The NBA Games Abu Dhabi have returned and so have some famous faces. As with previous events, celebrities sat courtside to watch pre-season NBA games. On Friday at Etihad Arena, defending champions Boston Celtics took on the Denver Nuggets.
Television host Steve Harvey, who is no stranger to the UAE, was spotted wearing all-black with sunglasses on, while he sat next to Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
Several former footballers were also courtside such as Gerard Pique, Iker Casillas, Roberto Carlos, Luis Figo, Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho. Casillas, Figo and Carlos were seen taking a selfie together. The players will compete in a 3x3 football-basketball hybrid match during NBA Fan Appreciation Day on Saturday.
Grammy Award winner 2 Chainz, who will perform at the event, was also spotted with his signature sunglasses and oversized chains, while fellow rapper and Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am was seen sitting next to Bollywood actress Disha Patani.
Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma was also courtside and even posed with Casillas for a photograph at one point during the game.
Former basketball greats such as 2017 WNBA MVP Sylvia Fowles and Kevin Garnett, Derek Fisher, Muggsy Bogues, Marcus Camby, Sam Perkins and Mitch Richmond were introduced on the court during a break in play.
Tajik influencer Abdu Rozik drew cheers when he was shown on the big screen sitting courtside. Meanwhile, former Italian football stars Alessandro Del Piero and Christian Vieri as well as former Dutch player Clarence Seedorf were also in attendance.
For basketball fans, the activities aren't over yet. NBA Fan Appreciation Day is on Saturday at Etihad Arena at 4.30pm, while the second pre-season game between Denver and Boston will take place on Sunday at Etihad Arena at 6pm.
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Favourite Meal: Chicken Caesar salad
Hobbies: Travelling, going to the gym
Inspiration: Father, who was a captain in the UAE army
Favourite read: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
Favourite film: The Founder, about the establishment of McDonald's
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Name: Fareed Lafta
Age: 40
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Mission: Promote world peace
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Mia Man’s tips for fermentation
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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December 2014: Former UK finance minister George Osbourne reforms stamp duty, replacing the slab system with a blended rate scheme, with the top rate increasing to 12 per cent from 10 per cent:
Up to £125,000 - 0%; £125,000 to £250,000 – 2%; £250,000 to £925,000 – 5%; £925,000 to £1.5m: 10%; Over £1.5m – 12%
April 2016: New 3% surcharge applied to any buy-to-let properties or additional homes purchased.
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March 2021: Mr Sunak decides the fate of SDLT holiday at his March 3 budget, with expectations he will extend the perk unti June.
April 2021: 2% SDLT surcharge added to property transactions made by overseas buyers.
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3.
4.
5.
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