The UAE perfume market size reached US$614.3 million in 2022. It is expected to reach US$1.15 billion by 2028, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 11.88 percent during 2023-2028, according to Markets and Research. The GCC fine fragrances market size, on the other hand, is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.5 percent to US$19 billion by 2032 from US$12.4 billion in 2022, according to a report by Market 24X7. With over 120 outlets strategically positioned across the region, the company has witnessed exponential growth in annual production capacity, accompanied by the launch of 34 new captivating fragrances in the year 2023 alone. Al Haramain Group commands a substantial 5 – 7 percent market share in the Middle East’s fragrance market. As a manufacturer, it has showcased its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the fragrance industry.

The prestigious Iftar event, participated by more than 5000 guests, serves as a testament to Al Haramain Group’s enduring dedication to fostering community spirit and sharing joyous moments with valued customers and partners. The occasion will not only be a celebration of the holy month of Ramadan but also an opportunity to showcase the company’s latest offerings and extend gratitude to its loyal clientele for their continued support.

“We are immensely proud of the remarkable success achieved by Al Haramain Group in the UAE, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. As we host this grand Iftar gathering, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal customers and partners who have been integral to our journey. This milestone reinforces our dedication to delivering unparalleled products and experiences, enriching lives across borders and cultures,” Mohammed Mahtabur Rahman, Chairman of Al Haramain Group of Companies and Chairman of NRB Bank, said.

Praising the UAE’s benevolent leadership, he said, the country’s visionary leadership has allowed foreigners like him to prosper in the UAE. “I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the visionary and dynamic leadership of the UAE who have created an enabling environment for us to prosper in the UAE and contribute to the UAE economy and society in our own humble way. We are inspired by the great leaders of this country and will continue to do our best to support the UAE economy.”

The event was graced by the presence of senior local government officials and HE Mohibur Rahman, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief, Government of Bangladesh.

Mohibur Rahman, Bangladesh State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief, expressed his satisfaction seeing such a large Iftar gathering, said, “Bangladesh is a country that is growing fast and it is heartening to see that our people are also doing well in foreign countries such as the UAE. Bangladesh and the UAE share strong brotherly ties and I urge all to abide by the laws and contribute to the economies of the UAE and Bangladesh.”Mahtabur Rahman is a seasoned businessman and involved in a broad range of business and trade ventures around the world. A far-sighted person, he diversified his business interests in banking, healthcare, hospitality, aviation etc.

Mahtabur Rahman, who hails from Bangladesh, is also the President of Bangladesh Business Council in Dubai, President of the Non-Resident Bangladeshi (NRB) Commercially Important Persons (CIP) Association (NRBCIP Association) – a global platform of Bangladeshi High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) who have been investing in Bangladesh.

Mahtabur Rahman is one of thousands of Non-Resident Bangladeshi nationals who collectively own more than 100,000 businesses in the UAE and employ more than 300,000 people – making them one of the largest business communities in the UAE. He is the first Non-Resident Bangladeshi to have been awarded a UAE Gold Visa in July 2019. Established in the sacred city of Makkah in 1970, Al Haramain Group embarked on its journey by retailing religious fragrances to pilgrims, laying the foundation for a legacy of quality, authenticity, and service excellence. Today, the company boasts a diversified portfolio spanning perfumes, tea, banking, education, and healthcare, with over 20 business establishments operating across the GCC, Bangladesh, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other nations. With more than 100 branches and a workforce exceeding 1,000 professionals, Al Haramain Group remains steadfast in its mission to deliver unparalleled products and services to discerning customers worldwide. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, Al Haramain Group holds dual ISO certifications in Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001:2015) and Good Manufacturing Practices (ISO 22716:2007), underscoring its adherence to the highest international standards. The brand’s products are synonymous with excellence and authenticity, captivating fragrance enthusiasts through meticulously crafted blends that cater to diverse tastes, occasions, and personalities.

As Al Haramain Group continues to expand its footprint globally, the company remains dedicated to enriching lives through the art of fragrance, offering customers an unparalleled olfactory experience that transcends borders and cultures. With a rich heritage spanning over four decades, Al Haramain Group is poised to redefine luxury and elegance in the realm of fragrance, inviting enthusiasts to embark on an unforgettable sensory journey.

Bandra, Mumbai: Ananya Panday Indian actress, has partnered with the Committed Communities Development Trust (CCDT) to empower girls from underprivileged backgrounds. Ananya visited CCDT to inspire and support young girls in pursuing their dreams and aspirations.

