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Review: ‘I Am Georgina,’ Season 3 — reality TV, Saudi style

Netflix’s “Soy Georgina” (“I Am Georgina”) is back, and this time it explores Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez’s life after her move to Saudi Arabia. (Screenshot)
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Updated 18 September 2024
Saffiya Ansari
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Review: ‘I Am Georgina,’ Season 3 — reality TV, Saudi style

Updated 18 September 2024
Saffiya Ansari

DUBAI: Netflix’s “Soy Georgina” (“I Am Georgina”) is back, and this time it explores Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez’s life after her move to Saudi Arabia with partner Cristiano Ronaldo in 2023.

The reality show dominated the Netflix Top 10 in 46 countries after the release of season two. One episode was set entirely in Dubai and showed the Burj Khalifa lit up for Rodriguez’s 28th birthday.

The model-meets-Middle Eastern-luxury formula seems to be one the producers were keen to continue, with fans taken on a whirlwind tour of the Kingdom in season three as Rodriguez and her family explore life in the country.

However, the high-end hotels and stunning seascapes are interspersed with moments of real introspection and fragility, which takes this program from stereotypical reality TV territory to something altogether more inviting and — dare I say it? — heartwarming.

We follow Rodriguez as she embarks on a number of firsts. These include the opening of her first beach house, Villa Perla, to starring in an international campaign for a famous clothing brand and making her debut at Paris Fashion Week by walking for Swiss fashion label Vetements.

One of the most touching aspects of the show is Rodriguez’s relationship with her children — the couple have five, the eldest of whom was born to another mother. The opening scenes of the season show Rodriguez’s worrying about, and praising, her kids and it offers a new side to the woman we are more used to seeing on fashion billboards.

Similarly, the — albeit sparse — scenes of a football legend pottering around with his young family offers insight into Ronaldo as a father, for which the series is all the better.

There are, thankfully, no engineered high-drama interactions and although it does sometimes feel like a carefully staged advertorial, there are candid caught-on-camera moments where the star seems tense and nervous at public events.

She is also not one to shy away from talking about her humble roots and being honest about the sometimes taxing reality of her life in the spotlight and what it takes to be a poster girl for all things glamor.

Topics: Saudi Arabia Georgina Rodriguez Cristiano Ronaldo

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — a great escape 

Updated 19 September 2024
Shyama Krishna Kumar
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Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — a great escape 

  • The island-based Red Sea resort offers the chance for both relaxation and adventure 
Updated 19 September 2024
Shyama Krishna Kumar

RED SEA: The latest offering from Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global Project — Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — is situated off the Kingdom’s west coast in the relatively untouched Ummahat Islands. It offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in Saudi Arabia’s nature, culture and cuisine. 

Red Sea International Airport — situated where the expansive desert meets the cerulean coast — is fairly small. It took around five minutes from the plane stopping to being ushered out of the airport, luggage in hand, which has to be some kind of record. 

The deck of an overwater villa. (Supplied)

It's a further 15-to-20-minute drive to the Red Sea arrival center, from which you take a boat transfer — or, if the weather is suitable, a seaplane — to Nujuma. 

We found ourselves there on an extremely windy day, so the 40-minute boat ride was a bit of an adventure, featuring a white-knuckled woman fighting for her life to stay put in her seat (yours truly) and a captain who kept looking back, big smiles and all, to flash a reassuring thumbs up every now and then, all while ever-increasing waves crashed against the boat. It could have all been a bit much, but the sight of the captain's assistant nonchalantly watching YouTube videos in the seat in front of me put my hyperbolic fears to rest.  

The bumpy ride proved well worth it when I arrived at Nujuma (Arabic for stars), and was promptly whisked to my over-water villa, offering unobstructed views of endless blue waters and the approaching sunset. There are 63 villas in total, both over-water and on the beach, and each shell-inspired domed structure comes with a private pool and offers complete privacy while simultaneously giving full access to the views with floor-to-ceiling windows in all rooms, as well as a telescope to stargaze at the light-pollution-free night sky. 

The first thing that will strike you about Nujuma is a true feeling of otherworldliness. Courting a high-end clientele, Nujuma seems like the perfect getaway for a celebrity looking for a discreet holiday or a honeymooning couple wanting some privacy. 

Each villa also has a personal host to handle all guest requests. The service of Jeddah-born Omar, who was assigned to my room, was exceptional and he was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about both the Kingdom and the Red Sea. 

When it comes to dining, Nujuma provides four excellent options. Sita, the all-day restaurant, was my favorite, combining the delicacies of a French patisserie with a Levantine eatery. The shakshuka and the chocolate pain perdu with a side of fresh berries remain standouts. If the weather is fine, I’d recommend enjoying your meal outdoors under the arched woven-wood ceiling.

A shot of Sita. (Supplied)

The seafood outpost Tabrah (Arabic for “luckiest catch”) is a charming villa-style restaurant where you can sample everything from the catch of the day to lobster to a seafood paella that will have you asking for a second helping. 

