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
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
The specs
Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.6-litre 6-cylinder
Power: 220 and 280 horsepower
Torque: 350 and 360Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh136,521 VAT and Dh166,464 VAT
On sale: now
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits
Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Storage: 128/256/512GB
Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps
Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID
Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight
In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
Price: From Dh2,099
ASSASSIN'S%20CREED%20MIRAGE
%3Cp%3E%0DDeveloper%3A%20Ubisoft%20Bordeaux%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Ubisoft%0D%3Cbr%3EConsoles%3A%20PlayStation%204%26amp%3B5%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20Series%20S%26amp%3BX%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Polarised public
31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all
Source: YouGov
Zayed Sustainability Prize
RESULTS
1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner AF Almomayaz, Hugo Lebouc (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer)
2pm Handicap (TB) Dh 84,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Karaginsky, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Sadeedd, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard.
3pm Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1,950m
Winner Blue Sovereign, Clement Lecoeuvre, Erwan Charpy.
3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
4pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Bladesmith, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 68,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner Shanaghai City, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M3%2C%208-core%20CPU%2C%20up%20to%2010-core%20CPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2013.6-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%2C%202560%20x%201664%2C%20224ppi%2C%20500%20nits%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20wide%20colour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F16%2F24GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201%2F2TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thunderbolt%203%2FUSB-4%20(2)%2C%203.5mm%20audio%2C%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%206E%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2052.6Wh%20lithium-polymer%2C%20up%20to%2018%20hours%2C%20MagSafe%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201080p%20FaceTime%20HD%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Support%20for%20Apple%20ProRes%2C%20HDR%20with%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%20HDR10%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-speaker%20system%2C%20wide%20stereo%2C%20support%20for%20Dolby%20Atmos%2C%20Spatial%20Audio%20and%20dynamic%20head%20tracking%20(with%20AirPods)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Midnight%2C%20silver%2C%20space%20grey%2C%20starlight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MacBook%20Air%2C%2030W%2F35W%20dual-port%2F70w%20power%20adapter%2C%20USB-C-to-MagSafe%20cable%2C%202%20Apple%20stickers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh4%2C599%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
match info
Maratha Arabians 138-2
C Lynn 91*, A Lyth 20, B Laughlin 1-15
Team Abu Dhabi 114-3
L Wright 40*, L Malinga 0-13, M McClenaghan 1-17
Maratha Arabians won by 24 runs
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
If you go
Flying
Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
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)
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Racecard:
2.30pm: Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoun Emirates Breeders Society Challenge; Conditions (PA); Dh40,000; 1,600m
3pm: Handicap; Dh80,000; 1,800m
3.30pm: Jebel Ali Mile Prep Rated Conditions; Dh110,000; 1,600m
4pm: Handicap; Dh95,000; 1,950m
4.30pm: Maiden; Dh65,000; 1,400m
5pm: Handicap; Dh85,000; 1,200m
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Kalra's feat
- Becomes fifth batsman to score century in U19 final
- Becomes second Indian to score century in U19 final after Unmukt Chand in 2012
- Scored 122 in youth Test on tour of England
- Bought by Delhi Daredevils for base price of two million Indian rupees (Dh115,000) in 2018 IPL auction
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Scoreline
Bournemouth 2
Wilson 70', Ibe 74'
Arsenal 1
Bellerin 52'
Our House, Louise Candlish,
Simon & Schuster
