Toy giant Hasbro and Saudi Entertainment Ventures are teaming up to launch the world’s first Transformers-themed indoor entertainment centres.
The theme parks will open at three of Seven's entertainment destinations in Saudi Arabia.
Each of the parks will have themed attractions and immersive experiences depicting Autobots heroics and the scheming of the Decepticons.
Spanning more than 10,000 square metres and designed to attract visitors of all ages, the first Transformer entertainment centre will open at Seven's entertainment destination in Al Hamra, Riyadh.
Channelling planet Cybertron, it will have ride-based attractions and captivating environments to immerse guests in the action-packed world of the Transformers.
There will also be plenty of merchandise for sale, including pieces specially developed for the attraction, and themed food and beverage venues to allow travellers to feel like they’ve stepped into the world occupied by Megatron and Optimus Prime.
The Transformers partnership is the latest deal between Hasbro and Seven following the signing of an agreement between the two parties to bring the world’s first Play-Doh attractions to Saudi Arabia.
Eight Play-Doh theme parks are set to open at various locations across the kingdom over the next 10 years.
Designed to inspire creativity and fuel children’s imaginations, the colourful entertainment parks will have multilevel playscapes, sensory discovery areas and more.
“By partnering with Seven in the kingdom, we can bring even more truly unique experiences to fans of Transformers and Play-Doh. We’re sure that these new immersive attractions will entertain and delight generations of fans and families for many years to come,” said Matt Proulx, vice president for location-based entertainment at Hasbro, Inc.
Public Investment Fund-backed Seven is building more than 21 large-scale entertainment destinations in 14 cities across Saudi Arabia. Projects are opening in Riyadh, Kharj, Makkah, Jeddah, Taif, Dammam, Khobar, Al Ahsa and elsewhere, as part of the kingdom's focus on diversifying from oil.
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Profile Idealz
Company: Idealz
Founded: January 2018
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Size: (employees): 22
Investors: Co-founders and Venture Partners (9 per cent)
Stree
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Director: Amar Kaushik
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Rating: 3.5
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Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
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A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
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Sand storm
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Dust storm
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Your Guide to the Home
- Level 1 has a valet service if you choose not to park in the basement level. This level houses all the kitchenware, including covetable brand French Bull, along with a wide array of outdoor furnishings, lamps and lighting solutions, textiles like curtains, towels, cushions and bedding, and plenty of other home accessories.
- Level 2 features curated inspiration zones and solutions for bedrooms, living rooms and dining spaces. This is also where you’d go to customise your sofas and beds, and pick and choose from more than a dozen mattress options.
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Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)
Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)
Everton v Liverpool (10pm)
Monday
Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)
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if you go
Getting there
Etihad (Etihad.com), Emirates (emirates.com) and Air France (www.airfrance.com) fly to Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport, from Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively. Return flights cost from around Dh3,785. It takes about 40 minutes to get from Paris to Compiègne by train, with return tickets costing €19. The Glade of the Armistice is 6.6km east of the railway station.
Staying there
On a handsome, tree-lined street near the Chateau’s park, La Parenthèse du Rond Royal (laparenthesedurondroyal.com) offers spacious b&b accommodation with thoughtful design touches. Lots of natural woods, old fashioned travelling trunks as decoration and multi-nozzle showers are part of the look, while there are free bikes for those who want to cycle to the glade. Prices start at €120 a night.
More information: musee-armistice-14-18.fr ; compiegne-tourisme.fr; uk.france.fr
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Engine 3.6-litre V6
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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Lost to Oman by eight runs
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UAE fixtures
Free admission. All fixtures broadcast live on icc.tv
Tuesday March 15, v PNG at Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Friday March 18, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium
Saturday March 19, v PNG at Dubai International Stadium
Monday March 21, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium
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Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Biog
Mr Kandhari is legally authorised to conduct marriages in the gurdwara
He has officiated weddings of Sikhs and people of different faiths from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the US and Canada
Father of two sons, grandfather of six
Plays golf once a week
Enjoys trying new holiday destinations with his wife and family
Walks for an hour every morning
Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Loyola College, Chennai, India
2019 is a milestone because he completes 50 years in business