The alfresco Jamaa is the beach-side lounge offering light eats and incomparable sunset views, as you sit close to the outdoor pool and cabanas. 

Just indoors is Maia, a cozy “bar” with a roof dotted with twinkling constellations, and bartenders ready to whip up any mocktail you can think of. 

But for those looking for more than just food, drink and great views, Nujuma offers an array of activities, especially for those who’d like to learn more about the Kingdom. The Conservation House, for example, is dedicated to the culture and history of Saudi Arabia, and the resident historian is available for a chat with anyone who so desires. 

There’s also Sean Laughlin, a naturalist who gives talks on the ecology and marine life of the Red Sea, and who accompanied me on my very first snorkeling trip. The clearer-than-crystal waters give breathtaking views of the area’s coral reef system, the fourth largest in the world. 

Guests can also enjoy other outdoor activities like sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and guided tours of the mangroves. 

On my last night at Nujuma, I also had the pleasure of talking to the charming house stargazer, Saudi astrophysicist Habib Bafeil, who, wielding his laser pen with the panache of Indiana Jones handling his whip, pointed out the constellations in the sky as he told stories of the pre-Islamic Arabs who navigated the deserts using the stars alone. Families travelling with children especially will love this particular activity, which will spark their curiosity in science and the world around us. 

All in all, Nujuma offers a getaway like no other. 

Best and Worst: Tamaraah Al-Gabaani talks style moments, fashion trends, and good and bad advice

Updated 19 September 2024
Hams Saleh
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Best and Worst: Tamaraah Al-Gabaani talks style moments, fashion trends, and good and bad advice

Updated 19 September 2024
Hams Saleh

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia-based fashion influencer Tamaraah Al-Gabbani talks style moments, fashion trends, and good and bad advice.  

Best TV show or film you’ve ever seen?    

My favorite show is “This is Us.” I loved it. It was a very realistic depiction of a modern family. I do not think I have ever cried so much as I have watching that show. I also felt really connected to all the characters and, over time, you become very attached to them and the outcome. I highly recommend it.  

My favorite movie is probably “The Usual Suspects.” It’s the only movie I’ve ever watched that completely threw me off regarding the end. It’s very intelligently put together. I really love that. And then I also love the whole “Game of Thrones,” “House of the Dragon,” “Lord of the Rings,” series and movies.  

Worst TV show or film you’ve ever seen?   

Any horror thing. I can’t watch it. I can’t watch anything negative in general. 

Best personal style moment so far?    

My Atlantis The Royal opening looks. I did a few. The red-carpet look was one of my favorite ever. Also, this year’s Dubai World Cup look was actually covered by CNN. So those are probably my favorite style moments.   

Worst personal style moment?    

Oh, let’s not even go there. I have so many. It is so embarrassing.  

Best accessory for a little black dress?    

Red lipstick.  

Worst accessory for a little black dress?    

It’s very hard to say. Almost anything goes with a little black dress. You can’t really go wrong.  

Best fashion trend of 2024?    

I am in love with socks, tights and stockings of all colors and styles. I’m having so much fun styling them this year.  

Worst fashion trend of 2024?    

Elevated activewear. Like, wearing your yoga outfit with a pair of heels. As creative as I am, and as much as I like to break boundaries, I just can’t seem to like this trend.  

Best advice you’ve ever been given?   

‘Be a blessing.’ During COVID-19, I did a lot of Tony Robbins courses. They were life -changing. This is one of the mission statements he lives by. I found it so inspiring; it really resonated with me. I want to leave this life knowing that I did my best.  

Worst advice you’ve ever been given? 

That I shouldn’t work in fashion and that fashion isn’t for me.  

Best thing to do when you’re feeling low?    

Move your body. That came from a Tony Robbins course. He said whenever you’re not feeling good, move your body. And since I started doing that, I’ve been able to regulate my emotions much better.  

Worst thing to do when you’re feeling good?    

Be around negative people, or people that complain or gossip about other people.  

Best holiday destination?    

I love winter holiday destinations. So, snow and skiing. Like Courchevel 1850 in France, for example.  

Worst holiday destination?    

I’m not really a beach person, so it would be an island holiday where there’s nothing to do but lay on a beach. I like to move. 

Best thing to do to ensure you have a productive day?   

Get up early, get some sunlight and move my body. I usually wake up between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. and then I go to ballet, which I do about five times a week first thing in the morning.  

Worst thing to do when you’re trying to have a productive day?    

Be sedentary. Do not sit still if you’re trying to be productive. 

Best concert you’ve ever been to?   

The best concert I have ever been to would be Guns N’ Roses. I went backstage to meet Axl Rose afterwards. It was like a high point in life, and I went with my best friend at the time, and it was her dream. So, I did everything to make it come true. And obviously her happiness made me happy, and it’s an amazing memory that we have together. Another great concert was Prince at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.  

