Princess Rajwa and Crown Prince Hussein visit speech therapy center in Amman
Princess Rajwa and Crown Prince Hussein visit speech therapy center in Amman/node/2581485/lifestyle
Princess Rajwa and Crown Prince Hussein visit speech therapy center in Amman
Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah and Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein visited the Seeds of Hope Center, which specializes in treating speech and language disorders in children and adults, in Amman on Sunday. (Instagram)
Princess Rajwa and Crown Prince Hussein visit speech therapy center in Amman
The Saudi-born royal looked elegant in an all-black ensemble from Max Mara
Updated 02 December 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah and Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein visited the Seeds of Hope Center, which specializes in treating speech and language disorders in children and adults, in Amman on Sunday.
Princess Rajwa looked elegant and professional in an all-black ensemble featuring a wrap jacket and trousers from Italian fashion label Max Mara.
The royal couple, who welcomed their first child — Princess Iman bint Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II — this year, toured the facility, which houses the only space in Jordan designed to provide multi-sensory experiences aimed at promoting relaxation and sensory integration. The visit also included a look at the center’s gym.
Sharing photos from their visit on Instagram, Crown Prince Hussein wrote, “Rajwa and I were inspired by the dedication of the young Jordanians we met at the Seeds of Hope Center. They carry a noble mission driven by compassion and a commitment to serve those in need.”
Aya Al-Jazi, the center’s director, briefed the couple on the services it provides. These include evaluation and treatment of speech, language, and voice disorders, as well as support for difficulties with swallowing.
Princess Rajwa made her first public appearance since giving birth when she attended Jordan’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match at Amman International Stadium in October, alongside her husband. Princess Iman was born on Aug. 3.
Limitless Orchestra marks world premiere at Dubai Opera with show honoring Johann Strauss, Hans Zimmer
Updated 11 January 2025
Shyama Krishna Kumar
DUBAI: Dubai Opera played host to a world premiere this week that reimagines orchestral music for a new generation of music lovers.
“Global Waltzing — from Johann Strauss to Hans Zimmer,” presented by The Limitless Orchestra, took place at the intimate venue at the heart of Dubai on Jan. 10 and 11.
The brainchild of Russian-German violinist and composer Aleksey Igudesman, the orchestra enjoys the distinguished patronage of legendary film composer Hans Zimmer, who also made a special guest appearance on stage on both nights.
The orchestra enjoys the distinguished patronage of legendary film composer Hans Zimmer, who also made a special guest appearance on stage on both nights. (Supplied)
Under Igudesman’s innovative “fail forward” approach, “The Limitless Orchestra” breathes new life into the traditional boundaries of symphonic artistry, blending timeless musical techniques with contemporary creativity to deliver an experience that is as daring as it is transformative.
“The world definitely does not need another orchestra, for sure, but I think the world needs this orchestra and other orchestras like it,” Igudesman said ahead of the show.
“The orchestra essentially has not changed, or an orchestra has not changed its format more or less for 150 years. It has become an institution, a very vital cultural institution. But everything that stays the same becomes stagnant and becomes a museum, and then dies eventually, and we do not want an orchestra to die. So, for me, I think launching the ‘Limitless’ orchestra with the help of my great friends is something that I just had to do, because I did not want to have the things that I love so much die, and I wanted to show a possible new way of doing things.”
The show sees the orchestra revitalize the timeless works of Johann Strauss. (Supplied)
The show sees the orchestra revitalize the timeless works of Johann Strauss, skillfully blending the cherished compositions of the Austrian king of the waltz with the epic film music of Hollywood legend Zimmer.
Zimmer, displaying his trademark humility, said: “I don’t think there are limitations to classical music. I would hate to go about ruining Bach or Mozart. That’s their music and we can have new music.
“I’m just a peasant of music. I write film music. But the weird thing is that every day I get to go out and hire an orchestra. I get to go out and play in arenas for 20,000 people. So, something is working with what I’m doing. I’m adding instruments to the orchestra, I’m adding playfulness.”
“Global Waltzing — from Johann Strauss to Hans Zimmer” took place at the intimate venue at the heart of Dubai on Jan. 10 and 11. (Supplied)
The program will showcase a dazzling fusion of classical and cinematic music through an innovative selection of compositions, including the opening piece, “Emperor Waltz, Sultan Style,” by Igudesman and Tristan Schulze, inspired by Johann Strauss.
Other pieces include “Sherlock Holmes Fantasy,” “From Time to Time — Inception Waltz,” and “The Banker’s Waltz.”
Igudesman, celebrated for his electrifying performances and whimsical approach to classical music, will perform original works and innovative compositions, accompanied by the mesmerizing voice of soprano Ekaterina Shelehova.
