ISLAMABAD: Late last year when six Pakistanis made Forbes magazine’s 30 Under 30 in the US, Pakistan was pretty ecstatic. Last night, however, news erupted that for the Asian rendition of the listicle whose spots are the most coveted for young rising stars ... we scored nine spots!
Pakistan has the sixth-largest population in the world, and within that population 60 percent fall in the 18-40 demographic. In other words, we have a large number of young people who can potentially change the world.
Forbes’ list includes a singer who uses her platform for activism, tech and business-savvy individuals, social entrepreneurs and people looking to revolutionize health care in the South Asian country.
Perhaps the most recognizable name on the list is one of Pakistan’s leading singers, Momina Mustehsen. The 25-year-old was catapulted into the spotlight after she performed a record-breaking (we are talking hundreds of millions of views on YouTube, the highest of any from Pakistan) duet to “Afreen Afreen” with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan on the musical production platform Coke Studio. Mustehsen took her platform in stride, using it for a number of awareness campaigns, including one with UN Women.
Sadia Bashir had a mission to help women break into the world of tech and design by way of video game production — and she did just that. She co-founded Pixel Art Games Academy, which provides training in game design, production, gaming programming, digital art and animation targeted at young women. The program is directly responding to the gender gap in the gaming industry. Thirty-three percent of their students are (and always must be) women, a roster Pixel Art Games Academy keeps up through the scholarships Bashir created to encourage women to join.
Brothers in real life and in business, Adnan and Adeel Shaffi, 28 and 29 respectively, are the masterminds behind PriceOye, a price comparison website which they launched in 2015.
Many online shopping websites do not cater to cities outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi — a mistake that not only costs retailers but costs the people living outside the big cities as well.
PriceOye does price comparisons for electronics and uses data analytics to help retailers in their own marketing. With website numbers in the hundreds of thousands per month, PriceOye addresses the gaps that traditional e-commerce in Pakistan is not, a gap which leads smaller cities out of the running for great deals.
The singer-activist has been highlighted for her work on women’s issues, cyberbullying, human rights and also for being honored as one of the BBC’s 100 Most Influential Women of 2017.
Neurostic is a health care startup launched by 24-year-olds Muhammad Asad Raza and Abrahim Saha. Neurotstic aims to provide high-quality prosthetics and medical devices (such as cochlear implants) — without the astronomical associated costs. It also addresses clinical decision support, fitness and health monitoring, with a focus on data analytics for health care needs.
Raza and Saha are answering the call of a dire need in Pakistan where health care and resources can be sought to come by. Their prosthetic and implantable devices not only cater to the population in Pakistan but Afghanistan, Iran and Syria as well.
Another Pakistani named for his work in health care is also the youngest of the honorees. Muhammad Shaheer Niazi, 17, is the first to photograph the movement of ions. Forbes named him for the impressive science feat that depicted charged ions creating a honeycomb. This level of research is indispensable to biomedical research. Niazi has also been published in the Royal Society Open Science journal.
At 23, Syed Faizan Hussan is the founder of startup Parihelion Systems. With a mission to use tech-backed products for the improvement of the highest volume of lives, Perihelion Systems is addressing a number of Pakistan’s health issues. Products it has produced include One Health, a tracking and surveillance system used to predict outbreaks of disease, an invaluable resource for a country with a massive population and limited health care resources. Another product is the Edu-Aid, a sign language translating software.
The ninth name to make the list is Hamza Farrukh, 24, a portfolio solutions strategist at Goldman Sachs in London, who in his spare time has embarked on a fantastic social venture helping out in Pakistan. Farrukh is the founder of Bondh E Shams, a solar water project aiming to respond to areas in Pakistan with limited, scarce or no water access. Bondh E Shams, which translates as “droplets of the sun,” comes at a time when certain regions of Pakistan are affected not only by drought but also water that is not safe to drink.
Farrukh’s project has set up two solar-powered wells which provide safe, clean water to 1,500 residents of a small village in Pakistan. One of these wells has the capacity to supply clean water to an estimated 5,000 people every day.
