Musicals, rock, classical music and stand-up comedy are highlights on the Abu Dhabi 2022-2023 events calendar.
In addition to the Middle East debut of hit musical The Lion King, anticipated concerts by veteran British singer-songwriter Sting, US rockers Imagine Dragons and laughs provided by comedians Jimmy Carr and Kevin Bridges.
Here, The National rounds up 18 of the very best events to look forward to.
1. The Lion King: until December 10 at Etihad Arena
Marking 25 years since its premiere in 1997, the blockbuster musical will make its Middle Eastern debut in Abu Dhabi.
Based on the 1994 animated film, the story follows the adventures of Simba, as he grows from an innocent lion cub to assuming his responsibilities as the leader of his pride.
The show has been watched by nearly 110 million people around the world, and has permanent residencies in New York, London, Madrid and Tokyo.
Etihad Arena will be configured especially for the production to ensure a theatre-like experience. Expect to hear hits such as Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata and Can You Feel the Love Tonight.
Tickets from Dh200; evening shows begin at 7pm and matinees at 1pm. More information is available at etihadarena.ae
2. Hussain Al Jassmi and Hamad Al Ameri: December 3 at Qasr Al Hosn
Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi will play host to two Emirati singers, Hussain Al Jassmi and Hamad Al Ameri, on December 1 and 3 respectively.
Both staple performers during National Day celebrations, Al Jassmi and Al Ameri will serenade guests with songs from their hit Arabic set lists.
Some of Al Jassmi's famous tracks include Boshret Kheir — the video to which has been viewed more than half a billion times on YouTube — and his recent single Bel Bont El3areedh.
Al Ameri's songs include Einy Al Yameen and Jadeed Al Hob.
Doors open 7pm; from Dh50; ticketmaster.ae
3. Balqees and Fouad Abdelwahed: December 3 at Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain
Emirati-Yemeni singer Balqees and Yemeni crooner Fouad Abdelwahed are taking to the stage at Al Jahili Fort to celebrate National Day.
Recently featured in the Fifa World Cup official soundtrack with her song Light The Sky, Balqees is also known for her hit singles Momken and Taala Tchouf. Some of Abdelwahed's famous tunes include Ana Sootek and Qalbi Elsagheer.
Doors open 7pm; from Dh150;ticketmaster.ae
4. Post Malone: December 3 at Etihad Park
The Rockstar hitmaker will take the stage performing new tracks from fourth album Twelve Carat Toothache and hits including Circles, Sunflower, Psycho and I Like You (A Happier Song).
“I’m excited to be returning to Abu Dhabi and performing for the incredible audience there again,” said Malone. “I can't wait to take to the stage and perform for my fans in the Middle East. Together, we're going to enjoy a fantastic weekend.”
Doors open at 6.30pm; tickets from D295; ticketmaster.ae
5. Mother of The Nation Festival: December 9 to 18 at Abu Dhabi Corniche
A post on the event's Instagram page revealed the popular family festival will return this year.
Normally held around November and December on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, the week-long event features performances by regional and international pop stars, and is spread across venues divided into thematic sections ranging from arts and sports to space and technology.
Stay tuned to The National for all updates regarding the festival.
More information is available at motn.ae
6. Le Trio Joubran: December 14 at Cultural Foundation
Palestinian group Le Trio Joubran comprises three brothers who are all maestros on the oud. They are renowned for their intricate compositions inspired by some of the Arab world's greatest poets.
Show starts 8pm; tickets from Dh75; ticketmaster.ae
7. Trio Abozekrys: December 15 at Cultural Foundation
Built upon the interplay of brothers Mohamed and Abdallah on the oud and baglama (a long-necked lute) respectively, the group fuses traditional Middle Eastern sounds with modern and experimental jazz for a performance described as "eccentric and energetic".
Show starts 8pm; tickets from Dh75; ticketmaster.ae
8. Shujaat Khan, Amit Choubey and Nihar Mehta: December 17 at Cultural Foundation
Sitar virtuoso Shujaat Khan is the star of the show as he brings a tender and experimental style to Abu Dhabi, supported by renowned tabla players Amit Choubey and Nihar Mehta.
Show starts 8pm; tickets from Dh75; ticketmaster.ae
9. Israel Philharmonic Orchestra Gala Concert: December 20 at Emirates Palace Auditorium
The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the country's oldest and leading cultural institutions, will be performing its Gala Concert as part of Abu Dhabi Classics.
The programme includes Mahler's Symphony No.1 in D Major and Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 27 in B major.
