UAE fans are in for a treat with Demi Lovato taking the stage for a rare live performance at the Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday.
Ever since concluding her extensive US tour last year, the singer has been away from the stage with only a Dubai and another North American date currently scheduled for the calendar this year.
Judging by the strong reviews the tour received, expect Lovato to showcase a powerful new sound courtesy of her new album, her rock and pop-punk influenced songs, as well as a smattering of greatest hits — including some of her signature dance and electro-pop tracks and ballads.
Such dynamism is a hallmark of the US singer, 30, who began as a Disney actress before forging her own path as a pop star who poured anguish and emotion into her work.
Here are 10 songs showcasing Lovato's career evolution:
1. This Is Me (2008)
Lovato's debut recording was taken from the hit 2008 Disney film Camp Rock, in which she stars as the shy singer Mitchie Torres.
An upbeat and catchy slice of power-pop, the track crossed over to the adult charts and peaked at No 22 in the US.
While Lovato rarely plays it live, it is a notable start to what would be an eventful career.
2. Here We Go Again (2009)
One of the earliest displays of her powerhouse vocals, Here We Go Again gave Lovato's chart rival Kelly Clarkson a run for her money with this anthemic pop tune about a roller coaster relationship.
The track was released and promoted through the Disney ecosystem, having had its premiere on the Disney Channel on the back of the screening of the film Princess Protection Program, in which Lovato also stars.
3. Skyscraper (2011)
A sumptuous track with Lovato's vocals at the forefront.
Beginning with a piano before developing into a full-blown power ballad with dramatic strings, Lovato's vocals gain intensity as she sings about finding strength during the darkest of times.
This would go on to become a key theme throughout Lovato’s body of work.
4. Heart Attack (2013)
A change of style resulted in one of Lovato's biggest hits.
Ditching the dramatic balladry of prior releases, the singer lends her bombastic vocals to Heart Attack's propulsive electro-pop production.
Punchy and powerful, it is here where she is really coming into her own as an artist.
5. Cool for the Summer (2015)
Lovato doubles down on her dance-centric sounds with one of her finest singles.
From the throbbing beats to the atmospheric synths, this Max Martin-produced track was destined to be a summer hit.
Indeed, Cool for the Summer, featuring Lovato’s sultriest set of vocals, topped the Billboard US Dance Club Songs chart, in addition to making an impact from Europe to Australia.
6. Confident (2015)
The follow-up to Cool for the Summer and the title track from what remains her defining album.
Confident features swaggering horns and flamboyant lyrics that are unapologetic and self-celebratory.
7. Sorry Not Sorry (2017)
The reason why Lovato stands out from the pack is her vocals, which easily transition from cool and breathy to bombastic with ease.
Sorry Not Sorry is a strong example with a towering, gospel music-infused chorus that Whitney Houston would have appreciated.
8. Anyone (2020)
A melancholy ballad in which Lovato bares her insecurities.
Recorded days before she went to rehabilitation for substance abuse, the lyrics read like thoughts from a mind spiralling out of control: "I feel stupid when I sing / Nobody's listening to me".
With a superbly controlled vocal performance, Lovato shows once again she is one of the rare high-profile artists, alongside the likes of Adele and Beyonce, penning deeply autobiographical tunes.
9. Dancing With The Devil (2021)
Another dramatic ballad reminiscent of Adele's Skyfall, a recovered Lovato gives a harrowing insight with each verse detailing her descent into drug abuse.
The chorus reaffirms her decision to quit, while acknowledging how fortunate she is to be alive: "almost made it to heaven...playing with the enemy / gambling with my soul."
10. Skin of My Teeth (2022)
Lovato announced her departure from recording pop music by dramatically posting on Twitter a "funeral" for commercial sounds.
While Skin of My Teeth is the first track signalling the new phase, it remains an earworm — albeit a more gnarly one — with its buzzing pop-punk guitars.
In a way, the song channels the earlier sounds of Lovato's career, though the gritty lyrics about survival showcase how far the artist has come, while also acknowledging the price of fame.
Demi Lovato performs at Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday at 7pm. Tickets begin from Dh195 from www.coca-cola-arena.com
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
Europe wide
Some of French groups are threatening Friday to continue their journey to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union, and to meet up with drivers from other countries on Monday.
Belgian authorities joined French police in banning the threatened blockade. A similar lorry cavalcade was planned for Friday in Vienna but cancelled after authorities prohibited it.
Ireland v Denmark: The last two years
Denmark 1-1 Ireland
7/06/19, Euro 2020 qualifier
Denmark 0-0 Ireland
19/11/2018, Nations League
Ireland 0-0 Denmark
13/10/2018, Nations League
Ireland 1 Denmark 5
14/11/2017, World Cup qualifier
Denmark 0-0 Ireland
11/11/2017, World Cup qualifier
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
The biog
Favourite food: Tabbouleh, greek salad and sushi
Favourite TV show: That 70s Show
Favourite animal: Ferrets, they are smart, sensitive, playful and loving
Favourite holiday destination: Seychelles, my resolution for 2020 is to visit as many spiritual retreats and animal shelters across the world as I can
Name of first pet: Eddy, a Persian cat that showed up at our home
Favourite dog breed: I love them all - if I had to pick Yorkshire terrier for small dogs and St Bernard's for big
The%20pillars%20of%20the%20Dubai%20Metaverse%20Strategy
%3Cp%3EEncourage%20innovation%20in%20the%20metaverse%20field%20and%20boost%20economic%20contribution%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20outstanding%20talents%20through%20education%20and%20training%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20applications%20and%20the%20way%20they%20are%20used%20in%20Dubai's%20government%20institutions%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAdopt%2C%20expand%20and%20promote%20secure%20platforms%20globally%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20the%20infrastructure%20and%20regulations%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
'Moonshot'
Director: Chris Winterbauer
Stars: Lana Condor and Cole Sprouse
Rating: 3/5
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
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
