Paramount Hotel Dubai has been honored with the Best 5-Star Lifestyle Hotel award at the prestigious seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards. The event celebrated the visionaries and pioneers driving excellence in the Middle East’s travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors, underscoring the region’s commitment to becoming a global tourism leader while balancing luxury and sustainability. This award celebrates Paramount Hotel Dubai’s unique approach to luxury, blending Hollywood-inspired artistry with exceptional service to create a cinematic experience that’s both immersive and memorable. It reflects Paramount Hotels’ dedication to building a legacy that redefines hospitality—where every guest is celebrated as a “star” within an ambiance that captures the magic of Hollywood.
A statement by Dean, SVP of Hospitality for DAMAC Hotels and Resorts, “It’s a great honor to be recognized among industry leaders. This award is a tribute to the creativity, hard work, and commitment of our exceptional teams at Paramount Hotel Dubai. It reinforces our vision to redefine luxury and elevate the art of hospitality, delivering experiences that resonate long after our guests have left.”
Pascal, General Manager of Paramount Hotel Dubai, added, ‘We are proud to be recognized among leaders in travel and tourism. This accolade reaffirms our commitment to ‘for the creative, by the creative’—crafting extraordinary experiences where every detail, from cinematic design elements to immersive moments, transports our guests from the silver screen to real-life wonder. We are thrilled to bring this recognition home and will continue to set the stage for unforgettable stays, where our guests are the stars of their own Hollywood-inspired journeys’.
With 2025 on the horizon, Paramount Hotels is set to continue its ascent in the luxury hospitality space. Paramount Hotel Dubai will expand its unique offerings with exclusive dining experiences and immersive events, blending Hollywood allure with innovative luxury. A notable development is Paramount’s partnership with GHA DISCOVERY, an esteemed loyalty network that connects guests to exclusive benefits and experiences across top-tier hotels worldwide.
This award underscores Paramount’s relentless dedication to pushing the boundaries of hospitality, promising guests an unparalleled journey of cinematic magic and luxury that sets the bar high within the industry.
What a clip, fighting over hair, to looks, then finishing up with two competitors going back and forth to put the SPORTS back in Barstool Sports by talking about a real sport – long distance running. We’re going back to the school yard and challenging people to good ol’ fashion foot race. Kenny Powers can go right to hell with his quote about running not being a real sport and chalking it up as exercise. Basketball, football, soccer, or any sport with a ball / puck is a fun way to pass time with your friends. There is no enjoyment in running, it’s a true sport because it’s only for the real sickos, and I believe these two are the definition of true sickos.
I couldn’t stop laughing when Chief mentions White Sox Dave ran a marathon (7 years ago), and Cons immediately comes back with “I’VE RUN 5 MARATHONS!” (10 years ago) Touché.
NOW, quick side note – I’m a marathon hater. I get it’s a bucket list accomplishment for some people, and runners raising money for a good cause is nice, but there are a billion better ways to spend time during your weekend – cleaning out the gutters would be on that list. You get the same sense of accomplishment, and you cross something off your to do list. I guess I dislike how people act like they should be applauded for simply finishing a marathon. Wearing their finisher medals around their neck days after the race like they served a tour overseas and took a bullet while in the shit. Weirdo behavior. Finishing a marathon isn’t hard. Boring? Yes. But, if you are a moderately healthy human being with two working legs, you should be able to run / walk a marathon to the finish line without training. Trying to actually run fast for a marathon, THAT is incredibly difficult. The world record for the men’s marathon is around 2 hours, which means you are running a 4:30 mile pace for 26.2 miles, that doesn’t sound humanly possible. Running that fast, for that long is a legit super power. So the argument of simply finishing a marathon ( almost a decade ago for both challengers ) doesn’t mean anything unless you’re comparing times which still wouldn’t mean much BECAUSE IT WAS ALMOST A DECADE AGO. Plus, this challenge is a one mile race which is a completely different beast.
Who would win in a one mile race, White Sox Dave or Captain Cons?
The favorite going into this race would have to be Captain Cons – veteran, quarterback at army, accepting of his baldness. The only knock against him is he is now a dad. It’s called Dad bod because they have zero time to commit to working out, and they let themselves go. I’m sure cons as a military man still keeps a tight schedule, but when was the last time Cons went for a run?
White Sox Dave seems to have more cons than … Cons. But he can’t be counted out. Some of his downfalls somehow become positives. Having the diet of a raccoon eating out of a dumpster seems like it would hurt him, but being in a constant state of dietary misery somehow helps him. Your body can’t feel any worse, so when you hit a wall during the race, you’re already comfortable with feeling like shit.
Confidence is a huge factor in any competition. Half the battle is believing you can. Both of these adversaries are oozing with confidence. Unfortunately for White Sox Dave his confidence has caused him to bite off more than he can chew in the past. Over the summer WSD had a very similar clip, less getting called short, bald and ugly, but WSD said he could lockdown anyone 1v1 in basketball. Aaaand the result was he got bodied. He was so confident in the clip that he had me believing he could do it.
Now, if you watched Rat Race: Chicago, White Sox Dave popped his air pods in and sprinted his way to a gritty victory. If Dave didn’t have to stop every 8 seconds to scream at Mintzy to hurry up! WSD might have set a Rat Race Record for quickest finish, so there is definitely something left in the tank. Enough to win the race? No. I have to bet the smart money and go with Captain Cons. The military ingrains a type of can’t quit crazy inside of you that you don’t lose. Are both these competitors past their athletic prime? Who at Barstool isn’t? Myself included. But I do know these two going head to head in a one mile race on the track is going to be a great watch. But first, go watch this week’s Dog Walk
The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities has transformed the landscape of college sports, offering student-athletes the chance to profit from their personal brands. While the spotlight often shines on male athletes in revenue-generating sports like football and basketball, female college athletes are emerging as significant beneficiaries of NIL deals, breaking barriers and reshaping the endorsement world.
The Rise of NIL for Female Athletes
Since NIL regulations came into effect in July 2021, female athletes have quickly capitalized on the new opportunities. With a growing focus on social media presence and personal branding, many female student-athletes have established themselves as powerful influencers. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become important tools for female athletes to engage with fans and attract endorsement deals.
According to a report by Opendorse, female athletes, especially those participating in sports like gymnastics, volleyball, and basketball, have seen considerable success in leveraging their social media platforms to sign lucrative deals. This shift highlights the increasing market value of women’s sports and the growing influence of female athletes.
Key Factors Driving NIL Success for Female Athletes
Several factors contribute to the rising prominence of female athletes in the NIL space:
1. Strong Social Media Presence
Female athletes often excel in building large, engaged followings on social media, where they share workout routines, behind-the-scenes glimpses of their lives, and advocacy for causes they care about. This authenticity resonates with audiences and makes them attractive to brands looking for genuine influencers.
Take Olivia Dunne, a gymnast at LSU, as an example. With millions of followers across her social media platforms, Dunne has secured partnerships with major brands, making her one of the top-earning female athletes in the NIL landscape. Her social media influence allows her to reach a diverse audience, making her a valuable asset for companies.
2. Representation and Marketability
NIL deals are helping to bridge the gender gap in sports endorsements. Female athletes are being recognized for their marketability and ability to connect with a broad demographic, including young girls and women who look up to them as role models. Brands are increasingly aware of the value of representation and are investing in female athletes to appeal to these audiences.
For instance, basketball star Paige Bueckers from UConn signed significant deals with companies like Gatorade and StockX, further emphasizing the marketability of female athletes in mainstream sports.
The Impact of NIL on Women’s Sports
The ripple effects of NIL deals are being felt throughout women’s sports. Increased visibility and financial support can lead to greater investment in female athletic programs, more opportunities for athletes, and enhanced awareness of women’s sports overall. As brands partner with female athletes, they contribute to the broader movement for gender equality in sports.