Showtime is 8pm; from D50; etihadarena.ae; ticketmaster.ae
10. Jimmy Carr: January 7, 2023, at Etihad Arena
One of Britain's favourite comedians is returning to Abu Dhabi. As part of his Terribly Funny 2.0 World Tour, Carr is heading to Etihad Arena on Yas Island for a one-off performance on January 7, 2023.
Carr, 49, is known for his near-the-knuckle one-liners delivered in a deadpan manner. Last year he released the controversial Netflix special Jimmy Carr: His Dark Material.
Doors open at 8pm; from D195; etihadarena.ae
11. Junk Kouture World Final: January 11 at Etihad Arena
Founded in 2010, the event has been encouraging one billion children worldwide, aged 13 to 18, to harness their creativity using nothing but the rubbish around them.
Now, as part of this ambitious plan, Junk Kouture will showcase the best international designs from across the world in a high-octane fashion show.
Doors open 7pm; from Dh100; etihadarena.ae
12. Rebeca Omordia's piano recital, ‘African Pianism’: January 20 at Cultural Foundation
The award-winning Nigerian-Romanian pianist Rebeca Omordia, who lives in London, is set to deliver an electric performance of contemporary and dynamic classical music of composers from all over the African continent.
Showtime is 8pm; from D50; etihadarena.ae; ticketmaster.ae
13. Kevin Bridges: January 21 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island
The hilarious Scot returns to the UAE as part of his Overdue Catch-Up world tour.
He will be back in Abu Dhabi with his sell-out show. Fans should be quick off the mark as almost all of the dates along his seven-month journey around the UK are fully booked.
With four stand-up comedy specials to his name, including 2018's The Brand New Tour, Bridges is also a repeat guest on British TV shows such as Would I Lie to You and Have I Got News for You.
Doors open at 7pm; from D195; etihadarena.ae
14. Imagine Dragons: January 26 at Etihad Arena
The American rock band will return to the UAE as part of their latest world tour celebrating the release of their upcoming double-disc compilation album Mercury — Acts 1 & 2.
Executive produced by the legendary Rick Rubin, the 32-track album represents the band’s broadest and most personal collection yet. Bringing together their two most recent albums, it features the hit singles Enemy, Bones and Sharks.
Tickets go on sale on October 7 at 12 pm and start from AED 250, at livenation.me.
15. Sting: January 27 at Etihad Arena
Sting will bring his My Songs tour to Abu Dhabi.
The former Police frontman will perform his greatest hits from a celebrated back catalogue that has won him 17 Grammy Awards, three Brits Awards, a Golden Globe and an Emmy. He has also been nominated four times for the Best Original Song Oscar.
Tracks for fans to listen out for are Roxanne, Every Breath You Take and Desert Rose.
A global hit in 1999, Desert Rose is a collaboration with Algerian singer Cheb Mami that exposed the world to the Arabic music genre rai.
Doors open 7pm; from Dh435 at etihadarena.ae
16. Blackpink: January 28 at Etihad Park
When the K-pop stars announced the first dates and cities for their upcoming world tour in August, Abu Dhabi was listed as a stop on January 28.
No other details, including the venue or ticket prices, have been revealed.
Expect the awesome foursome to perform tracks from new album Born Pink in addition to hits Ice Cream and As If It's Your Last.
17. International Indian Film Academy Rocks: February 10 at Etihad Arena
Bollywood director and producer Karan Johar will join returning host, filmmaker Farah Khan, for IIFA Rocks, the musical and fashion night preceding the main awards gala hosted by the International Indian Film Academy in Abu Dhabi.
Johar and Khan will entertain Bollywood fans along with top performers including rapper Badshah, singer and music director Amit Trivedi, singer Sunidhi Chauhan and EDM producer Nucleya.
Doors open 6.30pm; from Dh110 at etihadarena.ae
18. Mo Amer and Maz Jobrani: March 4 at Etihad Arena
The two comedians, renowned for bringing Middle Eastern experiences to US stand-up, will perform their savvy blend of observational comedy.
Amer is best known for being the creator and star of the Netflix comedy series, Mo.
The show focuses on the absurdities of the US immigration process, and is based on Amer’s life as a Palestinian growing up in Houston, Texas.
Jobrani is a founding member and driving force behind the world-famous Axis of Evil Comedy Tour.
In 2021, his comedy special Pandemic Warrior was filmed in Dubai and is available to stream on Apple TV+.
