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From women’s safety to climate change, Miss Universe Pakistan aims to inspire change at home

The images posted on July 22, 2024 on Noor Xarmina's Instagram page shows Noor Xarmina posing for a picture with a tiara and and "Miss Universe Pakistan" sash in Raa Atoll, Maldives. (Noor Xarmina/Instagram)
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Updated 29 July 2024
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From women’s safety to climate change, Miss Universe Pakistan aims to inspire change at home

  • Noor Xarmina, crowned Miss Universe Pakistan this month, will take part in Miss Universe 2024 pageant in November
  • 29-year-old venture-capitalist-turned model says global pageants present opportunity to present Pakistan in a better light 
Updated 29 July 2024
BURAQ SHABBIR

KARACHI: As Islamabad-based venture capitalist-turned-model Noor Xarmina sets out to represent Pakistan at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico this November, her top goal is to bring change in her home country, particularly on issues like women’s safety and climate change.

Born in Islamabad but having lived abroad for over 10 years, Xarmina quit her career as a venture capitalist in London to join a drama school and then returned to Pakistan in 2023 to pursue a career in acting and modelling.

After shooting with a number of top brands in Pakistan, she submitted an application for the Miss Universe Pakistan 2024 pageant and was one of 21 candidates shortlisted, going on to win the contest in the Maldives on July 20. The pageant was organized by Dubai-based Yugen Group, which also owns the franchise rights to Miss Universe Bahrain and Miss Universe Egypt. 

In the next few weeks and months, Xarmina will be putting all her energies into trainings for the 73rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant, to be held in Mexico for the first time since 2007. 

So as the 29-year-old heads to Mexico for the ultimate contest, she said she wanted to be an “agent for positive change” for her home country. 

“[If I win the Miss Universe 2024 title], I would very quickly want to start implementing some of the ideas I have around safety for women and fighting climate change in Pakistan,” Xarmina, who has studied biology and business, told Arab News in an interview this week. “So, I would immediately want to look into some of these social causes that I’ve spoken about.”




Noor Xarmina, Miss Universe Pakistan 2024, talks to Arab News Pakistan in Karachi, Pakistan on July 26, 2024. (AN photo)

Women’s safety and climate change are both major challenges in Pakistan, consistently ranked among the most dangerous countries for risks to women and seeing thousands of cases of violence against women every year, from rape and acid attacks to sexual assault, kidnappings and so-called “honor killings.”

The South Asian nation of 240 million people is also one of the most vulnerable to climate change impacts. 

“There are a lot of issues that women in Pakistan face and there are very few voices that can actually translate those to a global stage,” said Xarmina, who is the second Pakistani woman to win the Miss Universe Pakistan title after Erica Robin in 2023.

“So, I hope to lean into those issues, hear them and do my best to accurately translate them to the rest of the world.”

It was “sad,” the model and actor said, that it had taken Pakistani women “this long” to take part in major beauty pageants.

“We have not just beautiful women, we have very accomplished, talented, smart, outspoken women in leadership positions. The world has a very different perception of who we are, what we do and what we can do,” she said.

“So, I feel really excited to show everyone what we are capable of. It’s a very big responsibility that I’m not going to take lightly. And I hope I can do my best and make Pakistan proud.”

“CULTURAL SENSITIVITIES”

Last year, there was outrage in Pakistan when Karachi-based model Erica Robin was chosen as Miss Universe Pakistan from among five finalists at a competition held in the Maldives. Senator Mushtaq Ahmed of the Jamaat-e-Islami party called it “shameful” while then Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul-Haq Kakar even ordered an investigation. There was also scathing online chatter saying Robin had brought shame to Pakistan and its Muslim values and calling on the government to denounce the Miss Universe pageant altogether.

Yet, as Robin glided onto the Miss Universe stage in El Salvador as Pakistan’s first-ever contestant, she wrote on her Instagram that she felt “blessed” that “a woman from Pakistan gets the chance to meet and bond with almost 90 stunning delegates from all over the world championing equality, purpose, and sisterhood.”

Xarmina agreed with Robin that participating in global contests like Miss Universe presented an opportunity to project Pakistan in a better light. 