CCDT, a distinguished NGO based in Bandra, Mumbai, is dedicated to advancing the national and state agenda of providing equal opportunities to all children and their families while safeguarding their rights to live with dignity.

As part of the initiative, ten girls were supported to participate in the #DreamsTakeFlight activity, where they were encouraged to envision their future goals and aspirations. Each participant was provided with “Dream Sheets” to articulate their dreams and discuss their aspirations. Ananya, along with dedicated teachers from CCDT, engaged with the girls, guiding them on how to turn their dreams into achievable goals.

During the activity, the girls shared their ambitions, ranging from learning different languages to mastering computer skills, all with the aim of pursuing higher education and fulfilling their career aspirations. One girl expressed her desire to learn various languages to facilitate her future endeavors in business management, while another aspired to enhance her computer literacy to broaden her opportunities in the digital age.

Moved by their determination and spirit, Ananya pledged her support to the cause by making a donation of 16 Lacs, a one-time investment aimed at providing the girls with resources and opportunities to pursue their dreams.

The renewal is valid from the 2024/ 2025 season till the end of the 2026-2027 season. As part of the three-season renewal, the broadcaster will have access to showcase over 1600 football matches across its channels over three seasons. Audiences in India will get a chance to watch their favorite teams like Real Madrid, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and more along with their favorite players like Kylian Mbappe, Mo Salah, Erling Haaland, Bruno Fernandes, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski amongst others.  These UEFA tournaments will be available exclusively on both linear television on Sony Sports Network as well as live-streamed on their on-demand OTT platform SonyLIV in the Indian subcontinent.

The UEFA Champions League will also be following a new format and competition system from 2024/25. From this season, four additional clubs will participate in the UEFA Champions League in a new league phase giving four more sides the opportunity to compete against the best clubs in Europe. 36 clubs will participate in this single league format in which all 36 competing clubs are ranked together. This will make this phase of the tournament even more exciting and would give the fans an opportunity to see more matches between the top teams. In addition to this, UEFA’s premier club competitions will no longer have a break in January, so fans can continue to enjoy non-stop European club football from August to May without any breaks in between.

Sony Sports Network will continue to telecast select UEFA Champions League matches in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu and the contribution of regional language coverage to the viewership of the league’s knockout matches has gone up in recent years. Over the last three years, the incremental reach contributed by the regional coverage has increased from 25% in the 2020/21 season to 38% in the last season (2022/23).

Sony Sports Network has been the home to UEFA Champions League since 2017 and this year the final is going to take place at the ‘Home of Football’, Wembley Stadium in London, England. In addition to this, Sony Sports Network continues to be the official broadcaster for the UEFA EURO 2024, Bundesliga, Emirates FA Cup, Roshn Saudi Pro League and more.

Comments:

Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India:

“Sony Sports Network, with a longstanding commitment to showcasing the very best of football, takes immense pride in announcing the extension of its partnership with UEFA for the next three seasons. Through this renewed collaboration, Sony Sports Network reaffirms its dedication to delivering unrivalled access to the most prestigious club football tournaments to fans across the Indian subcontinent. Since 2020, UEFA Champions League viewership in India has surged by over 51%, attributed largely through the introduction of regional language commentary. With the forthcoming transition to a new format, featuring over 125 additional matches and up to 38 early kickoff matches per season tailored for Indian audiences, we are confident that this growth will gain momentum further. As the ‘Home of Football’ in India, we eagerly anticipate showcasing over 1600 highly competitive football matches across these leagues to our viewers.”

 Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA Events SA Marketing Director UEFA: 

“We are pleased to continue our partnership with Sony Sports Network. Sony Sports Network coverage of UEFA properties in India has led to the growth of its following and viewership in India. Fans in the region will be offered extensive and excellent coverage of UEFA’s Football portfolio which includes the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League, with the broadcast on Sony Sports Network and their digital platform Sony LIV.”

For the latest updates from the world of sport, follow the Sony Sports Network on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

About Culver Max Entertainment Private Limited (formerly known as Sony Pictures Networks India):

Sony Pictures Networks India is the consumer-facing identity of Culver Max Entertainment Private Limited, which is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, Japan.

