Brands
DP World signs Abhishek Sharma as new face
DUBAI: Cricket has scored another global partnership as DP World steps up to the crease with rising Indian star Abhishek Sharma. The logistics major announced the young batting sensation as its newest brand ambassador, placing him alongside Sachin Tendulkar and golf ace Tommy Fleetwood in its growing sports line-up.
It caps a landmark year for Sharma, who lit up the 2025 DP World Asia Cup by smashing a record 314 runs in seven innings, the most ever scored in a single T20I edition of the tournament. His consistency carried him to the top of the ICC Men’s T20I Batter Rankings, where he achieved the highest rating recorded in the format.
Through this long-term partnership, Sharma will feature in brand campaigns, media engagements and digital stories that spotlight shared values of excellence, innovation and ambition.
DP World CEO and managing director for the Middle East, North Africa and India Subcontinent Rizwan Soomar, said the company is delighted to welcome a player who reflects its ambition to change what is possible. He praised Sharma’s fearless style and infectious joy at the crease, saying his performances continue to redefine boundaries ahead of an action-packed ICC season.
Sharma said he was thrilled to represent a company committed to growing cricket worldwide. He added that the sport had shaped his life and that he looked forward to helping DP World support more players and communities around the globe.
His first appearance for the brand took place during the Diwali with the stars celebration at the inaugural DP World India Championship. The announcement was accompanied by a special video featuring Sharma receiving a personalised shirt with help from Tendulkar and Fleetwood.
The signing strengthens DP World’s expanding cricket footprint, which includes partnerships with the International Cricket Council, the DP World Asia Cup, DP World ILT20, SA20 and the Delhi Capitals men’s and women’s teams.
Since 2023, the company has pushed to make cricket more accessible through its Beyond Boundaries Initiative and a kits-for-runs programme that donates ten cricket kits for every 100 runs scored in ICC tournaments. So far, twelve refurbished shipping containers have been delivered to grassroots clubs worldwide along with 3,000 kits, with more on the way.
Brands
Disney Cruise Line launches Disney Adventure as Robert Downey Jr. christens ship in Singapore
Star studded ceremony marks line’s first Southeast Asia ship
SINGAPORE: Disney Cruise Line has officially welcomed its newest and largest ship, the Disney Adventure, with a glittering, music filled christening ceremony in Singapore, marking the brand’s first ever vessel to homeport in Southeast Asia.
Held inside the ship’s grand Walt Disney Theatre, the celebration unfolded as a theatrical spectacle worthy of Broadway. Regional vocalists and musicians were joined by a 23 piece orchestra, while sweeping video projections wrapped the stage in classic Disney, Pixar and Marvel moments. Special appearances from captain Mickey Mouse and captain Minnie Mouse added a touch of nautical charm.
Among the headline performers were Jed Madela, hollywood performing arts hall of fame inductee, and Dami Im, international recording artist known for Eurovision. Together, they led a soaring tribute to Disney’s musical legacy.
On stage to mark the milestone were Josh D’Amaro, chairman of disney experiences and incoming chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, and Joe Schott, president of disney signature experiences.
D’Amaro described the ship as a new chapter for the company in Asia, saying it would bring Disney storytelling to audiences who may be experiencing the brand’s magic for the first time.
The ceremonial highlight came from Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr., who serves as the ship’s godparent. With characteristic flair, he declared, “You bring the theme and I’ll bring the thunder,” before delivering the traditional blessing: “I christen thee, Disney Adventure, may God bless this ship and all who sail upon her.”
The ceremony closed with a jubilant rendition of “Let’s Set Sail”, a long standing Disney Cruise Line tradition designed to stir excitement for the voyages ahead.
Drawing on more than a century of storytelling from Disney, Pixar and Marvel, the Disney Adventure promises a floating world of fantasy. Guests can wander through seven immersive themed areas, including San Fransokyo Street inspired by Big Hero 6.
On board highlights include a brand new Broadway style musical titled Remember, immersive dining, signature fireworks at sea, imaginative children’s clubs and a vibrant collection of bars and lounges for adults. Thrill seekers can also take on Ironcycle Test Run, the cruise line’s first roller coaster at sea.
The Disney Adventure is the eighth ship in the fleet and sets sail on its maiden voyage on 10 March, launching an inaugural season of three and four night itineraries. It forms part of an ambitious expansion plan that will see five more ships join the fleet by 2031.
For Disney, the magic is no longer just on stage or screen. In Singapore, it now sails.