“Changing the impression [of the country] boils down to small conversations [and] personal interactions, whether it’s a conversation I have with the representative from Mexico or the US,” she explained.

“I hope they can see that Pakistan has a very rich culture that is really centered on respect, and love and passion and unity. And so, I hope to just resonate that and leave a lasting impression.”

Xarmina also said it was important for her to participate in the event while keeping her home country’s “cultural sensitivities” in mind.

“I’ve had a more international upbringing, so I’m comfortable wearing a lot of things. But I fully recognize that Pakistan has its cultural sensitivities. And I want to respect that, of course. I want to wear something that everyone in Pakistan is proud to see me wearing,” the Miss Universe hopeful said. 

Xarmina, who has lived and worked in the UK, US, South Africa, Romania, UAE, Singapore, Canada and Portugal, is now excited about doing more modeling and acting projects in Pakistan, she said:

“A lot of people feel like they need to leave [Pakistan] and it felt a bit like I’m going the reverse. But coming back to Pakistan was the best decision I ever made … The entertainment industry in Pakistan is in more nascent stages. It’s evolving. The types of stories that we’re seeing being told on screen are also maturing. It’s the most exciting time to be an actor in Pakistan.”

Asked if she wanted to send out a message to the world in view of ongoing conflicts in Palestine, Ukraine and elsewhere, Xarmina added:

“Given the right opportunities, I would always advocate for peace. I don’t think anyone believes in innocent lives being lost over political situations. So, I will always advocate that and I hope that is the energy I receive there as well.”

Topics: Miss Universe Pakistan Noor Xarmina Erica Robin

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Bella Hadid promotes Orabella for festive season

Updated 21 December 2024
Arab News
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Bella Hadid promotes Orabella for festive season

Updated 21 December 2024
Arab News

DUBAI: US Palestinian Dutch supermodel Bella Hadid took to Instagram to thank her team and customers for the success of her fragrance label Orabella’s festive Alchemy Library pop-up in New York City.

“The best night at our @orebella Alchemy Library pop-up in NYC! So much love and gratitude to my team & the beautiful humans who showed up to transform @thenednomad into such a warm & intimate space to celebrate the holidays, each other and my favorite sets to date: Our holiday gift boxes,” she wrote on Instagram, along with a carousel of photos from the pop-up.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bella (@bellahadid)

In a bid to look the part, Hadid traded in her cowboy Western aesthetic to adopt a more festive look and was photographed outside the pop-up in a red and white ensemble.

The retro look featured a two-toned red cardigan, straight leg blue jeans and a luxe white wool coat. Hadid glammed up the look with strappy red Valentino Garavani Ladycrush heels and statement gold earrings.

The model finished the look with her favorite choice of eyewear, a pair of Bayonetta glasses.

The alcohol-free scents of Orabella, which launched on May 2 this year, were Hadid’s answer to traditional perfumes.

Hadid wrote on her website: “For me, fragrance has always been at the center of my life — helping me feel in charge of who I am and my surroundings,” she said. “From my home to nostalgic memories, to my own energy and connection with others, scent has been an outlet for me. It made me feel safe in my own world.

“Through my healing journey, I found that I was extremely sensitive to the alcohol in traditional perfumes — both physically and mentally — it became something that was more overwhelming than calming to me,” she added. “That is the main reason I wanted to find an alternative, so essential oils became an artistic and experimental process for me.”

She started growing lavender on her farm, walking through the garden every morning and learning about her family’s tradition of making homemade scents. “I realized I might have a calling in this. I found healing, joy and love within nature’s scents,” she said.

“This is why I am so proud of Orebella. It was truly a dream and a passion, that through the universe and authentic dedication, was able to become this brand,” Hadid wrote.

Topics: #$100oil Orabella

Saudi designer Honayda Serafi shares holiday greeting card from Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa

Updated 21 December 2024
Arab News
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Saudi designer Honayda Serafi shares holiday greeting card from Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa

Updated 21 December 2024
Arab News

DUBAI: Saudi designer Honayda Serafi has revealed a holiday greeting card from Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah and Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein, which features a family photo of the royal couple and their newborn daughter, Princess Iman.

