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Auto Season in Dubai Shifts Into High Gear: A Citywide Celebration of Cars, Culture & Community

December 28, 2025 | Entertainment

Get ready—the Auto Season is roaring into Dubai with high-octane excitement as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) this January. Car lovers, families, and culture enthusiasts alike will be treated to a citywide spectacle celebrating automotive craftsmanship, community spirit, and unforgettable experiences across multiple iconic venues. Organized under the banner of the DSF Auto Season, this exciting automotive celebration runs from January 2 to January 11, 2026, and is free for visitors to enjoy throughout Dubai. What’s On: Key Events & Dates Here’s the full lineup that’s revving up the new year: Yalla Dubai Parade 2 January 2026 | 📍 Nad Al Sheba Square Kicking off the festivities, the Yalla Dubai Parade brings together an exciting convoy of vehicles that cruise through the city to celebrate a passion for cars and meet fellow enthusiasts. Collectors Hub Showcase 2–4 January 2026 | 📍 City Walk A must-visit for classic car aficionados and collectors, the Collectors Hub puts premium and rare automobiles front and center—from vintage icons to modern masterpieces. Supercars Parade 4 January 2026 | 📍 Nad Al Sheba Square Experience the roar of engines and sleek lines as supercars take over the streets in this much-anticipated parade. Exotic brands and performance beasts create a spectacle that’s a highlight of the season. DSF Track Day 3 January 2026 | 📍 Dubai Autodrome For adrenaline seekers, the DSF Track Day at Dubai Autodrome lights up the circuit with thrilling drives and high-speed showcases. This event is perfect for performance car enthusiasts who want to experience the thrill of automotive excellence firsthand. More Automotive Fun in January In addition to the core Auto Season lineup, petrolheads and lifestyle lovers can look forward to other major motoring highlights across the city as part of the broader festival atmosphere: Middle East Car & Bike Week 10–11 January 2026 | 📍 Dubai Studio City Following the Auto Season’s main events, the Middle East Car & Bike Week brings an even larger celebration of supercars, custom bikes, stunt shows, drifting arenas, live music, food zones, and lifestyle attractions. Expect jaw-dropping machinery, entertainment, and family-friendly experiences. 2026 Michelin Dubai 24 Hour Endurance Race 16–18 January 2026 | 📍 Dubai Autodrome For motorsport enthusiasts, the Michelin Dubai 24 Hour endurance race returns with one of the most demanding tests of speed and strategy on the global calendar. With hundreds of teams and multiple car classes battling through a full 24-hour schedule, this event is one of the season’s premier racing spectacles. A Festival for Everyone Unlike traditional car shows, Auto Season blends automotive passion with community, culture, and family fun. From parades and track experiences to lifestyle showcases and interactive gatherings, there’s something for every age and interest—whether you’re a hardcore petrolhead or someone looking for a memorable day out in the city. Dubai’s winter weather and vibrant festival atmosphere make January the perfect time to get out, explore, and connect with the city’s thriving car culture. So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and fuel your passion for all things on wheels—Auto Season 2026 is gearing up to be unforgettable. Quick Event Recap Yalla Dubai Parade: Jan 2 | Nad Al Sheba Square Collectors Hub: Jan 2–4 | City Walk Supercars Parade: Jan 4 | Nad Al Sheba Square DSF Track Day: Jan 3 | Dubai Autodrome Middle East Car & Bike Week: Jan 10–11 | Dubai Studio City Michelin Dubai 24 Hour: Jan 16–18 | Dubai Autodrome

