Meet this Year's Cosmo's ME Bachelor of the Year: Nabel Aridi

Last night, Cosmopolitan Middle East announced the winner of the 2014 Bachelor of the Year contest at Atelier M, Pier 7 in Dubai Marina; and his name is Nabel Aridi.

Nabel Aridi after being crowned as the 2014 Cosmopolitan Middle East Bachelor of the Year
(image source: Cosmopolitan Middle East)

Aridi is a 26-year old Male Model and Actor, whose most notable work include movie shoots for the upcoming Fast 7 movie. Responding to Cosmopolitan's question, Nabel says that both inner and outer beauty are huge factors that attract him to a woman. He further states that "external beauty is pointless if a woman doesn't have a personality, isn't clever, responsible, independent, and considerate.

He describes his perfect first date as having dinner at home with music and candles, and talking all night long till dawn.

Nabel was discovered as a Male Model while he was trying on a Calvin Klein suit in a New Jersey Mall (United States). In addition to last night's achievement, he was also awarded the 2014 Sexiest Male Model and Actor Award by OSTM Magazine (UK).


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#FFWDDXB Season 3: Amato by Furne One

One of the highlight's of Fashion Forward Season 3 is undoubtedly Amato by Furne One. It's been described that Amato's design inspiration for this season comes from the travels of Alexander the Great through Persia, Egypt and India.

The show that Amato had put on for FFWD truly deserves a chapeau-bas. From the dramatic setting, music, choreography, and most importantly, the design itself; it is no wonder that this Spring/Summer edition's finale left everyone in utter awe!

Here's the video of the full show in case you missed it. Enjoy!

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#Sikka14 - Score Vol.2

SIKKA Score Vol.2 is a music CD compilation of both emerging and established UAE-based artists that is available for purchase at the price of AED 50 per copy at SIKKA14. Being a music fanatic myself, I wasn't really sure what to expect from the album when I bought it, but I thought given that I am immersing myself into this year's art season's offering, I should go for the whole works and not miss out on any experience.

I can tell you that I was pleasantly shocked with most of the tracks that are on the album. In fact, I can nearly say that it was one of the best things I have decided to purchase in a while. The album as a whole can be categorized as a fusion of jazz, alternative, indie, Arabic, and hip-hop music. My favorite on it were tracks by David Beats Goliath - 'Maisie &Neville', Craig Perry - 'Stop', Gayathri ft. Hamdan Al Abri - 'The Unknown', and Charlie Al Maameri - 'I Don't Know Yet'.

David Beats Goliath

With a folk-indie reminiscent of the likes of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and Mumford and Sons, this UK/Dubai based band are one of the city's best kept secrets. Quirky, catchy melodies, and heartfelt lyrics to make you ponder, David Beats Goliath are poised to take the Dubai music scene by storm in the coming months.

Here's their song titled 'Maisie & Neville' that is featured on the SIKKA14 Score Vol.2 CD:

Craig Perry

Dubai's newest rising star, Craig Perry, has been an unstoppable force on the local music scene since his debut as part of The Fridge Singer/Songwriter showcase in June 2013. Chosen as runner-up in the 2013 Rolling Stone ME Street to Stage competition, and having recently released his debut solo EP "Small Steps, Big Shoes" his now trademarked brand of heartfelt music is making big, big waves.

Here's his song titled "Stop" that is featured as track 4 on the SIKKA Score Vol.2 compilation:

Gayathri

With songs that range from evocatively low rumbling and moody ambiances to brutal and intense anthemic melodies, Gayathri's voice is her identity. A champion of the independent movement with a growing and active fan base, her debut album 'The  Unknown\ is the result of a successful crowd-funding campaign that raised over USD 23,000 in just 10 days! One of the highest rated unsigned artists to date by Rolling Stone ME, Gayathri's released 'The Unknown' independently in March 2013.

Here's her Sikka14 Score Vol.2 song 'The Unknown' featuring Hamdan Al Abri:

SIKKA14 runs until March 25, 2014. Don't miss out on checking out the on-stage performances.

#EmiratesTrends Introducing: Tamara Jamal

Meet Tamara Jamal, the newest addition to the EmiratesTrends.com blogging family.

As it is inevitable for us to avoid speaking about fashion, and as it is more credible for our reviews to be coming from someone who is actually familiar with the fashion retail industry, I am both incredibly honored and humbled to have Tamara Jamal accept to use EmiratesTrends.com as her blogging platform.