Worst concert you’ve ever been to? 

I don’t think I’ve ever been to a bad concert. 

‘Love is Blind, Habibi’ to premiere on Netflix in October

Updated 19 September 2024
Arab News
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‘Love is Blind, Habibi’ to premiere on Netflix in October

Updated 19 September 2024
Arab News

DUBAI: The Arabic adaptation of Netflix’s popular reality show and social experiment “Love is Blind” is set to premiere on the streaming service on Oct. 10.

Titled “Love is Blind, Habibi,” the show centers around men and women seeking to get engaged and married, with one twist: they’ve never met in person and have only communicated through a wall.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Netflix MENA (@netflixmena)

The rationale behind this approach is to prioritize personality over physical appearance. The show captures their journey as they build a connection before finally meeting face-to-face.

Saudi TV personality Elham Ali will host the show along with her husband Khaled Saqr. 

The US show is produced by Kinetic Content and created by Emmy-winner Chris Coelen.

Topics: Love is Blind Habibi Netflix

Coldplay to bring their world tour to the UAE

Updated 19 September 2024
Arab News
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Coldplay to bring their world tour to the UAE

  • Coldplay will be joined by special guest Chilean Palestinian singer Elyanna
Updated 19 September 2024
Arab News

DUBAI: Grammy Award-winning band Coldplay is set to bring their Music Of The Spheres World Tour to the UAE in 2025, with a performance at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City Stadium on Jan. 11.

This will be their only concert in the Middle East for the tour, as confirmed by promoters Live Nation Middle East.

Coldplay, who last performed in Abu Dhabi in 2016, will be joined by special guest Chilean Palestinian singer Elyanna, who has appeared with the band at several of their concerts.

Ticket presale will begin on Sept. 25, at 11 a.m. (Saudi time) on the band’s website and the Live Nation pre-sale will begin Sept. 26, at 11 a.m. (Saudi time). The general on-sale will begin on Sept. 27, at 11 a.m. (Saudi time). 

Since kicking off in March 2022, the Music Of The Spheres World Tour has sold over 10 million tickets across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, making it the most highly attended tour by a group of all time. 

Adding to its extensive two and a half year outing, along with Abu Dhabi, the tour is also traveling to Mumbai, Seoul and Hong Kong between January and April of 2025.

Topics: coldplay Abu Dhabi

From London to Milan, Nora Attal dominates fashion week  

Updated 18 September 2024
Arab News
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From London to Milan, Nora Attal dominates fashion week  

Updated 18 September 2024
Arab News

DUBAI: British Moroccan model Nora Attal made a mark at London Fashion Week, walking in high-profile shows such as Burberry, Simone Rocha and Nensi Dojaka — all within a span of just two days.

At the Burberry show, she showcased a casual ensemble featuring light beige knee-length shorts paired with a striped, collared button-down shirt that was slightly tucked in at the front. Over this, she sported a muted olive green blazer with rolled-up sleeves. Her outfit was complemented by a large, quilted shoulder bag and matching beige and cream-colored loafers, the latter of which were adorned with small studs.

Attal showcased a casual ensemble featuring light beige knee-length shorts paired with a striped, collared button-down shirt. (Getty Images)

British designer Daniel Lee has been steering Burberry’s creative direction for the past two years with innovative flair. For women, he reimagined the classic trench coat into various forms including a cropped jacket, a halter cape or a parka with shoulders covered in silk organza faux feather trims, layered over delicate dresses or skirts, blending elegance with a sportier, even military style.

For men, the influence of sportswear fashion was even stronger, with lightweight materials and functional cuts, giving rise to outfits of flowing pants and tartan zip-up jackets, paired with sneakers or loafers.

The model stepped out on the Nensi Dojaka runway in a form-fitting, short black dress. (Getty Images)

The collection also gave a nod to the resurgence of y2k fashion, with low-rise trousers, cargos and capris that end below the knee.

The show was attended by Arab figures including Saudi producer Moahmmed Al-Turki, Australia-born model Shanina Shaik — who is of Saudi, Pakistani and Lithuanian descent — and Dubai-based influencer Ola Farahat. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by SIMONE ROCHA (@simonerocha_)

For the Simone Rocha show, Attal donned an ensemble that featured a long-sleeved, sheer top with a fitted bodice. Beneath this, a satiny black dress was visible, designed with a cinched waist. The dress extended into a flowing skirt that daringly split high on the thigh. 

Meanwhile, the model stepped out on the Nensi Dojaka runway in a form-fitting, short black dress. The design included an asymmetrical neckline, with one shoulder adorned with delicate, ruffled white fabric. 

After wrapping up her appearances at London Fashion Week, the model headed to Milan to partake in its fashion week that started on Tuesday. She kicked off her runway engagements by walking for Alberta Ferretti, wearing a black strapless, figure-hugging mini dress embellished with beadwork and lace detailing.

Topics: Nora Attal London Fashion Week Milan Fashion Week

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