Paul McCartney played the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix race day concert on November 13, 2011, at Etihad Park. Antonie Robertson / The National
More than 30,000 people were in attendance to hear McCartney's hits from The Beatles, Wings and solo career. Antonie Robertson / The National
McCartney played 37 songs over the course of two-and-a-half hours. Antonie Robertson / The National
Prior to the concert, McCartney cut a relaxed figure backstage as he learned Arabic phrases to use during the show. Antonie Robertson / The National
McCartney's Abu Dhabi show was part of his On the Run world tour. Antonie Robertson / The National
The epic concert laid the seeds for other major music acts to come to the UAE in the ensuing years, such as The Rolling Stones and Eminem. Antonie Robertson / The National
Paul McCartney peppered his Abu Dhabi concerts with Arabic phrases such as 'shukran' and 'marhaba'. Photo: Flash Entertainment
Paul McCartney played to 30,000 people in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Flash Entertainment
Paul McCartney's Abu Dhabi concert remains one of the best held in the UAE. Photo: Flash Entertainment