When international artists come to perform in the UAE, they also take time to explore the country's sights.
On Saturday, Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys posted a video on Instagram of himself on a beach in Abu Dhabi at sunset.
“We're here right now in Abu Dhabi on tour, absolutely beautiful catching the sunset,” the boy band member said in the short video. In the caption, he wrote: “Can't wait to perform for you all.”
The five-member group, arguably one of the biggest boy bands of all time, is set to perform a sold-out show at the Etihad Arena on Sunday evening. Carter, 43, also posted two other photos from the UAE capital.
Another member, AJ McLean, also shared a selfie on his Instagram account. Although the location was not apparent in the picture, his caption hinted at playing golf in Abu Dhabi.
“No matter where in the world we are there will always be golf baby! Let’s go!” he said on Sunday morning.
The sightseeing comes ahead of their much-awaited performance in the UAE capital, where the group is expected to belt out some of their classic tunes over their three-decade career, from teh 1996 classic Quit Playing Games to 2000's Shape of My Heart.
World tour turned holiday
The Abu Dhabi gig is part of the band's DNA World Tour 2023. The boys have been sharing photos from their tour-turned-holiday on their individual social media accounts.
Last Monday, they performed in Cairo, where member Brian Littrell shared clips of himself riding a camel with the pyramids in the background.
Howie Dorough also shared snaps from their Egyptian tour. His caption reads: “I love playing tourist with my brothers. We spent a magical day in Cairo and couldn’t think of a better visit for our trip to Egypt.”
In the same week, the Backstreet Boys flew to India, where they received a Bollywood-style welcome at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel & Residences. Hotel staff surprised the group by dancing to their hit song Everybody (Backstreet's Back).
Carter shared the moment on Instagram, and in the caption he said: “What cool surprise arriving at the hotel here in Mumbai India. I guess we really do have fans all over the world.”
Dorough shared their India itinerary on the platform, which included popular tourist spots such as Mani Bhavan, Babulnath Temple and the Gateway of India. He said they also dined at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel.
The boy band, which consists of Littrell, Carter, Dorough, McLean and Kevin Richardson, are flying to Bahrain after their UAE gig. Other Middle Eastern sites in the world tour include Saudi Arabia and Israel, before they head to South Africa for five performances.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
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
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
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The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Price, base: Dh198,300
Engine: 2.0L in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 280hp @ 5,250rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 2,250rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7L / 100km
The biog
Place of birth: Kalba
Family: Mother of eight children and has 10 grandchildren
Favourite traditional dish: Al Harees, a slow cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled cracked or coarsely ground wheat mixed with meat or chicken
Favourite book: My early life by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah
Favourite quote: By Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, “Those who have no past will have no present or future.”