The Company has several channels including Sony Entertainment Television (SET and SET HD), one of India’s leading Hindi general entertainment television channels; Sony MAX, India’s premium Hindi movies and special events channel; Sony MAX 2, another Hindi movie channel showcasing great India Cinema; Sony MAX HD, a high definition Hindi movie channel airing premium quality films; Sony WAH, the Hindi movies channel for rural markets; Sony SAB and Sony SAB HD the family-oriented Hindi comedy entertainment channels; Sony PAL, a genre leader in rural Hindi speaking markets (HSM) showcasing the best of Hindi general entertainment and Hindi movies from its content library; Sony PIX and Sony PIX HD, Sony BBC Earth and Sony BBC Earth HD, the premium factual entertainment channels, Sony AATH, the Bangla entertainment channel; Sony YAY!, the kids entertainment channel; Sony Sports Network – Sony Sports Ten 1,  Sony Sports Ten 1 HD, Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 2 HD, Sony Sports Ten 3, Sony Sports Ten 3 HD; Sony Sports Ten 4, Sony Sports Ten 4 HD; Sony Sports Ten 5; Sony Sports Ten 5 HD; Sony Marathi, the Marathi general entertainment channel; Sony LIV – the digital entertainment VOD platform and Studio NEXT the independent production venture for original content and IPs for TV and digital media. The Company reaches out to over 700 million viewers in India and is available in 167 countries.

The Company is recognised as an employer of choice within and outside the media industry. It is a recipient of several awards, including India’s Best Companies to Work For 2021 by the Great Place to Work® Institute, India, ‘Aon Best Employers India’ awards in recognition of the company’s unique workplace culture and exceptional people practices, consistently ranking amongst India’s Top 10 Companies with Best Health & Wellness Practices by SHRM & CGP Partners and listed by Working Mother & AVTAR as one of the 100 Best Companies for Women in India.

The Company is in its 28^th year of operations in India. Besides having overseas subsidiaries, it has a subsidiary MSM-Worldwide Factual Media Private Limited, and an affiliate, Bangla Entertainment Private Limited in India.

Orry, a prominent figure in the digital space, steps into the realm of celebrity management with DCA- one of India’s most esteemed entertainment agencies. Credited for its innovative approach, DCA has become a powerhouse, managing top-tier talent such as Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Tiger Shroff, Vijay Deverakonda, Ananya Panday to name a few.

Expressing his excitement about this collaboration, Orry remarked, “I have been working on creating a strong brand presence for myself and partnering with Dharma Cornerstone Agency is a significant milestone for me personally and professionally. I am thrilled to embark on this journey alongside Karan Johar and the incredible team at DCA. Together, we aim to push boundaries, break stereotypes, and create meaningful opportunities across various domains.”

Mohammad Alghurair General Manager of Al Ghurair Exchange Stated Basant, meaning “spring,” transcends its traditional roots, emerging as a festival that not only pays homage to age-old traditions but also embraces the diverse tapestry of our community. Set against the backdrop of vibrant kites soaring high in the sky, the event promises an immersive cultural experience, weaving together the colors, sounds, and flavors that make the community unique.

Ali Hassan Business Development Manager at Al Ghurair Exchange envisions Basant as more than a festival; it is a call to unity and a celebration of diversity. The event serves as a platform for residents to come together, revel in shared experiences, and build connections that transcend cultural boundaries. It embodies the company’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and shared identity Basant wiil take place on 3^rd– &4^th FEB 2024.It will be a 24 hour event, Event has a dedicated area for Families and children, Event has capacity to manage 3000+ Car Parking.

Deepak Bulchandani Marketing Manager at AL Ghurair Exchange stated beyond the celebration, Basant holds strategic importance for Al Ghurair Exchange. It represents a unique opportunity to not only strengthen brand identity but also to engage with the community in a meaningful way. The company aims to create a lasting impact by providing an immersive and enjoyable experience as the Event will also join by Abrar Ul Haqa Famous Singer, Nimra Mehra A very Popular Singer, along Side the Famous UK Band, Sahara UKcomplement by a very high popular Sunny DJ. .

As the announcement unfolds, Al Ghurair Exchange extends a warm invitation to the media and the entire community to join hands in making Basant a resounding success. Through this event, Al Ghurair Exchange envisions painting the skies with joy, laughter, and the vibrant colors of shared celebrations. Let the countdown to Basant begin – a festival where kites and melodies unite to create memories that last a lifetime.

