Warner Bros. celebrates 100th anniversary with new products, content

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Updated 05 April 2023
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Warner Bros. celebrates 100th anniversary with new products, content

  • Partnerships with clothing retailers, fashion houses, food brands
  • Abu Dhabi theme park hosts live show this month with singing, dance

DUBAI: Warner Bros. Discovery has launched its centennial campaign “Celebrating Every Story,” which includes new products, content and experiences to mark the 100th anniversary of Warner Bros. Studios which took place on April 4.

“We are thrilled to be part of Warner Bros.’ storied legacy and to bring these commemorative products and experiences to our fans around the world,” said Pam Lifford, president, Warner Bros. Discovery Global Brands and Experiences.

The global offerings will be rolled out throughout the year, she added.

In the Middle East, Africa and Europe region, the company has partnered with brands such as Max Fashion, McDonald’s, Marc Jacobs, DKNY, BOSS and Zara.

Max Fashion, for example, will be launching bespoke ‘WB100’ collections across its fashion, accessories, and home and gifting sections.

In the UAE, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will host special events starting this month including a live show inside the plaza featuring a special rendition of Warner Bros.’ 100th year presented by a group of singers and dancers.

The company will also host candlelight concerts in 100 cities worldwide, including Dubai, which will feature tracks from the studio’s most iconic film and TV series such as “Friends,” “A Star is Born,” “Willy Wonka,” and “The Wizard of Oz.”

Globally, the company is launching new merchandise with new collections being introduced throughout the year.

The WB Shield Collection, for example, includes merchandise featuring the logo’s evolution from 1923. The Mashup Series will see beloved characters from “Looney Tunes” and “Tom & Jerry” dressed up as other Warner Bros. characters from franchises including “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Jetsons,” “Scooby-Doo,” and “The Flintstones”.

In addition to its own collections, the company is also partnering with other brands to create licensed merchandise for the centennial campaign. 

The campaign also spans the home entertainment sector with Warner Bros. releasing a series of celebratory films and animation bundles on digital, Blu-ray and DVD. These will include four 25-film volumes, a 100-film collection, and ‘best of’ animation compilations across its various franchises.

“From our beloved franchises to a century of storytelling, this is an incredible opportunity for us to honor the past and build the future of Warner Bros. and bring these characters and stories to life in new and engaging ways,” Lifford said.


Bondi Beach attack hero says wanted to protect ‘innocent people’

Updated 29 December 2025
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Bondi Beach attack hero says wanted to protect ‘innocent people’

DUBAI: Bondi Beach shooting hero Ahmed Al Ahmed recalled the moment he ran toward one of the attackers and wrenched his shotgun away, saying the only thing he had in mind was to stop the assailant from “killing more innocent people.” 

Al-Ahmad’s heroism was widely acclaimed in Australia when he tackled and disarmed gunman Sajid Akram who fired at Jewish people attending a Hanukkah event on December 14, killing 15 people and wounding dozens.

“My target was just to take the gun from him, and to stop him from killing a human being’s life and not killing innocent people,” he told CBS News in an interview on Monday.

“I know I saved lots, but I feel sorry for the lost.”

In footage viewed by millions of people, Al Ahmed was seen ducking between parked cars as the shooting unfolded, then wresting a gun from one of the assailants.

He was shot several times in the shoulder as a result and underwent several rounds of surgery.

“I jumped in his back, hit him and … hold him with my right hand and start to say a word like, you know, to warn him, ‘Drop your gun, stop doing what you’re doing’,” Al Ahmed said. 

“I don’t want to see people killed in front of me, I don’t want to see blood, I don’t want to hear his gun, I don’t want to see people screaming and begging, asking for help,” Al Ahmed told the television network.

“That’s my soul asked me to do that, and everything in my heart, and my brain, everything just worked, you know, to manage and to save the people’s life,” he said.

Al Ahmed was at the beach getting a cup of coffee when the shooting occurred.

He is a father of two who emigrated to Australia from Syria in 2007, and works as a fruit seller.  

Local media reported that the Australian government has fast-tracked and granted a number of visas for Al Ahmed’s family following his act of bravery.

“Ahmed has shown the courage and values we want in Australia,” Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said in a statement.

One of the gunmen, Sajid Akram, 50, was shot and killed by police during the attack. An Indian national, he entered Australia on a visa in 1998.

His 24-year-old son Naveed, an Australian-born citizen, remains in custody on charges including terrorism and 15 murders, as well as committing a “terrorist act” and planting a bomb with intent to harm.

(with AFP)