A standout example is Angel Reese, the LSU basketball star who has leveraged her athletic prowess and strong social media presence to land major NIL partnerships. Reese’s success underscores the growing marketability of women’s sports and highlights how NIL opportunities can elevate female athletes both on and off the court.
Addressing Challenges and Unequal Access
Despite the success stories, there are still challenges. Female athletes, particularly those in less popular sports, may face barriers to accessing the same level of opportunities as their male counterparts. Additionally, disparities in media coverage can impact the visibility of female athletes, making it harder for some to attract endorsement deals.
However, initiatives aimed at promoting women’s sports, such as increased media exposure and brand campaigns dedicated to empowering female athletes, are helping to level the playing field.
High-Profile NIL Deals and Their Significance
The rise of high-profile NIL deals among female athletes is reshaping the perception of women’s sports. Gymnasts, basketball players, and even athletes in emerging sports are demonstrating that female athletes can be just as marketable, if not more so, than their male peers. These deals not only provide financial rewards but also empower female athletes to be trailblazers for future generations.
A Look to the Future
The future looks bright for female athletes in the NIL era. As more brands recognize the value of partnering with women in sports, the endorsement opportunities will continue to expand. Female athletes have already proven their ability to inspire and engage audiences, and their influence is set to grow even more.
Embracing a New Era in College Sports
The advent of NIL has undoubtedly transformed college sports, but perhaps the most exciting development is the empowerment of female athletes. By breaking barriers and earning significant endorsement deals, they are paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive future in sports marketing. As we look ahead, the stories of these trailblazing women will continue to inspire and redefine what’s possible in the world of athletics.
Breaker Rachael Gunn has retired from competitive breaking due to the scrutiny she received following her performance at the Paris Olympics.
The 37-year-old became one of the defining athletes of the 2024 Games and her performance in the new discipline was a viral sensation, triggering some support but wider ridicule.
The sport has been dropped from the Olympics programme for Los Angeles Games in 2028, but Gunn said she will also step away from local competition.
“I was going to keep competing, for sure, but that seems a really difficult thing for me to do now, to approach a battle,” she said on 2DayFm on Wednesday. “I still dance and I still break but that’s like, in my living room with my partner.”
Although Gunn failed to progress past the first round of competition in Paris, her routines – which included a kangaroo hop and the sprinkler – became social media fodder.
The Australian’s profile exploded, and conspiracy theories emerged about how she qualified for the Olympics. She said the response was “really upsetting”.
“It’s still impossible to process, the conspiracy theories were totally wild, and it was really upsetting because I felt like I just didn’t have any control over how people saw me or who I was, who my partner was, my story.”
‘It was really sad’: Raygun speaks about reaction to Paris 2024 breakdancing performance – video
Through the negativity, there were also positives. Her performance was described by singer Adele midway through a concert in Munich during the Games as her “favourite thing that has happened in the Olympics”.
Gunn also met Sir Richard Branson, has featured in glossy magazines since her return to Australia and is currently featuring in an online promotion for a comparison website.
But while her profile has grown, she now feels she can’t compete within the burgeoning competitive Australian breaking scene.
“The level of scrutiny that’s going to be there and people will be filming it and it will go online, and it’s just not going to mean the same thing, it’s not going to be the same experience because of everything that’s at stake,” she said.
Gunn qualified for the Games by winning the 2023 Oceania Championships in Sydney, and due to a quirk in the calculation of rankings was even named the top-ranked female athlete in the sport in September.
That news came soon after Games, and prompted another wave of online vitriol. Gunn said she has tried to stay upbeat, and keeps a folder of positive messages.
“That’s what gets me through, the people that are like, ‘you have inspired me to go out there and do something that I’ve been too shy to do, you’ve brought joy, you brought laughter, we’re so proud of you’,” she said. “And just really frickin’ lovely things that people have written and that’s what I hold on to.”