Tamara currently works with Sharaf Retail as their Marketing Communications Specialist. She is strongly opinionated on matters pertaining to the fashion industry, and rarely does she miss an event!

With a number of fashion events lined up to take place in Dubai, and with the Spring season dawning upon us, Tamara will soon be blogging about everything hot, and not!

Stay tuned, and make sure you subscribe to EmiratesTrends.com so you constantly receive our updates.

The Bold & the Beautiful: guest-starring Dubai's DJ Bliss??

In anticipation of The Bold & The Beautiful being shot later on this month in the UAE, a photo on the B&B set of Dubai One That's Entertainment hosts, DJ Bliss and Dina Butti alongside the series characters, Hope and Liam, surfaced on social media.

DJ Bliss (far right) and Dina Butti (far left) with B&B's Hope and Liam on-set
Photo courtesy: DJ Bliss Facebook page

Commenting on the picture that he posted on his Facebook page, DJ Bliss told The National newspaper: "The B&B crew shot a mock scene for us [Dubai One That's Entertainment]. It was the first time they’d ever done anything like this – it’s basically going to look like an episode of the show. We’ll be screening it at the end of our 27th birthday show."

Bliss is one of the UAE's most present socialites. In addition to his well-established name in the DJ/Club scene, he is also active as a TV, radio and events presenter, as well as a music producer. He well-represents the idea that everything is indeed possible. Though he might not be aware of it, Bliss surely gives hope to people that dreams do come true. 

Good on you Marwan, keep up the great and inspiring work that you always do!

Photo courtesy: DJ Bliss Facebook Page

The Dubai-based young girl who IMPRESSED Jessie J

On February 13, 2014, Virgin Radio Dubai asked British pop singer Jessie J to visit Al Diyafah School. As part of the visit, the school had asked Esther Eden, a student, to perform her original song in front of Jessie J. Because the ran out of time, Esther was then asked not to perform anymore. This led her to appeal to Kris Fade from Virgin Radio who ultimately let her sing her song. While Esther was performing her song, Jessie J stopped her and asked her to start over again because she wanted to take a video of her performance with her phone and upload it on her own YouTube channel. After Esther was done with her performance, Jessie J asked her to perform her original piece at RedFest.

I think I can speak on behalf of Esther when I say that what Jessie J did, and how she supported her was simply amazing; but it disappoints me at the same time that such a beautiful voice that's been among us had to be discovered by such an international artist to get recognized. When will we start properly supporting our own homegrown talent, and back them up to hear them more on the radio and also nurture them until they perform live in their own concerts?

Here is the video of Esther's performance during Jessie J's visit to her school. Good on you Esther, keep it up!

8 Rising UAE Trendsetters

DANA DAJANI

Dana Dajani is a Dubai-based performance artist, actor, writer, director and presenter. During her recent years, she has made notable appearances in a number of English and Arabic films, television series, commercials, theater, and events. 

In 2011, she won best actress at Tropfest Arabia for her performance in the 5mins short film titled 'At First Sight' (see below) that was inspired from the poetry of Nizar Qabbani, and which was also played during the Cannes Short Film Corner in 2012. She was also the lead actor in the film 'In Her Eyes' which was awarded the best film, best screenplay, best editing, and best cinematography at the Arab Film Studio Competition 2013.

Dana also writes for the local art magazine, Quint, and can be usually spotted around Dubai reading her poetry with Poeticians, or reciting Floetry with various singers and musicians.

Dana Dajani's strongest online presence: 
YouTube Channel: 12,308 views as of January 6, 2014

ALI AL SAYED

Ali Al Sayed is an Emirati comedian, master of ceremonies, producer, comedy coach, and presenter. Ali co-founded Dubomedy, a UAE based comedy group that has been in the funny business for over 5 years now. He has performed alongside comedy heavyweights including Maz Jobrani, Dean Edwards of SNL, Dean Obeidallah, Sugar Sammy, Aron Kader, and many more.

Ali has established a recognizable presence in the media. He recently hosted and presented MBC Action's 'Desert Force' TV show, in addition to being the weekly comedy commentator on Abu Dhabi Sports Channel show 'The Beautiful Game'. He was also seen making a number of appearances on MBC's morning show, Sabah Al Khair Ya Arab, as well as on Dubai One, OSN, BBC, and Decision Makers TV.

