The role of the breakfast show radio host is often associated with waking up before dawn.
But the new Abu Dhabi Classic FM presenter Damian Watson has already found the upside to being at work by 5.30am. "The best part is there is no traffic," he laughs. "There is no stress on the motorway and it's really a peaceful drive."
Watson hopes to inject some of that positivity in his role as the host of Breakfast Classics, the breakfast show running from 6am to 10am on Abu Dhabi Classic FM (owned by Abu Dhabi Media Company, which also owns and publishes The National).
Watson describes the programme as being a mix of "uptempo" classic favourites interspersed with local and international news, sports and culture. "The breakfast show generally sets the day's agenda," he explains. "If people are going to tune in to you in the morning, then the chances are they will listen on their way home or during the day when they can. So if you get the breakfast show right, then all will follow."
What also distinguishes breakfast shows from other slots is that they are made up of dedicated listeners. Since taking on the role two months ago, Watson says he has been humbled by the warm response he has received.
"It has been fantastic," he says. "I received such a great welcome from what is clearly an established fan base. The people who listen to me are very committed and because the station is pan-UAE, it covers everywhere from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain to Fujairah."
With more than two decades of radio experience covering both Asia and Europe, Watson says that as well as tailoring an approach to local audiences, there are some broadcasting tips that remain universal. "I was always taught you only speak to one person," he says. "You don't speak to hundreds of thousands of listeners - it's just one person on a personal basis. That's what makes it the most personal medium."
Tune in to Breakfast Classics on Abu Dhabi Classic FM, on 91.6 Abu Dhabi, 105.2 Al Ain and 87.9 Dubai, and online at www.abudhabiclassicfm.ae
Mountain%20Boy
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How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
Penguin Press
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Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Developer: Treyarch, Raven Software
Publisher: Activision
Console: PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One & Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
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The%20specs
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Company%20Profile
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
The biog
Hometown: Cairo
Age: 37
Favourite TV series: The Handmaid’s Tale, Black Mirror
Favourite anime series: Death Note, One Piece and Hellsing
Favourite book: Designing Brand Identity, Fifth Edition
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Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
