• Paul McCartney played the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix race day concert on November 13, 2011, at Etihad Park. Antonie Robertson / The National
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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 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 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
    Paul McCartney's Abu Dhabi concert remains one of the best held in the UAE. Photo: Flash Entertainment

Why Paul McCartney's Abu Dhabi F1 concert still matters more than a decade later


Saeed Saeed
  • English
  • Arabic

Paul McCartney’s performance as part of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix was 11 years ago — still, the impact continues to resonate within the UAE events industry.

As The Beatles singer, 80, prepares to headline the UK’s Glastonbury Festival on Saturday, becoming the oldest person to do so, The National looks back at his epic concert in November 2011 and why it set the standard for the rest of the high-profile stars to play the UAE.

Paul McCartney played his greatest hits in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Flash Entertainment
Paul McCartney played his greatest hits in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Flash Entertainment

McCartney's performance at Etihad Park remains hard to beat when it comes to the amount of back-to-back hits played.

Beginning with The Beatles' Hello Goodbye, he took 30,000 fans on a two-and-a-half hour journey with 37 songs spanning five decades.

In addition to The Beatles favourites such as Hey Jude, A Day in the Life and Let It Be, McCartney also performed hits from Wings (Live and Let Die and Band on the Run) and key solo tracks such as Maybe I'm Amazed.

As chief executive of Flash Entertainment, John Lickrish was tasked with putting together the concert as part of the still fledgling Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix.

“It was the third Formula One race and we were already off to a great start with acts like Beyonce in 2009 and Prince the following year,” he recalls.

“So there was already a growing buzz about Abu Dhabi as a go to destination for big artists.

"But it was really McCartney in 2011 who took us to the next level.”

Getting McCartney to the UAE was a result of steady growth.

The concert industry is relatively tight, Lickrish says, with agents and tour promoters working with a number of artists at any given time.

One of the most powerful figures is the UK’s Barrie Marshall with a career spanning four decades.

As well as being McCartney’s long-term agent and tour promoter, his current stable includes Elton John, Lionel Richie, Celine Dion and Tina Turner.

British singer George Michael performs at Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City Stadium in 2008. AP
British singer George Michael performs at Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City Stadium in 2008. AP

He also looked after some of the international tours of the late George Michael, one of which included a 2008 stop at Zayed Sports City Stadium.

Marshall flew in to Abu Dhabi to ensure everything went smoothly.

"He is really old school in the way he does things," Lickrish says.

"Also, he is very polite. He would say: 'If I ask you to do something and I don't say please and thank you will have to forgive me'."

Impressed by the Flash Entertainment operation, the successful show laid the seeds to bring McCartney to Abu Dhabi three years later.

Lickrish recalls the preparation for the Abu Dhabi F1 race-day concert, from financial negotiations to the technical requirements, as being smooth.

McCartney and the band were also up for it.

They arrived in Abu Dhabi two days before the show and a week after sending a teaser video to UAE fans from rehearsals in the UK.

Lickrish remembers McCartney as being very welcoming backstage.

“He was very laid-back, friendly and calm,” he says.

“He was also excited about performing in this part of the world for the first time and he was practising Arabic words like ‘marhaba’ (hello) and 'shukran' (thank you).”

Paul McCartney played to 30,000 people in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Flash Entertainment
Paul McCartney played to 30,000 people in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Flash Entertainment

McCartney’s show remains one of the best concerts performed in the UAE.

In my report for The National, I describe how McCartney turned the arena "into a stadium-sized karaoke club."

In a reflective column, journalist Sarah Ferguson recalled the communal atmosphere, with the show being “a truly memorable night of fabulous music surrounded by great friends".

Standing side of stage and watching McCartney belting out the hits, Lickrish’s recalls his satisfaction being tempered by a growing responsibility.

“We knew that we have raised the bar when it comes to expectations of what we can do here in Abu Dhabi,” he says. “I knew it was a show people would remember for a long time and make other touring artists take notice.”

Paul McCartney performed 37 songs over two-and-a-half hours in Abu Dhabi. Antonie Robertson / The National
Paul McCartney performed 37 songs over two-and-a-half hours in Abu Dhabi. Antonie Robertson / The National

Sure enough, Abu Dhabi’s stature as a concert destination was cemented on the back of McCartney’s performance with major acts, from The Rolling Stones, Eminem and Guns N’ Roses to The Weeknd and Pink, all bringing their large scale productions to the city in the ensuing years.

Lickrish has no doubt McCartney will deliver a similarly memorable show at Glastonbury.

“His voice is great and the songs speak for themselves,” he says. "And with the varied demographic of the audience you can feel that it will be a really beautiful experience."