Nine Pakistanis Make Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia
Nine Pakistanis Make Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia
Incoming: The hottest movies set for release before summer 2025
DUBAI: From fortune-making franchises to family-friendly fun, here are some of the biggest films coming out in the next few months.
‘Snow White’
Director: Marc Webb
Starring: Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, Andrew Burnap
The latest in a flurry of live-action remakes of classic Disney animated movies (see also “Lilo & Stitch,” due out in late May) sees Zegler take on one of the most iconic fairytale princesses from the company’s considerable catalogue. Disney has certainly invested wisely in its writers — the musical fantasy was penned by Erin Cressida Wilson (“Secretary”) and Greta Gerwig (“Lady Bird,” “Barbie”) — and with a nostalgia-hungry audience pretty much guaranteed to turn up in theaters, this will likely be one of the year’s biggest hits with families.
‘Paddington in Peru’
Director: Dougal Wilson
Starring: Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer
This third instalment of the hugely popular franchise based on Michael Bond’s children’s books sees Paddington and his adoptive family, the Browns, head to Paddington’s homeland of Peru, where — they have learned — Paddington’s Aunt Lucy is pining for him. When they arrive, though, Aunt Lucy has gone missing in the jungle, and during their search for her, Paddington and the Browns are separated.
‘Captain America: Brave New World’
Director: Julius Onah
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas
Onah says this fourth installment in the “Captain America” film series will show Sam Wilson (previously The Falcon) “stepping up to be the leader as Captain America” having been handed the iconic shield by Steve Rogers in “Avengers: Endgame.” When Wilson finds himself at the center of an international incident involving the president, he must use everything he’s learned about being a hero to put things right.
‘Mickey 17’
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Mark Ruffalo, Toni Collette
This long-delayed feature from acclaimed South Korean director Bong Joon-ho (whose 2019 black comedy “Parasite” picked up Best Picture and Best Director Oscars) keeps the dark humor, but shifts to a sci-fi setting. It stars Robert Pattinson as the title character, an ‘expendable’ space traveler sent on a dangerous mission to colonize an ice planet. When one Mickey dies, another is cloned with most of his memories intact. But when the titular 17th iteration accidentally survives, problems naturally arise.
‘Black Bag’
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Marisa Abela
Modern indie cinema pioneer Soderbergh has become one of the planet’s finest crime-thriller directors, so giving him actors of the caliber of Blanchett and Fassbender for this spy thriller about a pair of married intelligence agents — George and Kathryn Woodhouse — should pay off handsomely. When Kathryn is accused of betraying her country, George’s loyalties are tested to their limits.
‘The Amateur’
Director: James Hawes
Starring: Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Caitriona Balfe
British director Hawes helms this adaptation of Robert Littell’s 1981 novel. It’s a thriller about a CIA cryptographer Charles Heller (Malek) whose wife is killed in a terrorist attack. Realizing that his bosses are paralyzed by conflicting priorities, Heller blackmails them into training him as a field agent, then sets out to exact his revenge on those responsible for his wife’s death.
‘Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning’
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames
Ethan Hunt and the gang return (and, despite the title, probably not for the last time) in this direct sequel to 2023’s “Dead Reckoning — Part One.” It continues the story of Hunt's battle against the Entity, a rogue AI capable of controlling Earth’s defense and financial networks. Cruise will be hoping that the relatively disappointing box-office performance of “Dead Reckoning” was just a blip in the long-running franchise’s success.
‘A Minecraft Movie’
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Emma Myers
Given the success of films based on video games or board games in recent years, a movie based on “Minecraft” — the pop-culture phenomenon sandbox game that has sustained its popularity for more than a decade now — was all but inevitable. The resulting adventure comedy centers around a team of misfits who are “pulled through a mysterious portal into the Overworld: a bizarre cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination,” according to a Warner Bros. synopsis. “To get back home, they’ll have to master this world … while embarking on a magical quest with an unexpected, expert crafter.”
The Year Ahead: Five of the hottest games coming your way in 2025
Dubai: A look at the hottest games coming our way in 2025.
