesto de la Cruz for a new adventure in the Land of the Dead.
16 Aug 2026
X-Men reboot cast revealed: Sadie Sink, Adam Driver join Marvel film
The X‑Men reboot, set for a May 5, 2028 release, features Sadie Sink as Jean Grey and Adam Driver as Mister Sinister among a fresh ensemble of Marvel talent.
16 Aug 2026
The End of Oak Street Opens with $8.1 Million, Spider‑Man Still Leads
The End of Oak Street pulled in $8.1 million on its opening day, but Spider‑Man: Brand New Day remained the weekend’s box‑office leader with $19 million.
16 Aug 2026
KATSEYE leads new music releases this week
KATSEYE returns with the WILD EP, leading a packed week of new music from Phoebe Bridgers, Ayra Starr, and Troye Sivan.
16 Aug 2026
Tangled live-action set for March 2028, first look unveiled at D23
The upcoming Tangled live-action film is slated for a March 31, 2028 release after a sneak peek at D23 excited fans with Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and Kathryn Hahn as Mother Gothel.
16 Aug 2026
Hayat programme hits 2,150 transplants, marks World Organ Donation Day
The Hayat programme celebrated more than 2,150 organ transplants in Abu Dhabi, underscoring the emirate's growing transplant success and its commitment to saving lives.
14 Aug 2026
UAE sets Prophet's Birthday holiday for August 28
The UAE has confirmed the date for the Prophet's Birthday holiday, granting a three-day weekend later this month.
14 Aug 2026
Thudakkam tops opening for female‑led Malayalam film with Rs 6.86 crore debut
Thudakkam set a new record for female‑led Malayalam cinema with a Rs 6.86 crore worldwide opening, surpassing Lokah’s previous benchmark.
12 Aug 2026
2026 K-World Dream Awards Announces Presenters
The 2026 K-World Dream Awards has officially announced the lineup of presenters for the upcoming ceremony.
12 Aug 2026
Ariana Grande's 'petal' Debuts at No. 1
Ariana Grande claims her seventh No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 as 'petal' launches with 295,000 units.
11 Aug 2026
Joe Jonas Sought Therapy After Solo Album Flop
Joe Jonas revealed that the commercial failure of his 2011 solo album led him to seek professional help.
11 Aug 2026
PENTAGON Announces 10th Anniversary Tour "101010"
PENTAGON has announced stops for its "101010" tour, marking the group's 10th anniversary with a concert series.
11 Aug 2026
Stray Kids Drop New Mini‑Album ‘THIS & THAT’ – Stream It Now
Stray Kids’ new mini‑album ‘THIS & THAT’ arrives with the single “RUN IT,” and the group prepares a global tour and a historic Rock in Rio headline.
8 Aug 2026
The Odyssey hits $1.008 billion globally in three weeks
The Odyssey has topped $1 billion worldwide after three weeks, solidifying Christopher Nolan as a top‑grossing filmmaker.
8 Aug 2026
Karol G’s New Album Tops August Music Picks for a Fun Weekend
Karol G leads the August music roundup with her 14‑track album, while Stray Kids, Stella Lefty and Madonna add fresh tracks for a weekend listening spree.
8 Aug 2026
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis Cast Update from People.com
People.com has published a feature detailing the lives of The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis cast members after the show ended.
7 Aug 2026
Mrs. GREEN APPLE Finishes Stadium Tour in Tokyo
Mrs. GREEN APPLE closed their ZENJIN MITO stadium tour with two final performances at Tokyo's MUFG Stadium.
6 Aug 2026
Saint Levant to headline Dopa World Dubai festival in December
Saint Levant will headline the inaugural Dopa World Dubai festival on Dec 18‑19, 2026 at Jubilee Park, offering music, fashion, food and art for weekend planners.
5 Aug 2026
Soompi Highlights 8 K‑Drama Series Worth Binge‑Watching
Soompi's roundup of eight beloved K‑dramas offers a convenient guide for fans seeking their next binge‑watch series this weekend.
5 Aug 2026
Beckhams Bring Chic Style to St. Tropez
David and Victoria Beckham showcased effortless vacation style during a recent Mediterranean trip to St. Tropez and Ibiza.
5 Aug 2026
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi names its first museum director
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi has named its first museum director, a milestone for the new cultural venue as it prepares to open.
4 Aug 2026
Summer Showers Bring Relief to UAE as Rainfall Peaks Amid 50°C Heat
The recent showers, driven by the influence of an upper-air trough, have brought relief to various parts of the Emirates, despite temperatures occasionally touching the 50°C mark.
2 Aug 2026
World Congress of Military Medicine comes to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi hosts the 46th World Congress of Military Medicine, uniting global experts for scientific exchange and cooperation.
2 Aug 2026
Spider-Man: Brand New Day Sparks Weekend Plans for Fans
Tom Holland reveals a clear plan for passing the Spider-Man mantle, sparking weekend excitement around the upcoming 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day'.
2 Aug 2026
Stephen King Desperation Film Adaptation Announced
Searchlight Pictures is developing a film adaptation of Stephen King's 1996 novel Desperation with Sam Raimi producing.
1 Aug 2026
BTS skips 2027 Grammys, Recording Academy CEO responds
BTS has chosen not to enter their ARIRANG tracks for the 2027 Grammys, and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. explained how genre categories work and affirmed the Academy’s global outlook.
30 Jul 2026
Spider-Man: Brand New Day gets early Dubai screening
Dubai Marvel fans can see Spider‑Man: Brand New Day at an exclusive Reel Cinemas dawn screening on July 29, after the Burj Khalifa’s themed light display.
29 Jul 2026
Usher Halts Onstage Routine After Fan Appears Uncomfortable in Nashville
Usher halted a staged routine at his Nashville concert on July 25, 2026 after a fan appeared uncomfortable, drawing reactions from the audience and social media.
28 Jul 2026
UAE expresses solidarity with France amid southwestern wildfires
The United Arab Emirates, via its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed solidarity with France on July 26, 2026, as wildfires prompted large-scale evacuations.
27 Jul 2026
Hans Zimmer to Visit Abu Dhabi
Hans Zimmer is heading to Abu Dhabi, giving local fans the opportunity to experience the renowned composer’s music in person.
26 Jul 2026
Zach Pilapil wins 100% GCC Impact Scholarship in Dubai
Filipino student Zach Pilapil secures the first‑ever 100 % GCC Impact Scholarship in Dubai, covering three years of tuition and relieving his mother’s hardship.
26 Jul 2026
Matchbox: The Movie trailer debuts at San Diego Comic-Con
John Cena and Jessica Biel lead Matchbox: The Movie, with its first trailer revealed at San Diego Comic‑Con and a streaming launch set for Oct. 9 on Apple TV+.
26 Jul 2026
Repetto lace‑up shoes lead summer style in Abu Dhabi
Repetto lace‑up shoes are the French summer footwear favourite, praised for their walk‑ready design and seen on Lily Rose‑Depp, Kaia Gerber and Olivia Rodrigo.
25 Jul 2026
Friendship Day Dubai Deals 2026
Friendship Day Dubai offers include free-flowing bubbles, club entry discounts, and hotel room deals valid through early August.
25 Jul 2026
Dubai Hills Mall hosts free 5km indoor run as heat rises
Dubai Hills Mall kicks off the weekend with a free 5km indoor run, while Souk Al Seef and the Theatre of Digital Art host workshops and live performances to keep visitors cool.
25 Jul 2026
Charli XCX Leads Billboard’s New Music Friday Picks for the Weekend
Charli XCX tops Billboard’s New Music Friday guide, with Tyla and Morgan Wallen also featured for weekend listening.
24 Jul 2026
Ohh My Dog earns U/A rating after CBFC orders seven changes
Ohh My Dog secures a U/A rating after the Central Board of Film Certification required seven changes, paving the way for its July 31 release.
24 Jul 2026
Al Thuraya Platform Announces Ain Exhibition and Abu Dhabi Event
Al Thuraya Platform, backed by Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid, will hold its inaugural Ain exhibition and a fourth exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
23 Jul 2026
Sam Reid’s ‘The Vampire Lestat’ Finale Shows Rock Star’s Chart Struggles
Sam Reid’s ‘The Vampire Lestat’ finale reveals a rock‑star vampire whose album falls short of the Billboard Hot 100, highlighting the actor’s unique preparation and the show’s mixed critical response.
23 Jul 2026
Lanterns stars Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre channel classic comedy vibe
In Lanterns, Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre tap into a classic Abbott and Costello dynamic, delivering a breezy comedy perfect for a weekend unwind.
23 Jul 2026
Lojain Omran's Red-Hot Cannes Style
Lojain Omran brings Riviera flair to Cannes with a striking red ensemble and empowering messages about self-worth.
23 Jul 2026
Avengers: Doomsday pulls $16.5 million in ticket pre‑sales
Avengers: Doomsday generated $16.5 million in advance ticket sales after day one, with premium formats in 1,000 domestic theaters quickly filling up.
23 Jul 2026
Ramayana trailer excites Delhi fans; Namit Malhotra vows dedication
Ramayana’s trailer debut in Delhi drew fans and cast members together, as producer Namit Malhotra pledged his full commitment to the project.
22 Jul 2026
BTS headline historic World Cup final show
BTS joined Madonna and Shakira for the historic FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, promoting education and unity.
20 Jul 2026