Cool Stuff
LEGO Launches F.R.I.E.N.D.S Apartments Set
Today, the LEGO Group has launched the new LEGO F.R.I.E.N.D.S Apartments Set – which allows fans of the iconic Warner Bros. TV series the chance to recreate their favourite scenes. The 2,048-piece set, features both Monica and Rachel’s, and Chandler and Joey’s New York apartments, plus the adjoining hallway.
Following the hugely popular LEGO Ideas Central Perk set, which was released in 2019, the LEGO Friends Apartments set is complete with iconic features and props, such as the classic moment when Monica put the Thanksgiving turkey on her head, the one where Joey and Chandler only had a canoe as furniture and when Phoebe’s dollhouse went up in flames.
Other accessories from the show include the Poking Device; Gladys, Phoebe’s creepy art piece; the cheesecake that falls on the floor; Pat the Dog; the chick and duck, and many more. The set also gives fans the real sense of the original filming studio with set lights and allows you to display both apartments either separately or linked together with the hallway.
Additional features of the set include; new minifigures of the whole gang, in some of their most memorable outfits; Rachel’s iconic plaid skirt; Ross’ too-tight leather pants; Monica in an apron; Phoebe in a classic floral look; Chandler in a suit and loud designer tie; and Joey wearing all of Chandler’s clothes. And for the first time ever, Janice will also feature as a minifigure in a classic over-the-top gaudy outfit.
Anderson Ward Grubb, LEGO Set Designer commented “Following the success of the LEGO Ideas Central Perk set, we wanted to develop another tribute to this iconic TV show with a focus on the famous apartments. We worked directly from production photos of the set as well as watching and re-watching a lot of episodes so we could capture as many iconic moments as possible. One fun challenge was figuring out how to represent some aspects that change over the course of the show that appear in some episodes and not in others. I am looking forward to seeing if the eagle-eyed fans will spot them.”
LEGO The Friends Apartments set will be available at LEGO Certified Stores from 1st June 2021.
Bikes
DSBK Racing Launches the 2024-2025 Middle East Championship at Dubai Autodrome
The roar of engines and thrill of high-speed action returned to Dubai Autodrome as DSBK Racing proudly launched the much-anticipated DSBK Middle East Championship 2024-2025 on October 26th. The championship opener treated racing fans and families alike to an unforgettable day of adrenaline-pumping action featuring elite riders from around the world. Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre and Abdu Rozik, who made a special appearance, added even more excitement to an already electrifying atmosphere.
As the UAE’s premier superbike championship, DSBK Racing has firmly established itself as a leader in the region’s motorsports scene. Attendees experienced heart-stopping competition, family-friendly activities, and free entry and parking, creating an inclusive and dynamic environment for all.
Event Highlights
- Date: October 26, 2024
- Schedule: The day included intense warm-up and qualifying sessions, culminating in two thrilling 12-lap races at 12:00 PM and 2:50 PM.
- Competitors: 20 racers representing a diverse mix of nationalities battled it out on the track.
- Spectator Experience: In addition to the racing, attendees enjoyed live DJ performances, a dedicated children’s play zone, a variety of dining options from food trucks, a fan zone, and opportunities to meet racers and influencers.
2024-2025 Championship Calendar
Round 1: October 26, 2024 – National Circuit, Dubai Autodrome
Round 2: November 10, 2024 – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi (debut event)
Round 3: November 23, 2024 – National Circuit Dubai Autodrome
Round 4: February 2, 2025 – National Circuit, Dubai Autodrome
Round 5: April 5, 2025 – National Circuit, Dubai Autodrome
Round 6: April 19, 2025 – National Circuit, Dubai Autodrome
Founder of DSBK Racing and celebrated racer Nasir Syed & Co-Founder Abdul Samee, who has claimed many podium finishes, shared their vision for the championship: “The DSBK Middle East Championship is more than a race. It’s a platform for promoting responsible riding and advancing motorsport culture in the region. Our mission is to make DSBK Racing a fixture on the Middle East motorsports calendar.
DSBK Racing Academy, the UAE’s first-ever Superbike training academy aims to foster the next generation of racing talent by providing comprehensive training programs for aspiring riders. DSBK Racing is committed to building a passionate community of riders, families, and motorsport enthusiasts, offering more than just races but an experience filled with entertainment and education. Fans of motorsport and superbike racing can look forward to Round 2 on November 10, 2024, at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi.
Cool Stuff
Animenia Abu Dhabi Festival to Open Doors on 23rd October 2024
Anime enthusiasts, get ready for a five-day immersive experience! The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and BRAG are bringing the inaugural Animenia Abu Dhabi festival to Manarat Al Saadiyat from October 23rd to 27th, 2024. This event promises to be a haven for anime and video game fans, offering a unique blend of entertainment, interactive experiences, and celebrity appearances.
Animenia will feature a diverse range of activities, including:
- Cosplay Extravaganza: Witness the world’s top cosplayers compete for a massive prize pool of over AED 400,000.
- Celebrity Meet-and-Greets: Interact with renowned anime directors, voice actors, manga artists, and video game creators.
- Live Performances: Enjoy a lineup of J-Pop concerts, anime-inspired shows, and captivating performances.
- Interactive Exhibits: Immerse yourself in themed exhibits showcasing iconic scenes and characters from popular anime.
- Gaming and Workshops: Explore a dedicated gaming hub featuring VR zones, Esports, arcade games, and engaging workshops.
The festival will host a stellar lineup of guests, including:
- Legendary Anime Figures: Renowned figures like Yoko Takahashi (Neon Genesis Evangelion), Ryo Horikawa (Dragon Ball, Super Smash Bros), Naoto Ohshima (Sonic the Hedgehog), and more.
- Cosplay Icons: World-class cosplayers from Thailand, Indonesia, France, Latvia, Japan, and Saudi Arabia will be present.
Tickets for Animenia Abu Dhabi are now available with pricing starting at AED 65 for a single weekday pass.
Cool Stuff
Certified Collectibles Group Expands into Middle East
The Certified Collectibles Group (CCG), a company that authenticates and grades comic books, trading cards, coins, paper money and other collectibles, has announced its expansion into the Middle East with the opening of a new office in Dubai. This strategic move underscores CCG’s commitment to the region and its rapidly growing collectibles market.
To spearhead this exciting new chapter, CCG has appointed Arafaat Ali Khan as the Managing Director of its Middle East office. Ali Khan, a well-respected figure in the region’s pop culture and entertainment scene, is the co-founder of the Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC), and brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the local market to CCG. Khan’s involvement in the pop culture industry has had a strong influence on the entertainment and collectibles communities in the Middle East.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Arafaat to our team,” said Max Spiegel, President of Certified Collectibles Group. “His impressive expertise and passion for collectibles will be invaluable as we establish our presence in the Middle East. This expansion is a testament to our belief in the region’s potential and our commitment to providing a top-tier service to collectors and enthusiasts here.”
The new Dubai office will serve as a hub for CCG’s operations in the Middle East, offering high-quality grading services for a range of collectible items through their various services including Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) and Paper Money Guaranty (PMG), among others. This move marks the first time a leading international grading company of CCG’s calibre has set up operations in the region, reflecting the growing interest and investment in collectibles across the Middle East.
“As an avid collector myself, I am honoured to join CCG and lead the company’s efforts in the Middle East,” said Arafaat Ali Khan. “The region has a vibrant and enthusiastic collecting community, and I am excited to be part of another first at CCG by providing exceptional services and support to collectors and dealers here. This is an exciting time for the industry, and I look forward to contributing to its growth and success.”
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