• Iman Vellani as Ms Marvel, left, and Matt Lintz as Bruno. All photos: Marvel Studios
    Iman Vellani as Ms Marvel, left, and Matt Lintz as Bruno. All photos: Marvel Studios
  • Iman Vellani plays Ms Marvel/Kamala Khan in 'Ms Marvel'.
    Iman Vellani plays Ms Marvel/Kamala Khan in 'Ms Marvel'.
  • The series came out on June 8.
    The series came out on June 8.
  • The release of the series coincided with the official launch of Disney+ in the Middle East.
    The release of the series coincided with the official launch of Disney+ in the Middle East.
  • Marvel fans in the Middle East can watch the show on Disney+.
    Marvel fans in the Middle East can watch the show on Disney+.
  • Rish Shah as Kamran, left, and Iman Vellani as Ms Marvel.
    Rish Shah as Kamran, left, and Iman Vellani as Ms Marvel.
  • Kamala Khan, left, is the first Muslim superhero.
    Kamala Khan, left, is the first Muslim superhero.
  • From left: Yasmeen Fletcher as Nakia; Matthew Lintz as Bruno; and Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan.
    From left: Yasmeen Fletcher as Nakia; Matthew Lintz as Bruno; and Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan.
  • Kamala Khan, aged 16, first appeared in an August 2013 edition of 'Captain Marvel', and landed her own comic book series in February 2014.
    Kamala Khan, aged 16, first appeared in an August 2013 edition of 'Captain Marvel', and landed her own comic book series in February 2014.
  • In the comic book, Khan develops polymorphous powers owing to inhuman genes and takes over the former identity of her hero Carol Danvers.
    In the comic book, Khan develops polymorphous powers owing to inhuman genes and takes over the former identity of her hero Carol Danvers.
  • She has the ability to shapeshift and has powers of elasticity.
    She has the ability to shapeshift and has powers of elasticity.
  • She was in part created by comic book artist Sana Amanat, who has said the character was sparked by her own experiences as a Pakistani-American Muslim.
    She was in part created by comic book artist Sana Amanat, who has said the character was sparked by her own experiences as a Pakistani-American Muslim.
  • From left: Mohan Kapur as Yusuf, Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan, Saagar Shaikh as Aamir and Nimra Bucha as Najma.
    From left: Mohan Kapur as Yusuf, Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan, Saagar Shaikh as Aamir and Nimra Bucha as Najma.
  • It’s a big responsibility for the Pakistani-Canadian actress, 19, and one that is eagerly anticipated.
    It’s a big responsibility for the Pakistani-Canadian actress, 19, and one that is eagerly anticipated.
  • While Khan’s religion is an important part of her character, it doesn’t define her.
    While Khan’s religion is an important part of her character, it doesn’t define her.
  • Kamala represents so much about fan culture what it is to be a Marvel fan, says Vellani.
    Kamala represents so much about fan culture what it is to be a Marvel fan, says Vellani.
  • Kamala Khan is also a student, a sister, a confused teenage girl and a huge Marvel fan.
    Kamala Khan is also a student, a sister, a confused teenage girl and a huge Marvel fan.

Culture

Television

'Ms. Marvel': release date, time and cast of new Disney+ show

The new miniseries stars Iman Vellani in her first acting role as Kamala Khan/Ms Marvel

Evelyn Lau
Evelyn Lau

June 08, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

She is the first Muslim superhero to headline a Marvel comic book series and now fans don't have to wait any longer to see newcomer Iman Vellani as Ms Marvel.

Disney's new and much-anticipated show Ms. Marvel comes out on Wednesday, starring the young Pakistani-Canadian actress as the New Jersey teen, Kamala Khan.

Kamala Khan, who is 16, first appeared in an August 2013 edition of Captain Marvel, and landed her own comic book series in February 2014. She was in part created by comic book artist Sana Amanat, who previously told The National that the character was sparked by a conversation she had with her senior editor, Stephen Wacker, about her own experiences growing up in New Jersey as a Pakistani-American Muslim.

In the comic book, Khan develops polymorphous powers owing to "inhuman" genes and takes over the former identity of her hero Carol Danvers (Danvers drops the Ms Marvel moniker in the Marvel comics after taking on the mantle of Captain Marvel in 2012). She has the ability to shape shift and has powers of elasticity.

“I just hope it opens minds a little bit," Vellani told The National in an interview ahead of the show's debut. “I think that the whole point of our show is subverting labels and expectations that are thrown at you and doing your own thing, because no one can ever be just one label and one thing, and Kamala’s whole arc is marrying the 50 million things that, when combined, make her who she is. I hope people relate to that arc, and seeing that Muslims can be people and brown people are shown having fun on screen — how cool is that?”

