In a time when staying socially distant and working from home have become part of the new normal, a new digital pop-culture event feels fit for the times.
Speedy Group, the company behind Dubai comics store Speedy Comics and comic creator Arab Comics, is launching Speedy Comics Con, a convention featuring live-streamed celebrity panel discussions, a cosplay contest and more.
The event will take place on Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14 and be held entirely online.
Much like other comic cons, celebrity panels will allow fans to get a chance to interact with their favourite stars – whether through watching a live stream (which starts at $5) or two-minute VIP one-on-one video chats (with prices ranging from $50 to $150).
Celebrities confirmed to participate include Ray Fisher (Justice League), Jon Bernthal (The Punisher, Daredevil), Ray Porter (Justice League), Tom Welling (Smallville), Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville), Brandon Routh (DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Arrow), Lauren Ridloff (The Eternals), Katie Cassidy (Arrow, The Flash), Said Taghmaoui (Wonder Woman) and more.
There will also be a cosplay competition where interested participants can dress in their best to compete in one of the following categories: superheroes and super villains, anime characters or video game characters.
To take part, contestants must submit cosplay photographs and a cosplay skit video of up to two minutes. The top three finalists will stand to win cash prizes of up to Dh3,000 ($817).
“Comic culture is a major driver of creativity and community, and at Speedy Comics, we believe that the world needs more positive platforms for the exchange of ideas, where people can interact with a community of the like-minded. We appreciate the guidance, enthusiasm, and support of Dubai Tourism and that of our partners and sponsors,” said Rashid Mohammed Zubair Al Farooq, chairman of the advisory board for Speedy Comics.
More information is available at speedycomicscon.com
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Joe Root (captain), Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Gary Ballance, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Ben Stokes (vice-captain), Moeen Ali, Liam Dawson, Toby Roland-Jones, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, James Anderson.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
If you go...
Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.
Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50
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The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
