‘Mulan’ star Liu Yifei has a real-life princess moment in Elie Saab

The ‘Mulan’ actress wore a fairytale-worthy Elie Saab gown for the film's world premiere in Los Angeles this week. (Getty)
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Updated 11 March 2020
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‘Mulan’ star Liu Yifei has a real-life princess moment in Elie Saab

DUBAI: This week in Los Angeles, the world got a preview of Disney’s latest live-action remake, an action-packed retelling of “Mulan” directed by Niki Caro. The global premiere served as an official Hollywood debut for the film’s lead star, Chinese-American actress Liu Yifei, who stunned in an Elie Saab couture gown.

The 32-year-old actress and her stylist Samantha McMillan chose a gold Elie Saab gown for the premiere from the Lebanese designer’s Fall 2019 couture collection replete with a rising phoenix motif rendered in gold embroidery and sequins.

Liu explained the significance of the phoenix print to USA Today, saying: “They are my inspiration for the movie. It’s a symbol of Mulan’s spirit… it’s something meaningful.”

But the extravagant ballgown wasn’t exactly easy to move around in. “It’s a very big dress. It’s very hard to walk in it,” she added. Indeed, the dress was so overwhelming, it required a few aides to get the star photo ready on the red carpet.




The magical gown was replete with replete with a rising phoenix motif rendered in gold embroidery and sequins. (AFP)

The magical gown featured a built-in corset, gold brocade and an expansive train.  Heavy on the sequins and sparkle, the strapless number made for a fashion moment worthy of a Disney princess.

Once inside the ceremony, Yifei switched into another gilded number from yet another Lebanese couturier. The actress opted for a plunging Zuhair Murad gown covered with beaded embellishments and adorned with a sheer cape.




Yifei switched into another gilded number from yet another Lebanese couturier. (AFP)

Yifei plays the titular character in the upcoming film, which is a live-action remake of the beloved Disney cartoon from 1998. Yifei was chosen out of a pool of 1,000 other actresses for the lead role after a year-long casting process. While she is a well-known actress in China, “Mulan” is Yifei’s first major role in a US-based film.

The actress was joined at the premiere by many of her “Mulan” castmates, including actors Tzi Ma and Donnie Yen, and other celebrities such as Christina Aguilera, Chrissy Metz, Jaimie Alexander and Lana Condor, among others. Actress Ming-Na Wen, who originally voiced Mulan in the 1998 film, also attended the premiere.


Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif

Updated 06 March 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif

If you were to ask me what the perfect weekend treat-yourself meal is, my first choice would be fried chicken, followed by fried chicken, followed by a burger (but make it fried chicken).

One of my favorite spots for this delicious indulgence is Chicken Industry in Qatif, which, over the past few years, has become a hometown classic.

They also opened another branch in Olaya, Alkhobar.

The great thing about Chicken Industry is that you really cannot go wrong with any item on their menu; the burgers, broasted, twister, tenders, and nuggets are all very well-seasoned, juicy, and crispy.

All their menu items are available in spicy and mild options.

They have a few burger selections.

The original chicken sandwich, which comes with American cheese, pickles, and their signature industry sauce (a must to get on the side with any order), is their take on the classic Popeyes/Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich.

For the big kahuna, the chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin that my mouth is watering just thinking about it. (Instagram: @chickenindustry.ksa)

If you want to try a different type of sauce, you could give the black pepper buttermilk sandwich a go — a good option for those who like a balance of flavors between creamy and slightly zingy.

My go-to, however, is the chicken zinger, which comes with American cheese, mayonnaise, and lettuce — a no-fuss burger that has all the right toppings, sauce, and seasoning for the chicken.

Although, I would appreciate the option to add tomato as well for a little something fresh in there.

All of the Chicken Industry burgers come with a soft brioche bun. No notes; it’s a great bun.

The twister, made with two crispy tenders, is also a crowd favorite and comes in a few different options: the original with mild sauce, the fiery twister with spicy sauce, the classic with pepper mayo, and the spicy twister with pepper mayo as well.

Whether you do not want to commit to the full bun burger or just prefer a tortilla, the twister is a great option to either accompany or be the star of your meal.

Now onto the big kahuna: the broasted. If you really want to indulge, this is the option for you.

It comes with four pieces, either spicy or mild (trust me, get the spicy), and is served with garlic sauce on the side.

Although nothing compares to the Chicky Fry broasted, this one is a very close second. The chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin; my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Their nuggets are good, though not amazing — fun to snack on, but I wouldn’t call them a necessity and definitely not as good as their tenders or other options.

And I must say the Chicken Industry French fries could use some improvement; not the greatest texture or flavor, just sort of meh. I will continue to order them because at the end of the day, they are fries, and they’re alright. Besides, no fried chicken meal is complete without fries.

And do not forget to get the sauces on the side: the cheese, the garlic, the industry mild or spicy, buffalo, barbecue, and buttermilk, depending on your preference. They all complement the meal very well.