Scroll through the below to see photos of the 'Ms. Marvel' premiere:

  • Iman Vellani at the premiere of 'Ms Marvel' on June 2, 2022, at El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. Photo: Invision / AP
    Iman Vellani at the premiere of 'Ms Marvel' on June 2, 2022, at El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. Photo: Invision / AP
  • Vellani plays Kamala Khan, also known as Ms Marvel, the world's first Muslim superhero. Photo: Invision / AP
    Vellani plays Kamala Khan, also known as Ms Marvel, the world's first Muslim superhero. Photo: Invision / AP
  • Laurel Marsden arrived at the premiere in a refined ensemble. Photo: Invision / AP
    Laurel Marsden arrived at the premiere in a refined ensemble. Photo: Invision / AP
  • Alysia Reiner, who plays Sadie Deever. Photo: Invision / AP
    Alysia Reiner, who plays Sadie Deever. Photo: Invision / AP
  • Travina Springer dazzled in a green dress on the red carpet. Photo: Invision / AP
    Travina Springer dazzled in a green dress on the red carpet. Photo: Invision / AP
  • Mohan Kapoor waved to fans at the event. Photo: Invision / AP
    Mohan Kapoor waved to fans at the event. Photo: Invision / AP
  • Rish Shah arrived wearing a smart casual outfit. Photo: Invision / AP
    Rish Shah arrived wearing a smart casual outfit. Photo: Invision / AP
  • Laith Nakli, who plays Sheikh Abdullah in the show. Photo: Invision / AP
    Laith Nakli, who plays Sheikh Abdullah in the show. Photo: Invision / AP
  • Saagar Shaikh, who plays Kamal's older brother Aamir Khan in the Disney+ series, looked relaxed on the red carpet. Photo: Invision / AP
    Saagar Shaikh, who plays Kamal's older brother Aamir Khan in the Disney+ series, looked relaxed on the red carpet. Photo: Invision / AP
  • The Red Dagger is played by Aramis Knight, who wore an eye-catching outfit at the event. Photo: Invision / AP
    The Red Dagger is played by Aramis Knight, who wore an eye-catching outfit at the event. Photo: Invision / AP
  • Ali Alsaleh, who plays Aadam in the show, on the red carpet. Photo: Invision / AP
    Ali Alsaleh, who plays Aadam in the show, on the red carpet. Photo: Invision / AP
  • Meera Menon, who directed episodes two and three of the series, joined the show's cast and crew at the premiere. Photo: Invision / AP
    Meera Menon, who directed episodes two and three of the series, joined the show's cast and crew at the premiere. Photo: Invision / AP
  • Zenobia Shroff plays Muneeba Khan, Kamala's mother. Photo: Invision / AP
    Zenobia Shroff plays Muneeba Khan, Kamala's mother. Photo: Invision / AP
  • Samina Ahmed joined the star-studded cast. Photo: Invision / AP
    Samina Ahmed joined the star-studded cast. Photo: Invision / AP
  • Yasmeen Fletcher wore a stunning black dress with gold-trimmed accessories to complete her look. Photo: Invision / AP
    Yasmeen Fletcher wore a stunning black dress with gold-trimmed accessories to complete her look. Photo: Invision / AP
  • British-Nigerian actress Adaku Ononogbo, who plays Fariha, looked elegant in front of fans. Photo: Invision / AP
    British-Nigerian actress Adaku Ononogbo, who plays Fariha, looked elegant in front of fans. Photo: Invision / AP
  • Xochitl Gomez, who plays America Chavez in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, at the premiere. Photo: Invision / AP
    Xochitl Gomez, who plays America Chavez in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, at the premiere. Photo: Invision / AP
  • Cast member Matt Lintz. Photo: Invision / AP
    Cast member Matt Lintz. Photo: Invision / AP
  • Executive producer Louis D'Esposito, left, and president of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige. AFP
    Executive producer Louis D'Esposito, left, and president of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige. AFP
  • Actress Vardah Aziz portrayed Zainab in Ms. Marvel. AFP
    Actress Vardah Aziz portrayed Zainab in Ms. Marvel. AFP
  • Jordan Firstman, who plays Wilson in the Disney+ series, at the event. AFP
    Jordan Firstman, who plays Wilson in the Disney+ series, at the event. AFP
  • Anjali Bhimani wore an elegant dress, completed with a clutch bag, while attending the premiere. AFP
    Anjali Bhimani wore an elegant dress, completed with a clutch bag, while attending the premiere. AFP
  • Double Oscar-winning director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy attended. AFP
    Double Oscar-winning director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy attended. AFP
  • Mehwish Hayat at the premiere ahead of the show's Disney+ debut on June 8. AFP
    Mehwish Hayat at the premiere ahead of the show's Disney+ debut on June 8. AFP
  • Actress Iman Karram wore a vibrant outfit paired with chunky heels on the night. EPA
    Actress Iman Karram wore a vibrant outfit paired with chunky heels on the night. EPA
  • Malvika Sheth joined cast and crew at the Ms Marvel premiere. EPA
    Malvika Sheth joined cast and crew at the Ms Marvel premiere. EPA

Here's everything you need to know about the show.