Doors open 6pm; from Dh250 at etihadarena.ae
— A version of this article was first published on October 4, 2022
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
SECRET%20INVASION
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The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Honeymoonish
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How Apple's credit card works
The Apple Card looks different from a traditional credit card — there's no number on the front and the users' name is etched in metal. The card expands the company's digital Apple Pay services, marrying the physical card to a virtual one and integrating both with the iPhone. Its attributes include quick sign-up, elimination of most fees, strong security protections and cash back.
What does it cost?
Apple says there are no fees associated with the card. That means no late fee, no annual fee, no international fee and no over-the-limit fees. It also said it aims to have among the lowest interest rates in the industry. Users must have an iPhone to use the card, which comes at a cost. But they will earn cash back on their purchases — 3 per cent on Apple purchases, 2 per cent on those with the virtual card and 1 per cent with the physical card. Apple says it is the only card to provide those rewards in real time, so that cash earned can be used immediately.
What will the interest rate be?
The card doesn't come out until summer but Apple has said that as of March, the variable annual percentage rate on the card could be anywhere from 13.24 per cent to 24.24 per cent based on creditworthiness. That's in line with the rest of the market, according to analysts
What about security?
The physical card has no numbers so purchases are made with the embedded chip and the digital version lives in your Apple Wallet on your phone, where it's protected by fingerprints or facial recognition. That means that even if someone steals your phone, they won't be able to use the card to buy things.
Is it easy to use?
Apple says users will be able to sign up for the card in the Wallet app on their iPhone and begin using it almost immediately. It also tracks spending on the phone in a more user-friendly format, eliminating some of the gibberish that fills a traditional credit card statement. Plus it includes some budgeting tools, such as tracking spending and providing estimates of how much interest could be charged on a purchase to help people make an informed decision.
* Associated Press
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
A new relationship with the old country
Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates
The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates; Considering that the United Arab Emirates has assumed full responsibility as a sovereign and independent State; Determined that the long-standing and traditional relations of close friendship and cooperation between their peoples shall continue; Desiring to give expression to this intention in the form of a Treaty Friendship; Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1 The relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship. In recognition of this, the Contracting Parties, conscious of their common interest in the peace and stability of the region, shall: (a) consult together on matters of mutual concern in time of need; (b) settle all their disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
ARTICLE 2 The Contracting Parties shall encourage education, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two States in accordance with arrangements to be agreed. Such arrangements shall cover among other things: (a) the promotion of mutual understanding of their respective cultures, civilisations and languages, the promotion of contacts among professional bodies, universities and cultural institutions; (c) the encouragement of technical, scientific and cultural exchanges.
ARTICLE 3 The Contracting Parties shall maintain the close relationship already existing between them in the field of trade and commerce. Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet from time to time to consider means by which such relations can be further developed and strengthened, including the possibility of concluding treaties or agreements on matters of mutual concern.
ARTICLE 4 This Treaty shall enter into force on today’s date and shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Unless twelve months before the expiry of the said period of ten years either Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the Treaty, this Treaty shall remain in force thereafter until the expiry of twelve months from the date on which notice of such intention is given.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.
DONE in duplicate at Dubai the second day of December 1971AD, corresponding to the fifteenth day of Shawwal 1391H, in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authoritative.
Signed
Geoffrey Arthur Sheikh Zayed
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
The Laughing Apple
Yusuf/Cat Stevens
(Verve Decca Crossover)
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
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Countdown to Zero exhibition will show how disease can be beaten
Countdown to Zero: Defeating Disease, an international multimedia exhibition created by the American Museum of National History in collaboration with The Carter Center, will open in Abu Dhabi a month before Reaching the Last Mile.
Opening on October 15 and running until November 15, the free exhibition opens at The Galleria mall on Al Maryah Island, and has already been seen at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
Six large-scale objects on show
- Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
- The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
- A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
- A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
- Torrijos Palace dome
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Specs%20
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ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand
UAE fixtures
May 9, v Malaysia
May 10, v Qatar
May 13, v Malaysia
May 15, v Qatar
May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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Where can I submit a sample?
Volunteers can now submit DNA samples at a number of centres across Abu Dhabi. The programme is open to all ages.
Collection centres in Abu Dhabi include:
- Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
- Biogenix Labs in Masdar City
- Al Towayya in Al Ain
- NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City
- Bareen International Hospital
- NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
- NMC Royal Medical Centre - Abu Dhabi
- NMC Royal Women’s Hospital.
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.6-litre V6
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 310hp
Torque: 366Nm
Price: Dh200,000
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The Old Slave and the Mastiff
Patrick Chamoiseau
Translated from the French and Creole by Linda Coverdale
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