Saudi-backed film to screen at International Film Festival Rotterdam
Updated 11 January 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: The International Film Festival Rotterdam this week revealed its line-up for the 2025 edition, featuring the Red Sea Film Foundation-supported “Dead Dog” by Lebanese director Sarah Francis.
The film follows Walid and Aida, a husband and wife reunited after his long absence abroad. As they confront the emotional distance between them, secrets come to light, including Aida’s silence about their beloved dog Punto. Set against a backdrop of shifting dynamics and unspoken truths, “Dead Dog” explores themes of estrangement, trust, and the complexities of marriage.
The festival is set to take place from Jan. 30 to Feb. 9.
DUBAI: Netflix this week released the trailer for the highly anticipated second season of Palestinian-American comedian Mohammed Amer’s award-winning series “Mo,” announcing its debut on Jan. 30.
The new trailer showcases the show’s signature humor and heartfelt moments as Mo Najjar, played by Amer, continues to navigate life as a Palestinian refugee in the US.
In season 2, he finds himself stuck on the other side of the border, desperately trying to make it back to Houston in time for his family’s important asylum hearing. With no passport and few options, he faces a series of unexpected challenges, including a new rival who jeopardizes his relationship with Maria and his signature falafel taco recipe.
Bella Hadid’s childhood home destroyed in LA fires
Updated 11 January 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian model Bella Hadid took to Instagram this week to share a devastating moment as her childhood home in Los Angeles caught fire.
The model posted a photo on her Instagram Story showing flames and smoke engulfing the house, accompanied by the caption: “Childhood bedroom,” with a sad face emoji.
In a following Story, Hadid shared an aerial view of the house after the fire had been extinguished, revealing the extent of the damage. The once-familiar home was visibly charred, with remnants of the fire still evident.
The model posted a photo on her Instagram Story showing flames and smoke engulfing the house, accompanied by the caption: “Childhood bedroom,” with a sad face emoji. (Instagram)
While Bella did not provide further details, her posts offered a glimpse into the heartbreaking loss of a place filled with cherished childhood memories.
The Malibu property, where her mother Yolanda Hadid once lived and raised Bella and her sister Gigi, frequently appeared on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”
In a following Story, Hadid shared an aerial view of the house after the fire had been extinguished, revealing the extent of the damage. (Instagram)
Hadid is not the first celebrity to experience such a loss. Billy Crystal lost his Pacific Palisades home, where he had lived since 1979. Paris Hilton watched her Malibu beach mansion burn live on television.
Perennial Oscars host Crystal and his wife Janice said they were heartbroken to lose the Pacific Palisades house where they had raised their children and grandchildren.
Media personality Hilton said she was “heartbroken beyond words” to lose her beachfront mansion.
“Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience,” she wrote on X.
The list of celebrities impacted by the worst fires in Los Angeles history reads like a Hollywood who’s who: Jamie Lee Curtis, James Woods, Mandy Moore, Mark Hamill, and Maria Shriver all publicly shared their experiences of being forced to evacuate as flames tore through some of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods.
The Palisades Fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on the city’s western flank and the Eaton Fire in the east near Pasadena rank as the most destructive in Los Angeles history, consuming more than 35,000 acres (14,164 hectares) — or some 54 square miles — and turning entire neighborhoods to ash.
Coldplay lights up chilly Abu Dhabi with visual and auditory spectacle
Band began 4-day UAE concert series on Thursday
Show is part of their Music of the Spheres World Tour
Updated 10 January 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: Grammy Award-winning band Coldplay lit up a chilly Abu Dhabi with a visual and auditory spectacle on Thursday at Zayed Sports City Stadium, for the first of their four-day concert series that is a part of their Music of the Spheres World Tour.
The setlist featured crowd favorites including “All the Love,” “Yellow,” “Hymn for the Weekend,” “Paradise,” “The Scientist,” “Clocks,” and “A Sky Full of Stars.”
Adoring fans wore glowing wristbands that pulsed in sync with the music. There were bursts of confetti, large illuminated planets suspended throughout the stadium, and balloons floating across the crowd.
Coldplay engaged with the audience, including having a couple reveal their baby’s gender, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Frontman Chris Martin charmed the audience further by speaking in Arabic. “Assalamu alaikum, wa masa’ al khair. Shukran jazeelan,” he said, translating to “Peace to you, and good evening. Thank you very much.”
Before Coldplay’s set, Chilean-Palestinian singer Elyanna warmed up the crowd with a captivating performance, singing hits including “Ganeni” and “Mama Eh.”
Later, she joined Coldplay on stage to perform their collaborative track, “We Pray.”
The concert ended with a breathtaking fireworks display.
Coldplay will perform in the UAE capital on Jan. 11, 12 and 14.