When is 'Ms. Marvel' coming out?

The show will stream on Disney+ on Wednesday, coinciding with the launch of the streaming platform in the Middle East. The first season of Ms. Marvel will contain six episodes.

The first episode premieres at 12.01am Pacific time, which is 11.01am in the UAE.

Episodes will then come out on a weekly basis until July 13.

Who is in the cast?

The show stars Vellani as Khan in her first acting credit. She was announced for the role in October 2020, months after Disney revealed that it was turning the comic book into a live-action series.

The rest of the young cast consists of Aramis Knight as Kareem (who is also a vigilante named Red Dagger), Saagar Shaikh as Kamala's older brother, Matt Lintz as Kamala's best friend and Rish Shah as Karman. Zenobia Shroff and Mohan Kapur will play her parents, Muneeba and Yusuf Khan.

How will 'Ms. Marvel' tie into the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

In the series, like the comic book, Khan is a huge admirer of Captain Marvel. This is where she takes her superhero moniker from. The MCU is set to release a 2023 sequel to Captain Marvel, titled The Marvels, which is expected to also feature Vellani as Khan. It will also star Brie Larson and Teyonah Parris as Captain Marvel and Monica Rambeau.

How can I watch it in the Middle East?

Disney+ is available in the Middle East from Wednesday.

The media and entertainment conglomerate is marking the launch of Disney+ in the Mena region on Wednesday with an event at Dubai Opera. The streaming platform has launched in 65 global markets to date and is releasing in more than a dozen countries in the region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Algeria, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine and Oman.

With 1,200 films, more than 1,000 TV shows and 100 exclusive originals, the confirmed library of content on launch is staggering, and includes titles from Disney, Marvel, National Geographic, Star Wars and more.

The service is available for a monthly fee of Dh29.99 and can be registered for on the website.

A version of this article was first published on November 14, 2021.

All the Marvel films and shows expected in 2022 — in pictures

  • 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' came out on May 6. Photo: Marvel
    'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' came out on May 6. Photo: Marvel
  • The first episode in the 'She-Hulk' series is due out on August 17 on Disney+. Photo: Marvel
    The first episode in the 'She-Hulk' series is due out on August 17 on Disney+. Photo: Marvel
  • Expect 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' – Part One on October 7. Photo: Sony Animation
    Expect 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' – Part One on October 7. Photo: Sony Animation
  • 'Moon Knight', which was released in March, has links to the region, with an Egyptian filmmaker and actress involved, and some filming done in Jordan. Photo: Marvel
    'Moon Knight', which was released in March, has links to the region, with an Egyptian filmmaker and actress involved, and some filming done in Jordan. Photo: Marvel
  • Jared Leto plays Michael Morbius in 'Morbius', out on April 1. Photo: Sony Pictures
    Jared Leto plays Michael Morbius in 'Morbius', out on April 1. Photo: Sony Pictures
  • 'Ms Marvel' introduced the world to the first Muslim superhero this summer. Photo: Marvel
    'Ms Marvel' introduced the world to the first Muslim superhero this summer. Photo: Marvel
  • Chris Hemsworth reprised his role as Thor in 'Thor: Love and Thunder', which came out on July 8. Photo: Marvel
    Chris Hemsworth reprised his role as Thor in 'Thor: Love and Thunder', which came out on July 8. Photo: Marvel
  • 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' comes out on November 22. Photo: Marvel
    'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' comes out on November 22. Photo: Marvel
Trump v Khan

2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US

2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks

2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit

2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”

2022:  Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency

July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”

Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.

Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha

Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar

Director: Neeraj Pandey

Rating: 2.5/5

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMBC%20Shahid%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

SQUADS

Bangladesh (from): Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Mahmudullah Riyad, Mohammad Mithun, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Taijul Islam, Mosaddek Hossain, Nayeem Hasan, Mehedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadat Hossain, Abu Jayed

Afghanistan (from): Rashid Khan (capt), Ihsanullah Janat, Javid Ahmadi, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan, Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Qais Ahmad, Sayed Ahmad Shirzad, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zahir Khan Pakteen, Afsar Zazai, Shapoor Zadran

Updated: June 08, 2022, 8:14 AM
TelevisionMarvel UniverseDisneyUS