 “Immensely thankful for God’s many blessings. From our small family that has grown to yours, best wishes for a blessed New Year,” the card reads.

Last year, Serafi designed Saudi-born Princess Rajwa’s pre-wedding henna night gown. For the gown, Serafi took inspiration from the Al-Shaby thobe of the Najd region in Saudi Arabia, where Princess Rajwa’s family is from.  

“The thobe is known for its long sleeves. They’re so long, the sleeves become the veil of the bride’s dress,” said Serafi of the ethereal white gown.

Earlier this month, the couple visited the Seeds of Hope Center in Amman, which specializes in treating speech and language disorders in children and adults.

The royal couple, who welcomed their first child this year, toured the facility, which houses Jordan’s only space designed to provide multi-sensory experiences aimed at promoting relaxation and sensory integration. The visit also included a look at the center’s gym, which is tailored to improve therapy outcomes for patients, the Jordan News Agency reported.

Aya Al-Jazi, the center’s director, briefed the couple on the facility’s services, which include evaluation and treatment of speech, language and voice disorders, as well as support for swallowing difficulties.
 

Topics: Princess Rajwa Honayda Serafi

Sister act: Saudi sibling filmmakers Raneem and Dana Almohandes talk musicals, inspiration and telepathy 

Updated 20 December 2024
Shyama Krishna Kumar
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Sister act: Saudi sibling filmmakers Raneem and Dana Almohandes talk musicals, inspiration and telepathy 

Updated 20 December 2024
Shyama Krishna Kumar

JEDDAH: A trip to Saudi Arabia’s AlUla, a chance encounter with a persistent mosquito on the streets of New York and an enduring love for musicals inspired Saudi filmmaking sisters Dana and Raneem Almohandes to create their animated short film “A Mosquito,” which screened at the recently concluded Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah. 

“We were walking in New York, having a good time, and there was this mosquito who kept coming back to me,” explained older sister Raneem. “This is how it all started, with one question: ‘What does this mosquito want?’ We thought, ‘She wants to talk to us, but we’re not giving her the chance.’ So, that’s where the story was born.” 

Set in 1969, “A Mosquito” follows Zozo — a tiny mosquito with big dreams. While her peers are content with ordinary life in the majestic landscapes of AlUla, Zozo dares to dream of becoming a famous singer — heading to Egypt to sing before the legendary Umm Kulthum. 

“A Mosquito” began life as a two-minute short — part of Raneem’s university project. It turned into its fully realized version after they took their idea to the AlUla Creates program, a local initiative that provides funding, mentorship and networking opportunities for Saudi filmmakers and fashion designers. 

“When AlUla invited us to apply, we had this idea already, and we wanted to expand on it, because, you know, university projects are victims of time and resources. We developed the story with the AlUla Creates team,” said Raneem.  

“We went to AlUla earlier, and we captured the aesthetics from there. The frames that you see in the film are identical to the pictures we took during our trip,” added Dana. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Raneem (@ralmohandes)

Raneem graduated from New York University in musical theater writing (Dana, the younger of the two, is studying filmmaking at Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University in Riyadh). “We grew up watching musicals, but we felt like we don’t have any that are in the Saudi dialect, so we wanted to create (them),” said Raneem. “That’s why I studied musical theater writing. 

“We’ve always loved expressing ourselves through art. For example, Dana will do a dance whenever she wants to express how she feels about someone. Like, for my birthday, she would do a choreographed dance. I used to do small videos for our family — sometimes they’re music videos, sometimes short films … this is how we started. And then I started an Instagram page for DIY videos, and we worked together on it. It was one of the first (Instagram accounts) to reach 1 million followers in the Middle East,” said Raneem. “Dana was, like, 10 years old back then.” 

Before they had received any formal training, the duo were chosen as For Change Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia. The screenplay for their first musical feature (“Dandana”) was shortlisted in the second round of Sundance’s Screenwriters Lab 2020. Their first short, “A Human,” was funded by Google and premiered in Riyadh. 

The sisters reiterate that their filmmaking career is closely tied to the history of cinema in the Kingdom. 