‘Grand Theft Auto VI’
Rockstar Games’ open world action-adventure series has become one of those creative works that transcends its medium — so the release of “GTA VI” will likely be gaming’s biggest moment of 2025, as likely to make broadcast news headlines as to whip up a social-media frenzy. Its reveal trailer already smashed YouTube records for non-music videos, racking up 46 million views within 12 hours, and 101 million within two days, and sparked a huge spike in Spotify streams for its featured track, Tom Petty’s “Love Is a Long Road.” The game will feature the series’ first female protagonist in a quarter of a century — Lucia, a Latina woman — and her male partner as they try to evade law enforcement around the fictional state of Leonida (a thinly disguised Florida), including Vice City (a thinly disguised Miami) and visit South America too. Expect the usual blend of amoral/immoral action and pop-culture parodies (social-media influencers are apparently a major theme) along with gameplay that will keep you engaged for weeks.
‘Assassin’s Creed: Shadows’
The 14th major installment in Ubisoft’s action-adventure franchise takes the action over to 16th-century Japan, towards the end of a long period of civil wars. Considering how big a part stealth plays in all “Assassin’s Creed” games, ninjas seem a natural fit, and indeed, one of the two central figures of “Shadows” is Naoe, a female shinobi (the game’s stealth mechanics have undergone a major and welcome upgrade, too). The other is Yasuke, an African samurai apparently inspired by an historical figure of the same name. Players will once again be embroiled in the millennia-long conflict between the peace-and-freedom-seeking Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order, who believe peace can only be attained through control. After a difficult year for the French publisher, there’s a lot riding on this title.
‘Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game’
Games based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” tend, unsurprisingly, to be foreboding, violent affairs focused on the great battles between good and evil. So this life simulation game from Take-Two Interactive Software will make a refreshing change, allowing you to play a Hobbit without any great responsibility beyond making your idyllic corner of Middle Earth as welcoming and homely as possible — foraging in the forest, fishing in the crystal-clear lakes, gardening, trading with the townsfolk, and cooking for your fellow Hobbits to help build friendships.
‘Death Stranding 2: On the Beach’
Game designer Hideo Kijima is one of the biggest stars in the gamers’ galaxy. He first made a name for himself as the creator of “Metal Gear” at Konami before setting up his own studio, Kojima Productions, and releasing the genre-defying, slow-burn epic “Death Stranding” in 2019, in which the vast majority of the player’s time was spent trekking across post-apocalyptic mountainous landscapes to deliver parcels to isolated communities and attempt to reconnect the shattered chiral network (the internet, basically). Logistical skills were vital. It wasn’t for everyone, but if you bought into it, it was hugely rewarding and surprisingly emotional. Comparisons with some of the isolation felt worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic, which arrived shortly after the game’s release, were inevitable, and Kijima has reportedly leaned into that for the sequel, which once again has a stellar cast. Norman Reedus and Léa Seydoux return as main protagonist Sam Bridges and his ally Fragile, while Elle Fanning also joins.
‘Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza’
The latest spinoff from the “Like a Dragon” action-adventure series sees fan favorite Goro Majima, a former Yakuza, taking the helm of his own pirate ship — and crew — after losing his memory. He goes in search of a fabled hidden treasure in islands surrounding Hawaii, including Honolulu, where last year’s excellent installment “Infinite Wealth” was set. Naturally, the game includes sea combat as well as the series’ regular beat ’em up combat style, and also sees the return of a few favorite minigames, including karaoke.
Saudi actress Maria Bahrawi rings in 2025 with a heartfelt message
- Bahrawi wishes family, friends, fans ‘joy, love, and endless blessings’
- Star of ‘Norah,’ first Saudi movie to premiere at Cannes Film Festival
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia actress Maria Bahrawi, who made history starring in the first movie from the Kingdom to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024, “Norah,” welcomed the new year with a heartfelt Instagram post.
“Hello 2025, may this year bring joy, love, and endless blessings to all of us,” the rising star wrote. “Here’s to new beginnings, big dreams, and beautiful memories. Happy New Year.”