MI Emirates Seal Qualifier 1 Spot with Dominant 8-Wicket Win Over Dubai Capitals

December 28, 2025 | Sports

MI Emirates booked their place in Qualifier 1 of the DP World ILT20 with a commanding eight-wicket victory over the Dubai Capitals at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Saturday. The win ensured a top-two finish for MI Emirates, who will now face the Desert Vipers in Qualifier 1 on December 30. With the league stage nearing its conclusion, the remaining playoff picture will be decided after Sunday’s clash between the Gulf Giants and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. The winner of that match will take on the Dubai Capitals in the Eliminator on January 1. Spinners Set the Platform Opting to field first, MI Emirates produced a disciplined bowling performance to restrict the Dubai Capitals to 122/8. The spin duo of Allah Ghazanfar and Shakib Al Hasan proved decisive, applying sustained pressure through the middle overs. Ghazanfar delivered a match-winning spell of 3 for 28, while Shakib was miserly, conceding just 11 runs in four overs and picking up a crucial wicket. Early breakthroughs left the Capitals struggling at 35/2, and regular wickets ensured they never gained momentum. Despite brief resistance from James Neesham (21 off 14) and a late stand between Mohammad Nabi and Scott Currie, MI Emirates maintained control. Nabi remained unbeaten, but Zahoor Khan’s economical final over capped a strong all-round bowling effort. Pollard Powers the Chase In response, MI Emirates made light work of the modest target, led by skipper Kieron Pollard, who played a vintage innings. Pollard remained unbeaten on 44 off 31 balls, smashing five sixes and a boundary to finish the chase in style. Openers Muhammad Waseem (27 off 19) and Andre Fletcher (21 off 30) provided a brisk start, racing to 45 without loss at the end of the powerplay. Although Waseem was dismissed in the seventh over and Fletcher was later run out, the chase was never in doubt. Pollard and Tom Banton (28 off 20)* then took complete control. The turning point came in the 14th over when Pollard hammered 30 runs off Waqar Salamkheil, including three consecutive sixes, virtually sealing the contest. The pair shared an unbeaten 67-run partnership, guiding MI Emirates home comfortably. Post-Match Reactions Allah Ghazanfar was named Player of the Match and credited preparation for his success: “I stayed true to my plans and trusted my variations. As a finger spinner, execution is key, and the hard work behind the scenes really paid off.” Dubai Capitals captain Mohammad Nabi admitted his side fell short: “We didn’t put enough runs on the board, and MI Emirates bowled very well. Pollard took the game away from us, but we’ll look to bounce back strongly.” What’s Next Qualifier 1: MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers – December 30 Eliminator: Dubai Capitals vs Winner of Gulf Giants vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – January 1 With five consecutive wins and strong momentum, MI Emirates enter the playoffs as serious title contenders, while Dubai Capitals now face a must-win scenario in the Eliminator.

Carmelo Hayes Wins WWE United States Championship After Defeating Ilja Dragunov on SmackDown

December 28, 2025 | Entertainment

Grand Rapids, Michigan—December 26, 2025: In a moment that WWE fans have been eagerly anticipating, Carmelo Hayes has finally reached a major milestone in his main roster career by defeating Ilja Dragunov to become the new WWE United States Champion on Friday Night SmackDown. A High-Stakes Main Event The United States Championship match served as the climax of the final SmackDown episode of 2025, taped at the Van Andel Arena and broadcast on the USA Network. Dragunov had been a dominant champion since winning the title in October, defending it through his signature open challenge format. During his reign, he overcame tough competition from a range of top stars, including Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, Axiom, JD McDonagh, and Aleister Black. The championship match itself was a fast-paced, hard-hitting encounter. After intense back-and-forth action, Hayes seized his opportunity when Dragunov launched off the top rope—only to be met with Hayes’ signature First 48 strike. He then followed up with his finishing move, Nothing But Net, securing the pinfall and the championship. Milestone Victory for Hayes This victory marks Hayes’ first championship win on WWE’s main roster and his first United States Title reign. Though he had established himself as a rising star in WWE—including a standout run in NXT, where he claimed the NXT Championship and NXT North American Championship—meaningful success on SmackDown had eluded him until now. Hayes’ journey to championship gold has been one of persistence and growth. Drafted to SmackDown in April 2024, he has had several high-profile matches and moments, including participating in marquee bouts and standing out in multi-star lineups. His win over Dragunov is widely seen as a long-overdue spotlight moment that sets the stage for bigger opportunities. Respect and Rivals After the match, Dragunov displayed sportsmanship by placing the title belt around Hayes’s waist—a symbolic gesture emphasizing respect between two fierce competitors. However, the celebration for Hayes was brief. Backstage, Johnny Gargano made his presence felt, confronting the new champion and signaling his intentions to challenge for the United States Title—setting up fresh rivalries heading into 2026. What’s Next for the United States Champion Following his title win, Hayes wasted no time asserting himself as a fighting champion. He announced that he plans to defend the United States Championship as soon as the following night at WWE’s non-televised Holiday Tour event in Pittsburgh—opening the door to new challengers and unpredictable matchups early in his reign. Hayes’ ascent underscores WWE’s continued investment in elevating the next generation of stars. With the blue brand SmackDown expanding to three hours in the new year, Hayes is expected to be a central figure in the mid-card scene, potentially bridging the gap toward even bigger opportunities in the main event picture. .