Ali was named ‘one of the most influential comedians in the world’ by Toastmaster’s International Magazine, nominated for Ahlan’s ‘Best in Dubai’ in the Best Personality Category, chosen as one of the ‘funniest people of the year’ by Rolling Stone and was coined “UAE’s King and Queen of Comedy” alongside his wife by Ahlan! Al Sayed was also selected along with his partner and now wife Mina Liccione, for ‘Ahlan’s Hot 100’ as Dubai’s Comedy Couple. He was also recently nominated for a Best in Dubai Award in the “Best personality” category for the second year in a row.

Ali Al Sayed's strongest online presence:

YouTube Dubomedy Channel: 448,509 views as of January 6, 2014

REEMA AL BANNA

Reema Al Banna is a Dubai-based fashion designer, and is the owner of the trending fashion line, Reemami. She began her career as a graphic designer before pursuing her passion for haute couture. She was nominated as the best regional designer at the Grazia Style awards in 2011, and her fashion line was also listed among Ahlan's best 10 fashion brands during the same year. In 2012, Reema was listed in Emirates Woman Magazine among the top 25 faces to know in the UAE.

2013 has been a busy year for Reema. Her dresses were frequently worn by celebrities during the Dubai International Film Festival. On their Facebook page, Diet Pepsi Arabia stated on Reemami "If you love young, fun clothes then this (Reemami) is the right look for you". Her photo was also displayed on Sheikh Zayed Road near Emirates Towers as a Dove Arabia ambassador of the #doveSurprises campaign. Reema and her fashion line are also frequently featured in a number of local fashion magazines.

Reema Al Banna featured during Dove Arabia's #doveSurprises campaign

On community service, Reema contributed one of her top selling fashion wear to the campaign that successfully raised funds to treat Sarah-Jean, a 20 year old girl who was diagnosed with Acute Myleoid Leukemia in the UAE.

Reema Al Banna's strongest online presence:

Instagram: 5,385 followers as of January 6, 2014

MR SHEF CODES

Mr Shef Codes, real name Shefan Lantra, has surfaced as one of the UAE's most notable R&B and Hip-Hop DJs. Based in Dubai, this young artist’s repertoire has been remarkable in the short span of time he’s been DJing. Currently signed on with Bliss Inc Entertainment, he can be found sharing the booth with Dubai’s DJ Bliss every Saturday at the award winning “411” at the number one club in town, “People by Crystal”. Holding club residencies at some of Dubai’s hottest spots including 2Liv, People by Crystal, Republique & Trilogy, he plays a mix of mainstream Hip Hop and R&B, soulful throwback tunes and some reggae treats. 

Mr Shef Codes’ rise to the club scene began when he was placed third at the annual PALME DJ in the year 2007. He’s since played at some of the biggest clubs in the UAE including; Armani/Prive’, Sanctuary, Movida, Nasimi and Etoiles while sharing stages with international artists like Lloyd, Shaggy, Kardinal Offishal, Cassidy, Robin S and Karl Wolf as well as DJs Whoo Kid, Young Guru, Tony Touch, Jazzy Jeff, Green Lantern, Clinton Sparks, Cutee B, Cut Killer, Abdel and Sake among others. Check out his 20 mins long SoundCloud 411 2nd Anniversary Mix file to get an idea of this rising DJ's mixing abilities.

No stranger to the spotlight, Shef was the official DJ for the Season 3 of Dubai One’s “20 Something”, the UAE’s biggest and only youth TV show, providing him a platform to broadcast his beats across the nation.
Not only does he love music but this upcoming artist knows a thing or two about style, which led to the creation of his men’s lifestyle blog “Coded Chronicles”. This positioned him as the DJ of choice for top fashion boutiques such as S*uce, West LA and Rivaage, where he’s kept Dubai’s fashion crowd entertained at in-store events. Shef was also shortlisted for the Ahlan! Awards 'Best Club DJ' category.

Mr Shef Codes is currently an ambassador for Lexus UAE and has collaborated with brands such as Visa, BlackBerry, Redbull, Beats by Dre & Adidas Originals.

Mr Shef Code's strongest online presence:

Twitter: 2,253 followers as of January 6, 2014

MINA AL SAMARRAI

Mina Al Samarrai is a Dubai-based accessories and fashion designer. Her love for fashion, trends, and arts is what drove her to create her own fashion and accessories line, NimNim Boutique, and release her very first collection back in 2012. She describes her designs as a testimonial for the bold women.