Many Premier League clubs thought to want a relegation if City found guilty
Rules of domestic and international tournaments cast doubt on future there too
The hearing into the club’s 115 alleged financial rule breaches began on Monday
By Sam Lawley
Published: | Updated:
Manchester City reportedly face being ‘expelled from all competitions’, not just the Premier League, if they are found guilty of breaking financial rules.
The hearing into Manchester City’s 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules began on Monday with the club accused of financial impropriety spanning nine years from 2009.
The League charged City with a failure to provide accurate financial information and a failure to provide accurate details for player and manager payments.
An investigation was sparked by Der Spiegel publishing Football Leaks documents in 2018 and City stand accused of funnelling money from the club’s owners through sponsors in the United Arab Emirates.
Many thought the sternest punishment lying in wait would be relegation, with points deductions and fines also potential penalties, but it has now been claimed, as per The Telegraph, that they could be kicked out of every tournament they compete in.
Manchester City reportedly face being ‘expelled from all competitions’, not just the Premier League , if they are found guilty of breaking financial rules
Clause 31 of FA Cup rules states: ‘Where a club has been admitted to participate in the competition but is then removed from the league in which it competes (or its league fixtures are suspended), the Professional Game Board may remove the club from the competition’
To make matters worse their involvement in the Champions League, should they be found guilty of rule breaches, seems far from assured
It has previously been reported that most Premier League sides would not accept a one-off points deduction if City were found guilty, with many demanding an eviction from the division.
Now a look into the rules of English football’s two domestic tournaments has shown that their future participation in these competitions could be in doubt.
Clause 31 of the FA Cup rules states: ‘Where a club has been admitted to participate in the competition but is then removed from the league in which it competes (or its league fixtures are suspended), the Professional Game Board [PGB] may remove the club from the competition.’
The PGB consists of representatives from the Premier League and English Football League.
EFL Cup rules similarly define participating clubs as ‘each member from time to time of the league and each member from time to time of the Premier League’.
To make matters worse their involvement in the Champions League, should they be found guilty of rule breaches, seems far from assured – although the competition’s rules are slightly more complicated.
Sides need a Uefa club licence in order to take part in the tournament and the Premier League, Uefa, and the FA all have a voice in the administration of these licences.
As for Fifa’s expanded Club World Cup, starting this summer, regulations do not seem to be publicly available – but involvement in either that competition or the Champions League would be tricky if they were kicked out of domestic football entirely.
EFL Cup rules similarly define participating clubs as ‘each member from time to time of the league and each member from time to time of the Premier League’
As for Fifa’s expanded Club World Cup, starting this summer, regulations do not seem to be publicly available
City have won all five trophies at various stages over a successful few years at the Etihad
City deny wrongdoing and are defending their case at an independent inquiry.
City won the Premier League three times between 2009 and 2018, lifting the top division title in 2012, 2014 and 2018.
They are on a four-season league-winning streak, while they are also looking to regain the Champions League after winning it in the 2022-23 season.
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Man City ‘could be expelled from the Champions League, Club World Cup, FA Cup AND Carabao Cup’ if they are found guilty of breaking financial rules in football’s ‘trial of the century’
Paramount Hotel Dubai has been honored with the Best 5-Star Lifestyle Hotel award at the prestigious seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards. The event celebrated the visionaries and pioneers driving excellence in the Middle East’s travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors, underscoring the region’s commitment to becoming a global tourism leader while balancing luxury and sustainability. This award celebrates Paramount Hotel Dubai’s unique approach to luxury, blending Hollywood-inspired artistry with exceptional service to create a cinematic experience that’s both immersive and memorable. It reflects Paramount Hotels’ dedication to building a legacy that redefines hospitality—where every guest is celebrated as a “star” within an ambiance that captures the magic of Hollywood.
