After several line-up changes, the curtain will finally rise on Wireless Festival Middle East on Saturday. The global hip-hop festival returns to Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Park with a line-up of established and rising stars from the US and Africa, alongside established acts from the Arab region and South-East Asia.
There will be no headlining act at this year's event after it was announced that Playboi Carti – who was to replace SZA after she withdrew from the festival – has decided to cancel his performance as well. "We share in your disappointment and frustration, as we have worked tirelessly to deliver an unforgettable event for everyone," says a statement from Live Nation on social media.
The organisers also said as a "gesture of goodwill" they would offer 30 per cent refunds to those who purchased tickets for the event, which would automatically be returned to card payments within five to 10 days.
Despite Playboi Carti's sudden withdrawal from Wireless Festival Middle East, the show must still go on. Here are some of the other artists to not miss.
21 Savage
The British-born US rapper should receive an uproarious welcome when he makes his regional concert debut. While only 32, he has a strong catalogue of hits from the past decade, including the Grammy Award-winning single A Lot and Mr Right Now. He is also known for delivering killer guest vocals, including on Post Malone’s Rockstar and Knife Talk with Drake.
Saweetie
Is Saweetie one of the next wave of hip-hop stars in the mould of Nicki Minaj and Cardi B? It’s the question on everyone’s minds as the US rapper readies for the release of her anticipated debut album next year. The groundwork has been laid through a string of well-received singles, including the US chart-topper My Type and Best Friend alongside Doja Cat. Following her solid appearance at this year’s Coachella festival alongside rapper Latto, Saweetie not only has the energy to own a major stage but is also one of the faces of a strong legion of US female hip-hop acts shaping the future of the genre.
Afroto
After Wegz’s storming set at last year’s inaugural Wireless Festival Middle East, it is only fitting for fellow scene leader Afroto to represent the dynamic hip-hop sounds of Egypt. Hailing from Alexandria, Afroto’s blend of traditional Egyptian folk melodies with taut and stuttering trap beats has earned him an international audience. Returning to the UAE on the back of a successful European tour, he will use the occasion to perform tracks from his new album Afdal Aghani as well as hits Brazil and Far2 Kehbra.
Dina Ayada
The Moroccan-Belgian rapper is another name to watch. Fluent in five languages, she first made a splash when she was 12, competing on the Belgian version of The Voice Kids in 2015, where she performed See You Again by Charlie Puth and Wiz Khalifa. Years later, she has embraced a hybrid hip-hop sound that has earned her plaudits from fellow Moroccan hip-hop stars. She comes to the UAE on the back of her new EP The Script and latest single Speed It Up, featuring US singer DC The Don.
Faris Shafi
One of the biggest names in the Urdu rap scene, Pakistani artist Shafi has been making waves since 2012 with his breakout hit Awaam. The track gained popularity for its punchy delivery and potent social commentary. Shafi also gained national attention in 2022 for his appearance on the television music series Coke Studio Pakistan and his acting debut in the Pakistani-Punjabi action film The Legend of Maula Jatt.
Wireless Festival Middle East runs on Saturday at Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi. Tickets begin at Dh345 and doors open at 2pm
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Chelsea 2 Burnley 3
Chelsea Morata (69'), Luiz (88')
Burnley Vokes (24', 43'), Ward (39')
Red cards Cahill, Fabregas (Chelsea)
Zayed Sustainability Prize
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
The story in numbers
18
This is how many recognised sects Lebanon is home to, along with about four million citizens
450,000
More than this many Palestinian refugees are registered with UNRWA in Lebanon, with about 45 per cent of them living in the country’s 12 refugee camps
1.5 million
There are just under 1 million Syrian refugees registered with the UN, although the government puts the figure upwards of 1.5m
73
The percentage of stateless people in Lebanon, who are not of Palestinian origin, born to a Lebanese mother, according to a 2012-2013 study by human rights organisation Frontiers Ruwad Association
18,000
The number of marriages recorded between Lebanese women and foreigners between the years 1995 and 2008, according to a 2009 study backed by the UN Development Programme
77,400
The number of people believed to be affected by the current nationality law, according to the 2009 UN study
4,926
This is how many Lebanese-Palestinian households there were in Lebanon in 2016, according to a census by the Lebanese-Palestinian dialogue committee
THE SPECS
2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE
Engine: 1.8 litre combined with 16-volt electric motors
Transmission: Automatic with manual shifting mode
Power: 121hp
Torque: 142Nm
Price: Dh95,900
New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
- Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
Pathaan
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
HEY%20MERCEDES%2C%20WHAT%20CAN%20YOU%20DO%20FOR%20ME%3F
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The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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TECH%20SPECS%3A%20APPLE%20WATCH%20SE%20(second%20generation)
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Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort: