The wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant has set a historic benchmark in extravagant celebrations, leaving a mark on the world stage. Over three days in Mumbai, the Ambani family orchestrated a lavish spectacle that drew elite participation from across the world.
Kicking off on July 12 with the Shubh Vivah ceremony, the festivities showcased a star-studded guest list, including names such as Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Gianni Infantino, Tony Blair, John Cena, and Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas. Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man and father of the groom, ensured that no expense was spared.
Central to the event's immense budget was high-profile entertainment. Rihanna and Justin Bieber commanded fees of $9 million and $10 million respectively for their performances. By the end, estimates revealed the total cost of the Ambani wedding reached more than $600 million.
The extensive planning was evident in the 11 pre-wedding events, which included a luxury cruise that featured performances by Katy Perry and the Backstreet Boys. Reports indicated that about $300 million was allocated solely to these pre-wedding festivities.
Security measures further added to the financial costs, as the guest list comprised the who's who of celebrities and influential figures. The Ambani family implemented facial recognition technology to ensure guest authenticity, adding another layer of cost to the already substantial budget.
Lavish gifts for attendees became a hallmark of the celebration, with offerings such as luxury bags and designer accessories inflating expenses even further.
In comparison to historic weddings, the Ambani-Merchant nuptials far surpassed the costs associated with the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles, which was estimated at about $163 million, when adjusted for inflation.
Mukesh Ambani, 66, is ranked as the ninth richest person globally, with a net worth of $116 billion, according to Forbes. He is also the wealthiest person in Asia.
His company, Reliance Industries, is a vast conglomerate that reports more than $100 billion in annual revenue, according to the Associated Press, and has interests in sectors such as petrochemicals, oil and gas, telecommunications and retail.
Anant, the groom, leads the conglomerate's initiatives in renewable and green energy and serves on the board of Reliance Industries alongside his siblings, Isha and Akash. He also manages a 1,200-hectare animal rescue centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Mukesh's wife, Nita, directs the Reliance Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm, and supports various arts organisations. She has established the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, recognised as a groundbreaking venue in India that integrates visual and performing arts in one location.
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
Labour dispute
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
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
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BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP
Group A
Paraguay
Japan
Switzerland
USA
Group B
Uruguay
Mexico
Italy
Tahiti
Group C
Belarus
UAE
Senegal
Russia
Group D
Brazil
Oman
Portugal
Nigeria
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Leap of Faith
Michael J Mazarr
Public Affairs
Dh67
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
RESULTS
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Super 30
Produced: Sajid Nadiadwala and Phantom Productions
Directed: Vikas Bahl
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Pankaj Tripathi, Aditya Srivastav, Mrinal Thakur
Rating: 3.5 /5
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.8-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C200rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%20from%201%2C800-5%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh111%2C195%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Cry Macho
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Dwight Yoakam
Rating:**
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
