Radio Mirchi won top honours at the Masala! Awards 2013, bagging the Best Radio Station award for the second time in a row by popular choice.
Catering to a South Asian audience, the Hindi and English station is owned by The National’s parent company Abu Dhabi Media and is known for bringing the best of Bollywood to the UAE.
So what sets Radio Mirchi apart from its many competitors in the region?
“I think being just true to ourselves and what we are ... that’s what sets us apart,” said Sandeep Sud, the head of Radio Mirchi, minutes after accepting the coveted trophy on Thursday night.
He stressed the station was successful because it delivered the same formula that Indian expatriates had grown to love back home.
“So we appeal to your inner senses and that’s what differentiates us.”
And loyal Mirchi listeners can expect more of the same in the months ahead, said Sud.
“It’s our constant endeavour to bring the best of Bollywood, best of what’s happening locally and bring the best of cricket. So we believe in the 3 C’s cinema, cricket, concerts.”
Launched last year, the station hosts popular shows such as Mirchi Mornings and Bumper to Bumper.
Radio Mirchi is available on 97.3FM Abu Dhabi, 88.8FM Dubai and Northern Emirates and 95.6FM Al Ain.
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Rooney's club record
At Everton Appearances: 77; Goals: 17
At Manchester United Appearances: 559; Goals: 253
Race card:
6.30pm: Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh195,000 1,400m.
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 1,400m.
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 1,200m.
8.15pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 1,200m.
8.50pm: Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 1,600m.
9.20pm: Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 1,400m.
10pm: Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 2,000m.
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Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
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Sukuk are Sharia-compliant financial certificates issued by governments, corporates and other entities. While as an asset class they resemble conventional bonds, there are some significant differences. As interest is prohibited under Sharia, sukuk must contain an underlying transaction, for example a leaseback agreement, and the income that is paid to investors is generated by the underlying asset. Investors must also be prepared to share in both the profits and losses of an enterprise. Nevertheless, sukuk are similar to conventional bonds in that they provide regular payments, and are considered less risky than equities. Most investors would not buy sukuk directly due to high minimum subscriptions, but invest via funds.
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Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
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