In 2013, Mina's accessories designs and collections were featured as part of the Women in Leadership Economic Forum. They were also exhibited, and sold, during Dubai's flagship fashion event, Fashion Forward. A few of the local and regional celebrities spotted wearing Mina's designs in 2013 include Joelle Mardinian (TV presenter of 'Joelle Show'/make up artist/creative director of Max Factor), and Lady Fozaza (fashion icon).

Joelle Mardinian wearing NimNim Earpiece

Lady Fozaza wearing NimNim Palm Ring

Mina, and her designs, is no strangers to media exposure. In 2013, MBC popular morning show 'Sabah Al Khair Ya Arab' interviewed her a number of times, and she has been also featured in a number of local magazines like Grazia and Ahlan.

Mina Al Sammarrai's strongest online presence:

Instagram: 3,371 followers as of January 6, 2014

NITIN MIRANI

Nitin is a Dubai-based stand-up comedian. His show, Komic Sutra, was one of the first comedy shows to be successfully exported outside the UAE. Nitin showcases the things that we all love to laugh about, from relationships, to the strange and diverse people that we meet every day - his words are your thoughts.

In 2013, Nitin has performed in Dubai as the opening act for comedy legend, Eddie Griffin, ahead of a strong crowd of 2,000 people. On Nitin, Eddie said "This brother from India brought the house down, watch out for him!". Nitin has also performed alongside many comedy celebs such as Maz Jobrani, Aron Kader, and Dean Obeidallah, to name a few.

In 2013, Nitin was awarded the 'Face of the Year' Award by Ahlan Masala, and was described as "one of the funniest people of the year" by Rolling Stones Middle East, and as the "king of comedy" by What's On Middle East.

Nitin Mirani's strongest online presence:

YouTube: 167,068 views as of January 6, 2014

SABA WAHID

Saba Wahid is a TV Presenter and TV Chef with a passion for the culinary arts. In the past couple of years Saba has developed her culinary resume along with her media presence in the International spectrum. After she joined the team at Dubai One, she Co-Hosted the First Season of a magazine style show called Ask One, which aired from September 2010 to December 2010. This then developed into Dubai One’s Premier Lifestyle show called Studio One which aired 5 days a week Live from January 2011-June 2011. It was a packed season filled with Celebrity Guests, Top Fashion Tips from Stylists to the Stars, and Culinary Gurus from all over the world. 

In addition to presenting the show with Co-Host Tom Urquhart, Saba also presented a weekly cooking segment on the show that gained incredible momentum on the “Foodie Scene” of Dubai, and gained her a weekly recipe feature in Ahlan! Magazine. 

Saba was nominated in 2013 as the 'Best Asian Blogger' in the Masala! Awards for the recipes she continues to share on her blog: Culinary Delights by Sabah Wahid.

Saba Wahid's strongest online presence:

YouTube: 2,127 views as of January 6, 2014


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Top 6 UAE-Based Socialites of 2013

We normally tend to be more aware of the movements and updates of celebrities and personas in the US and Europe. Yet like any other developing country, the UAE also has its fair share of socialites whom work very hard to achieve their dreams of becoming successful and well-recognized.

Below is a list of the top 6 UAE-based socialites who have made quite a presence during 2013 (in no particular order):

SHEIKH MOHAMMAD AL THANI

Sheikh Mohammad Al Thani is a young successful Sharjah based philanthropist, sportsman, entrepreneur, adventurous traveler, and a passionate mountaineer. The Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Al Nawras Hospitality, Tamween Catering, Grab 'N' Go, and Musafir are some of his successful ventures that are made in the Emirates.

Sheikh Al Thani is most recently known for being the first Qatari national to summit Mount Everest. He climbed the world's highest mountain as a brand ambassador for Reach Out to Asia, which is a non-profit organization that raises funds to uplift Asia and parts of the Middle East. Sheikh Al Thani's climb goal was to raise one million dollars to be used for education projects in Nepal.

Sheikh Al Mohammad Al Thani's online presence (as of January 5, 2014):

- Facebook Page: 40,714 likes

- Twitter: 6,494 followers

- Instagram: 6,572 followers

TAMARA AL GABBANI

Tamara Al Gabbani is a Dubai based Fashion Designer, who owns her own fashion line that is named after her, vibrant TV personality, actress, entrepreneur, and humanitarian. She is one busy woman! When she is not working on her fashion line, she is busy influencing or representing other internationally acclaimed brand names including Pepsi Arabia. Fast and Furious star Michelle Rodriguez was also spotted wearing a Tamara Al Gabbani designed dress for her 'OK! Middle East Magazine' Photoshoot.