Logan Paul Confirms Sale of $5.3M Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon Card

December 25, 2025 | Entertainment

Logan Paul has officially confirmed that he is selling the most valuable Pokémon card in the world, sending shockwaves through the global collectibles community. Following an appearance on Fox News, Paul revealed that his PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator card—widely regarded as the holy grail of Pokémon cards—is heading to auction this February. The card is famously known as the only PSA 10 copy in existence, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after trading cards ever produced. Paul originally purchased the card in 2022 for $5.3 million, a transaction that earned him a Guinness World Record for the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold. Since then, the Pikachu Illustrator has become a symbol of the explosive growth and mainstream recognition of the trading card hobby. A Defining Moment for the Hobby The announcement has instantly sparked debate and speculation across the collectibles world. With Pokémon card values continuing to rise and high-end collectibles attracting global investors, collectors are now asking the big question: will the card sell for more than $5.3 million—or redefine the market entirely? The Pikachu Illustrator card was originally awarded in the late 1990s to winners of a Pokémon illustration contest in Japan and has long been considered the ultimate prize in Pokémon collecting. Its combination of extreme rarity, pristine condition, and celebrity ownership has only amplified its status. What Comes Next? As the auction date approaches, all eyes will be on the bidding room. Whether the card shatters records once again or resets expectations for ultra-high-end collectibles, one thing is certain: this sale will be a landmark moment for the Pokémon hobby. From seasoned collectors to first-time observers, the entire community will be watching closely as Logan Paul’s iconic Pikachu Illustrator card returns to the open market. How much will it sell for? The countdown to February has officially begun.

Guilherme Pat and Steven Asplund Shine at UFC Vegas 112, Potential Rivalry Brewing for 2026

December 25, 2025 | Sports

Two rising prospects announced their arrival in the UFC in emphatic fashion at UFC Vegas 112, as Guilherme Pat and Steven Asplund each delivered standout performances in their promotional debuts—and the story may be just getting started. Guilherme Pat showcased composure and high-level fight IQ, earning a hard-fought decision victory in his first appearance inside the Octagon. Demonstrating sharp technique and resilience across all three rounds, Pat impressed fans and analysts alike, proving he belongs among the UFC’s next wave of contenders. Steven Asplund, meanwhile, stole the spotlight with a dominant TKO finish, putting on a powerful and aggressive display that left no doubt about his finishing ability. His performance was rewarded with a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, marking an unforgettable UFC debut and immediately placing him on the radar as a dangerous newcomer. A Rivalry Takes Shape While both fighters celebrated successful debuts, it was Pat’s post-fight comments that ignited conversation across the MMA community. The Brazilian prospect publicly called for a future showdown with Asplund, suggesting the two debut winners should collide in what he described as a “real brawl” in 2026. The potential matchup has already generated buzz among fans, with many intrigued by the stylistic contrast between Pat’s measured, tactical approach and Asplund’s explosive finishing power. With both fighters starting their UFC journeys with momentum, a clash between the two could serve as a pivotal bout in shaping their respective careers. Looking Ahead UFC Vegas 112 may have been the first chapter, but if Pat vs. Asplund becomes reality, it could evolve into one of the promotion’s most compelling new rivalries. For now, both fighters return to training camps with confidence, wins on their records, and eyes firmly set on climbing the UFC ladder. One thing is certain: the UFC’s next generation has arrived—and they’re already calling each other out.

Thomas Anders Live at Dubai Opera: Modern Talking Legend Performs on January 3, 2026

December 25, 2025 | Entertainment

Music lovers in Dubai are in for a nostalgic treat as Thomas Anders, legendary voice of Modern Talking, takes the stage at Dubai Opera on January 3, 2026, for a spectacular solo concert. Best known as one half of the iconic duo that defined an era of pop music, Thomas Anders rose to global fame with timeless hits such as “You’re My Heart, You’re My Soul,” “Cheri, Cheri Lady,” “Brother Louie,” and “SOS for Love.” These songs dominated charts in 81 countries, contributing to over 125 million albums sold worldwide and earning Modern Talking more than 400 gold and platinum awards. A Night of Classic Hits and Solo Performances The Dubai Opera concert will celebrate both Modern Talking’s greatest hits and standout tracks from Thomas Anders’ solo albums, including songs from his acclaimed album Modern Talking. With over 40 years in the music industry, Anders continues to captivate audiences with his charisma, timeless voice, and refined stage presence. Venue & Experience Set in the heart of Downtown Dubai, Dubai Opera offers an elegant and world-class atmosphere, making it the perfect venue for a night of iconic pop music. Guests are encouraged to dress stylishly, in keeping with the venue’s elegant dress code. Important Entry Information Age policy: Fan Pit Standing: 18+ only Main auditorium: 6 years and above require a ticket Children under 6 are not permitted in the main auditorium Latecomers will not be admitted once the performance has started and may only enter during intermission, if applicable. Mobile phones, cameras, and recording devices are not permitted inside the auditorium. Food and beverages from outside are strictly prohibited. Getting There By car: Accessible via Sheikh Zayed Road, following signs for Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa. By metro: Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station, followed by a 10-minute walk. By taxi: Approximately 15–20 minutes from central Dubai, depending on traffic. Ticketing & Policies Tickets are valid only for the specified date and event and are subject to Dubai Opera’s terms and conditions. Refunds or exchanges are generally not permitted unless the event is cancelled or postponed. Entry requires a valid ticket and identification, and resale or commercial use of tickets without authorization is strictly prohibited.