“We put ‘A Human’ up on YouTube in parallel with Saudi Arabia opening its cinemas again,” Raneem said. It went on to become one of the first 100 films to be shown in cinemas after they reopened in the country and, according to Raneem, the very first short film. 

In 2022, the pair wrote and directed the musical short “A Swing,” which was selected for the official competition at the Saudi Film Festival and was screened as part of the Kingdom’s participation at Cannes in 2022. 

Despite the eight-year age gap between the two sisters, the duo say they have a seamless working relationship. 

“We sometimes fight, as all sisters do, but we have telepathy most of the time,” said Raneem. “We are in sync in terms of ideas. Filmmaking is all about communication.” 

Working as two young women in the Saudi film industry is, Dana said, “magical.” Raneem agreed.  

“It’s overwhelmingly beautiful, because the support is magnificent,” she said. “Each and every project and idea that we’ve had, we knew for a fact that if we approached the right decision maker, it would happen.” 

Topics: Dana and Raneem Almohandes

REVIEW: ‘S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl’ tells a story of resilience and survival

Updated 20 December 2024
James Denselow
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REVIEW: ‘S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl’ tells a story of resilience and survival

Updated 20 December 2024
James Denselow

LONDON: “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl,” developed by Ukrainian studio GSC Game World, stands as both a gripping survival adventure and a reflection of real-world resistance in the face of adversity.

The game’s development faced significant challenges, with the studio partially relocating to the Czech Republic due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This struggle has imbued the game with poignant cultural references and an atmosphere shaped by the harsh realities of its creators’ circumstances.

Players assume the role of Skif, a Ukrainian Marine Corps veteran drawn into the “Zone,” a dystopian take on the Chernobyl exclusion zone. In this alternate universe, the infamous nuclear disaster unleashed not only radiation but also space-time anomalies and a host of mutated threats.

The Zone is merciless, and so is the gameplay. Stalkers — explorers of this treacherous area — must navigate its dangers in pursuit of adventure, profit or ideology. The game emphasizes survival, with a steep learning curve that demands careful planning. From radiation and traps to scarce resources and malfunctioning weapons, every step is fraught with danger. Deaths are frequent and the game tracks your fatalities, adding to the sense of vulnerability.

The game shines in its atmospheric design and mechanics. The 64 sq. km open-world setting is a stunning yet haunting playground for chaos. Weapon handling is top notch, and the enemy AI is intelligent and challenging. The various human factions and mutant creatures add layers of unpredictability to the experience, while side missions pile up in classic open-world fashion.

However, the game is not without its flaws. Some elements feel restrictive, limiting creativity in problem-solving. For instance, mutant dogs may attack you relentlessly while ignoring nearby enemies. Invisible anomalies that kill instantly and radiation-related deaths can feel arbitrary, especially early on when resources like health kits and food are scarce. Additionally, the dialogue leans on cliches, which may detract from the storytelling for some players.

Despite its challenges, “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl” offers a deeply rewarding experience for those willing to persevere. The unforgiving difficulty and grounded survival mechanics create a palpable sense of tension, while the evocative setting offers a mix of chaos and beauty. Fans of open-world games, particularly those craving a grittier and more challenging experience, will find much to appreciate.

Born out of extraordinary circumstances, it is more than just a game — it’s a testament to the resilience and creativity of its developers. Stick with it, and you will discover a truly unique title forged in the most difficult of times.
 

Topics: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Stalker 2

Imposing ‘dala’ pickup trucks symbolize Pakistan’s power gulf

Updated 20 December 2024
AFP
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Imposing ‘dala’ pickup trucks symbolize Pakistan’s power gulf

  • Hilux has become a symbol of power, affluence and intimidation in a society marked by significant class divisions
  • “Dala,” as it is locally known, also serves as euphemism for military intelligence agencies involved in covert operations
Updated 20 December 2024
AFP

KARACHI: In Pakistan’s largest city, cars inch forward in bumper-to-bumper traffic. But some seamlessly carve through the jam: SUVs flanked by Toyota Hilux pickup trucks.
The Hilux has become a symbol of power, affluence and intimidation in a society marked by significant class divisions.
“The vehicle carries an image that suggests anyone escorted by one must be an important figure,” 40-year-old politician Usman Perhyar told AFP.
“It has everything — showiness, added security and enough space for several people to sit in the open cargo bed.”