Tamara Al Gabbani's recent accomplishments include being named as one of Ahlan Magazine's Hot 100 Pioneer; and nominated for the Emirates Woman of the Year award. She is also no stranger to being featured on many magazine covers, and interviewed by the media. Tamara is indeed one of the UAE's top personalities and fashion trendsetters.

Tamara Al Gabbani's online presence (as of January 5, 2014):

- Facebook page: 19,578 likes
- Twitter: 7,628 followers
- Instagram: 44k followers

KRIS FADE

ris Fade is the lead presenter on Virgin Radio Dubai's popular breakfast show, The Kris Fade Show, alongside Priti Malek and Big Rossi. Off air, he regularly emcees a number of high profile events and concerts.

Kris was spotted mid June at The Gramercy Dubai supporting and hosting a charity event that was organized to raise both awareness and funds for Sarah-Jean Masinas, an Abu Dhabi resident who was diagnosed with Acute Myleoid Leukemia (AML) and required an urgent bone-marrow transplant outside the UAE.

You can catch Kris Fade during weekdays on Virgin Radio Dubai between 6am and 10am.

Kris Fade's online presence (as of January 5, 2014):

- Facebook Page: 14,105 likes
- Twitter: 18,534 followers
- Instagram: 6,521 followers

MARWAN AKA DJ BLISS

Marwan, also known as DJ Bliss, is the UAE's first Emirati who is a DJ, Radio Presenter, TV Presenter, Emcee, and Actor. DJ Bliss founded 411 Nights, which is Dubai's premiere's Rnb and HipHop nightlife destination. He is also the co-lead presenter of 'That's Entertainment' on Dubai One, as well as the emcee of many high profile events including the Dubai Film Festival.

In 2013, DJ Bliss produced a song with Kardinal Offishall titled 'Let it Go' which was entirely shot and recorded in the UAE. Marwan was also a lead performance during the Nicki Minaj concert, My Music X Festival and many more gigs taking place in Europe, US, and the Middle East.

DJ Bliss's 2013 highlights also include producing 'Writer's Block', the lead track of Hip Hop legend Wyclef Jean, alongside Emirati musician, Prince Q; as well as making an appearance during the season finale of Arabs Got Talent 2013. 

DJ Bliss online presence (as of January 5, 2014):

- Facebook page: 23,562 likes

- Twitter: 17,081 followers

- Instagram: 6,481 followers

JESSICA KAHAWATY

Jessica Kahawaty is a Dubai-based presenter, fashion icon, and brand ambassador. She is most recently recognized as the face of Yahoo Maktoob's new entertainment shows 'omg! NOW' and 'omg! NUJOOM' in which she interviewed many locally and internationally acclaimed celebrities including Bob Sinclair, Carmen Electra, and Ramy Ayach.

Jessica won the title of Miss World Australia in 2012, and second-runner up position of Miss World 2012.

Jessica is also active in community services, and supporting charities. In 2013, and for her 25th birthday, she has asked her fans to donate to the charity: water my age in dollars, and to support the good people of Orissa, India, to have access to more clean drinking water. 

Jessica Kahawaty online presence (as of January 5, 2014):

- Facebook Page: 57,072 likes

- Twitter: 2,010 followers

- Instagram: 22k followers

WONHO CHUNG

Wonho Chung is a Dubai-based, internationally acclaimed, comedian. His career started in the UAE back in 2007 when Showtime approached him to join the Axis of Evil comedy tour from which he performed ahead of 20,000 people from around the Middle East.

Wonho's routine focuses on the idiosyncrasies of Arab and Far Eastern ways of living, and in doing so, he was able to break down many common misconceptions and stereotypes.

In 2013, Wonho was appointed by Swiss watchmaker Jaeger Le Coultre as a friend of the brand. He also hosted and performed at a number of high profile corporate events in the UAE, and in the region, including the launch of Hyundai's Centennial car, and the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S4.

Wonho Chung's online presence (as of January 5, 2014):

- Facebook Page: 191k likes

- Twitter: 65,418 followers

- Instagram: 18k followers

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