Mumbai, : The thrilling sport of Volleyball is set to sprinkle the flavour of Hindi Cinema with superstar Hrithik Roshan joining the third season of RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23 as the Brand Ambassador. The multi-award-winning actor has garnered a reputation for his dedicated fitness and diet regimes over the past couple of decades. Hrithik, an avid sports fan himself, enjoys the physical nature of volleyball and described the partnership as a natural fit for him. To spike things up, Hrithik engaged in a discussion about the upcoming season of RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23 with some of the top volleyball stars who will be competing in the third edition.

RuPay Prime Volleyball League Season 3 powered by A23 is all set to begin from 15th February, 2024 and will be telecast LIVE on Sony Sports Network.

Tuhin Mishra, Managing Director & Co-Founder at Baseline Ventures Pvt Ltd was elated to welcome the Bollywood Superstar to RuPay Prime Volleyball League, “We are delighted to have Hrithik Roshan join us as our brand ambassador for the next edition. The actor has redefined the meaning of athleticism and fitness over the years and has been a true source of inspiration for many of our athletes. He has been quite vocal about the need to maintain physical and mental fitness, and hence we wanted a star personality such as him to be associated with our product. His presence will not only add glamour to RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23, but it will also make the overall product even more exciting and adventurous. We cannot wait for the third season to kick off.”

Hrithik Roshan, Indian Actor and Founder of HRX shared his excitement on joining the RuPay Prime Volleyball League as the Brand Ambassador, “I’m thrilled to be a part of the third edition of RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23. My congratulations to the visionary team of Baseline Ventures, Sony Pictures Network, Sony Liv for putting up two remarkable Seasons of premium Volleyball that have gripped India. I’m amazed with the growing viewership and I’m positive that together we shall deliver yet another season of aspirational sporting opportunities to the youth of our country. The future of Volleyball seems bright in India and I look forward to discover newer talents through the course of the league.”

The RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23, co-owned and exclusively marketed by India’s leading sports marketing firm, Baseline Ventures, will enter its third edition this year featuring nine franchises – Hyderabad Black Hawks, Ahmedabad Defenders, Kolkata Thunderbolts, Calicut Heroes, Kochi Blue Spikers, Chennai Blitz, Bengaluru Torpedoes, Mumbai Meteors, and the latest addition, Delhi Toofans. The second season of the league garnered a total cumulative viewership of 206 million, as compared to 133 million from Season 1, with simultaneous broadcast in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam on Sony Sports Network. With the second season of the league witnessing over 371 million impressions, 113.9 million views, 92 million reach, 5 million fan engagements across various digital platforms, the sport gained formidable traction through social media.

The match schedule and season dates for Season 3 of RuPay Prime Volleyball League will be announced shortly.

LOS ANGELES: In the spotlight of the 81st Golden Globe Awards, “Barbie” emerges as the front-runner with nine nominations, closely followed by “Oppenheimer” with eight. These nominations highlight the cinematic achievements of the summer’s “Barbenheimer” phenomenon. Other notable contenders include Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Poor Things,” and “Past Lives,” each securing five or more nominations.

In the Best Film category, the dramatic lineup includes “Anatomy of a Fall,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Maestro,” “Oppenheimer,” “Past Lives,” and “The Zone of Interest.” On the lighter side, the Best Musical or Comedy category features films like “Air,” “American Fiction,” “Barbie,” “The Holdovers,” “May December,” and “Poor Things.”

Acting recognitions spotlight talents like Bradley Cooper, Leonardo DiCaprio, Annette Bening, Lily Gladstone, and more. Directors such as Bradley Cooper, Greta Gerwig, Yorgos Lanthimos, Christopher Nolan, and Martin Scorsese compete for the Best Director title.

The television category features outstanding dramas like “1923,” “The Crown,” and “The Last of Us,” while “Abbott Elementary,” “Barry,” and “Ted Lasso” shine in the musical or comedy series.

“Barbie” leads the film nominations with nine, closely followed by “Oppenheimer” with eight, promising a dynamic and competitive celebration of cinematic excellence at the Golden Globe Awards.

Dubai based entrepreneur Madhurima Nigam,Founder of Andromeda Productions and the better half of legendary singer, Padmashri Sonu Nigam, speaks to us on her latest venture – The Forttuna Excellence Awards ( 9-10th December 2023) that honoured healthcare professionals the world over. The event then rounded off with a Bollywood night at the Al Sahara Desert Resort in Dubai.