This photograph taken on November 12, 2024 shows security personnel riding on the back of a Toyota Hilux pick-up truck locally known as 'Dala', bearing a flag of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), along a street in Karachi. (AFP)

On Karachi’s chaotic roads, Hiluxes part the traffic, speeding up behind cars and flashing their lights demanding drivers move out of their way.
The Hilux first became popular among feudal elites for its reliability in rural and mountain regions.
But in recent years, the “Dala,” as it is locally known, has soared in popularity as an escort vehicle among newly successful urban business owners.
Guards with faces wrapped in scarves and armed with AK-47s can be packed into the back of the truck, its windows blacked out.
“It is a status symbol. People have one or two pickups behind them,” said Fahad Nazir, a car dealer based in Karachi.

This photograph taken on November 11, 2024 shows local politician Usman Perhyar (L) driving a Toyota Hilux pick-up truck locally known as 'Dala', along a street in Karachi. (AFP)

The Hilux debuted in 1968, but the model that became popular in Pakistan was the mid-2000s Hilux Vigo.
It was later upgraded and rebranded as the Revo, with prices ranging from 10 to 15 million rupees (approximately $36,000 to $54,000).
Their prices have remained steady and they retain excellent resale value in a market traditionally dominated by their manufacturer, Toyota.
“Amongst whatever luxury items we have, this is the fastest-selling item,” car seller Nazir told AFP.

This photograph taken on November 20, 2024 shows politician Ali Warraich escorted by his private security personnel on a fleet of Toyota vehicles, to a meeting with residents in Gujrat, Punjab province. (AFP)

Dealers say there was a spike in rentals during February’s national elections.
“I swear to God, you can’t run an election without a Revo,” said Sajjad Ali Soomro, a provincial parliamentarian from Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
In the eastern city of Gujrat, politician Ali Warraich — from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party — finds it essential to travel with an escort of two of the trucks.
They allow him to navigate off-road terrain to attend dozens of weddings and funerals a month.
“Politics without this vehicle has become nearly impossible,” he tells AFP. Without one, he argues, potential supporters could question his influence and turn toward competitors.
“As a result, it has become a basic necessity,” he said.

This photograph taken on November 12, 2024 shows paramilitary personnel riding on the back of a Toyota Hilux pick-up truck locally known as 'Dala', as they patrol along a street in Karachi. (AFP)

The truck has also become a trademark in the suppression of dissenting voices, activists told AFP, with the word “Dala” serving as a euphemism for military intelligence agencies involved in covert operations.
The unmarked cars with plainclothes men inside were used extensively by authorities rounding up senior PTI leaders and officials in recent crackdowns — reinforcing the vehicle’s notorious reputation.
“Every time I see this vehicle on the road, I go through the same trauma I endured during my custody with agencies,” said one PTI member who was picked up earlier this year.
Former leader Khan was bundled into a black Dala by paramilitary soldiers when he was arrested in May 2023 in the capital Islamabad, a detention he blamed on the powerful military leadership.
He later accused political heavyweight and three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif of trying to win the election “through Vigo Dala” — a swipe alleging the military was “carrying” his campaign.
Pakistani poet and activist Ahmad Farhad, known for criticizing the military’s involvement in politics, was taken away in a Hilux after a raid on his home in May by what he said were intelligence agencies.
“Sometimes, they park these vehicles around or behind my car, sending a clear message: ‘We are around’,” he told AFP. “A Dala aligns with their business of spreading fear, which they take great satisfaction in.”
In Karachi, a city rife with street crimes, the imposing Dala deters even outlaws.
“A typical mobile snatcher would opt for maybe looting a car as opposed to a truck,” said 35-year-old automobile enthusiast Zohaib Khan.
Increased street crime has led to more security checks by police, further slowing down movement across the city. But Hiluxes are immune.
Police “don’t typically stop me because they feel that I might be someone who might impact them in a bad way or harm them in some way or the other,” Khan said.

Topics: Dala pickup trucks Pakistan Hilux Vigo Arab News Pakistan

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