The 18-year-old actress, who was born and raised in Jeddah, also highlighted the joy of being surrounded by her sisters, posting a picture with them, but covering their faces to protect their privacy.
“I am happy to be starting 2025 with my sisters around. Your presence is the biggest blessing in my life and the best feeling,” she added.
In her Instagram Stories, she shared a short video reflecting on milestones from 2024. The clip showcased her graduation, appearances at international festivals, and red-carpet moments.
It also had billboards featuring her across city streets, film screenings, interviews, behind-the-scenes glimpses from sets and shoots, her birthday, trips to AlUla and attendance at the Red Sea Film Festival.
Bahrawi’s film “Norah,” the debut feature of Saudi Arabia filmmaker Tawfik Alzaidi, premiered in the Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section, which highlights unique storytelling and innovative styles. The film received the Special Mention accolade, honoring its outstanding achievements.
The movie, shot entirely in AlUla, is set in 1990s Saudi Arabia when the professional pursuit of all art, including painting, was frowned upon.
Besides Bahrawi, the movie also stars Yaqoub Al-Farhan and Abdullah Al-Satian. It follows the story of Norah and failed artist Nader as they encourage each other to realize their artistic potential in rural Saudi Arabia.
The movie was backed by the Red Sea Fund — one of the Red Sea Film Foundation’s programs — and was filmed with an all-Saudi cast and a 40 percent Saudi crew.
“I’m living the dream. Inshallah, I’ll reach bigger and higher goals. I have all the opportunities in the world, now it’s up to me to take them,” Bahrawi previously told Arab News while discussing the film.
Disney’s ‘The Magic Box’ to debut in Abu Dhabi in February
DUBAI: Disney fans in Abu Dhabi are in for a treat as “The Magic Box,” an innovative theatrical production celebrating a century of Disney, is set to premiere at the Etihad Arena from Feb. 6 to 15, 2025.
Created and co-written by Felipe Gamba Paredes, the show combines more than 75 Disney songs with immersive visuals and an original narrative.
Gamba, a former Disney executive with over 15 years of experience, describes “The Magic Box” as a “love letter” to the timeless stories and music that have defined generations.
“In creating ‘The Magic Box,’ I wanted audiences to reconnect with their own inner child, and to do so, we chose not to tell one singular story from one single Disney film but instead blend them all into one unforgettable journey to the feelings and joy they triggered when we first saw them,” he told Arab News.
At its core is the tale of Mara, a woman rediscovering her inner child through Disney’s evocative melodies.
The production spans Disney’s vast musical history, featuring songs from as early as 1929 alongside contemporary hits from 2023, which Gamba said was “not an easy task.”
He said: “We spent many months just combing through the catalog. We knew we wanted to curate a collage that would resonate across multiple generations so that everyone would find their emotional place inside our show. Balancing content was important.”
The decision to debut “The Magic Box” in Abu Dhabi is based on the UAE capital’s diverse demographics.
“So, I know our show will feel right at home in Abu Dhabi, which is home to so many diverse cultures and represents such a rich tapestry of humanity,” Gamba said.
Hans Zimmer to perform in Abu Dhabi
DUBAI: Multi-Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer will perform in Abu Dhabi for the first time on May 31.
The performer will bring his “Hans Zimmer Live” concert to the UAE capital and will perform works from his most iconic soundtracks, including “Interstellar,” “The Lion King,” “Dune,” and more.
“I am very excited to be performing for the first time in the city where ‘Dune Two’ was filmed and served as the inspiration for the score.” said Hans Zimmer, referring to the Denis Villeneuve-directed blockbuster released in 2024.
Zimmer previously performed in Dubai in the summer of 2024.
Zimmer’s musical legacy, marked by the creation of memorable movie scores, secured him two Academy Awards and four Grammy Awards, along with nominations for three Emmys and a Tony.
With an impressive repertoire, he has composed the music for movies like “The Dark Knight,” “Top Gun Maverick,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and most recently “Dune” and “Dune: Part 2” — among other iconic movies.