Photo caption : Host Vipul Roy with the Founder of Andromeda Productions, Madhurima Nigam at the Fortuuna Global Excellence Awards

When did you decide to be an entrepreneur?

I have been in the business of entertainment and fashion for more than a decade. I have been involved in a number of endeavours as my mind is always brimming with new ideas. I enjoy working on projects which will challenge me and where I can balance my life at home and work. Being married to a celebrity has always kept me in the public eye and I wanted to keep my work on a separate pedestal.

How has the journey been?
I have been very blessed to have a very plain sailing journey. When you have a big support from your family and friends…you have already crossed the barricades with some small stumbles which makes the journey inspiring.

Who are your partners?
I generally don’t work with partners. Forttuna Global Excellence Awards for Healthcare professionals came as an idea from Jiiber Jaber Entertainment and they being nascent to the business approached Andromeda Productions, that is my company for advice on how to create an awards ceremony. Over the course of time, Andromeda Productions curated and produced the event to support Jiiber Jaber Entertainment.

What have been the roadblocks on the way?
Roadblocks are like building blocks. One just needs to rearrange them for a smooth journey.

Tell us about the Forttuna Excellence Awards? Is it going to be an annual event?

Forttuna Global Excellence Awards is a concept of Jiiber Jaber Entertainment and my company Andromeda Productions has curated and produced the event. This year we honor the Healthcare professionals and I wanted to make the Awards an unique experience for those who provide us a healthy safe life. Andromeda Productions planned to create a never before experience in the desert sands of Dubai with an international lineup of artists. The healthcare professionals will go home with an award in their hand and a memory to cherish. Jiiber Jaber Entertainment hopes to continue this endeavour. Andromeda Productions has not committed to being a part of this project in the coming years.

You are an integral part of the Indian entertainment industry. How do you blend your creative pursuits with your experience?

I was born into a family of artists. My grandparents have been theatre actors and my mother was a kathak dancer. From a very young age I was encouraged to pursue music and dance. When I met my husband, Sonu Nigam, I was not prepared for the glitz and glamour but the art was intriguing. Over the years I have learnt a lot as I have become a part of this ever blossoming entertainment industry. The glamour comes with a lot of hard work and sacrifices. I have pursued theatre and have been a radio journalist while creating my own menswear label to keep my creative passion alive.

What is your next venture?
I have some very exciting projects lined up. I like thinking out of the box and working on projects that will give me an adrenaline rush. Besides entertainment I am working on creating a new brand of products which is my favorite project.

Healthcare trends celebrated at The Forttuna Global Excellence Awards 2023. Grand finale with Bollywood Night rocks Dubai sands

Not all angels have wings. Some have stethoscopes .

This thought was well exemplified by the Forttuna Global Excellence Awards 2023 held at the Al Sahara Desert Resort in Dubai. The event was preceded by a CDC on Healthcare trends of 2024 at Meydan Hotel on December 9. Khaleej Times was the newspaper partner to the event while the ZEE network was the television partner.

Andromeda Productions, the brainchild of Madhurima Nigam, initiated the Forttuna Global Excellence Awards in association with Jiiber Jaber Entertainment to honour the medical fraternity of the world. A bevy of healthcare professionals took part in a conference on December 9, discussing the healthcare trends of 2024. This was followed by an award ceremony on December 10 at the Al Sahara Desert Resort in Dubai.

Madhurima Nigam, a Dubai based entrepreneur, and the better half of Padmashri Sonu Nigam, aims to conduct events in her signature style with this much talked about night being the trendsetter. “Having done musical and entertainment events earlier, I wanted to conduct an event that was outside Bollywood and the entertainment industry. This is our time to give back to society and that is why the Healthcare awards interested me and I decided to support it,” she says.

Adds Sunny Leone, “Doctors put their lives on the line for us. It is a great feeling to entertain them with my music, to let them forget everything and enjoy the eventful night on the sands of Dubai. Madhurima is so hard working and meticulous. It is amazing working with her.”

Meet Bros who have worked with Sunny Leone across many hit numbers including Baby Doll are here as well. Echo Harmeet and Manmeet of Meet Bros who have earlier walked the ramp for Madhurima, sporting her outfits, “the moment Madhurima called us and spoke to us about the musical nite with the mission, we knew we were on. We wanted every member of the audience to have a ball. And it worked! We couldn’t have asked for more” Touche!