For Abu Dhabi to be part of the remarkable journey of one of the world’s greatest living artists, all we can say is "shukran", Paul.

From Beyonce to Stormzy: 45 artists who played at the Abu Dhabi F1 After-Race Concerts — in pictures

  • Prince kept it fun and funky during his Abu Dhabi Grand Prix performance in 2010. Reuters
    Prince kept it fun and funky during his Abu Dhabi Grand Prix performance in 2010. Reuters
  • Beyonce performs at Ferrari World on the opening day of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix on October 29, 2009. Philip Cheung / The National
    Beyonce performs at Ferrari World on the opening day of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix on October 29, 2009. Philip Cheung / The National
  • Jamiroquai performs at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on October 30, 2009. Philip Cheung / The National
    Jamiroquai performs at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on October 30, 2009. Philip Cheung / The National
  • Kings of Leon performed in the UAE for the first time at the 2009 Abu Dhabi Formula Grand Prix. Reuters
    Kings of Leon performed in the UAE for the first time at the 2009 Abu Dhabi Formula Grand Prix. Reuters
  • Aerosmith performs on the final race day on November 1, 2009. Philip Cheung / The National
    Aerosmith performs on the final race day on November 1, 2009. Philip Cheung / The National
  • Kanye West performs at Yas Island on November 12, 2010. Rich-Joseph Facun / The National
    Kanye West performs at Yas Island on November 12, 2010. Rich-Joseph Facun / The National
  • Linkin Park at the Formula One after-race concert on November 13, 2010. Rich-Joseph Facun / The National
    Linkin Park at the Formula One after-race concert on November 13, 2010. Rich-Joseph Facun / The National
  • Britney Spears's 2011 show was high on choreography but low on energy. Lee Hoagland / The National
    Britney Spears's 2011 show was high on choreography but low on energy. Lee Hoagland / The National
  • US rock band Incubus performs in 2011 in what was an odd double bill also featuring The Cult. Silvia Razgova / The National
    US rock band Incubus performs in 2011 in what was an odd double bill also featuring The Cult. Silvia Razgova / The National
  • Paul McCartney played a hit-filled set in 2011. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Paul McCartney played a hit-filled set in 2011. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Aussie pop star Kylie Minogue kept it fun and breezy in her 2012 Abu Dhabi F1 concert. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Aussie pop star Kylie Minogue kept it fun and breezy in her 2012 Abu Dhabi F1 concert. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Nickelback played all their anthems in a 2012 concert. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Nickelback played all their anthems in a 2012 concert. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Eminem made his concert debut in the Middle East with a race day performance at the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Eminem made his concert debut in the Middle East with a race day performance at the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi was one of the first Arab artists to perform as part of the Abu Dhabi F1 after-race concerts
    Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi was one of the first Arab artists to perform as part of the Abu Dhabi F1 after-race concerts
  • Hip-hop superstar Jay-Z wowed crowds with his 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix show. Delores Johnson / The National
    Hip-hop superstar Jay-Z wowed crowds with his 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix show. Delores Johnson / The National
  • British rockers Muse brought their progressive rock sounds to Etihad Park in 2013. Delores Johnson / The National
    British rockers Muse brought their progressive rock sounds to Etihad Park in 2013. Delores Johnson / The National
  • Dave Gahan, from Depeche Mode, owned the stage during the group's 2013 race-day concert. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Dave Gahan, from Depeche Mode, owned the stage during the group's 2013 race-day concert. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Egyptian pop star Tamer Hosny at the 2014 Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix after-race concert. Getty Images
    Egyptian pop star Tamer Hosny at the 2014 Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix after-race concert. Getty Images
  • Dutch DJ Armin Van Buuren was the first EDM act to perform as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concert series in 2014. Delores Johnson / The National
    Dutch DJ Armin Van Buuren was the first EDM act to perform as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concert series in 2014. Delores Johnson / The National
  • Pharrell William lost his voice during his 2014 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix concert. Delores Johnson / The National
    Pharrell William lost his voice during his 2014 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix concert. Delores Johnson / The National
  • The Who rocked loud and proud during their 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race day concert. Ravindranath K / The National
    The Who rocked loud and proud during their 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race day concert. Ravindranath K / The National
  • Emirati singer Aryam made her stage return during the 2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Emirati singer Aryam made her stage return during the 2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Enrique Iglesias was all charm during his 2015 performance at Etihad Park. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Enrique Iglesias was all charm during his 2015 performance at Etihad Park. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Brit-pop group Blur gave a rare live performance of 'Country House' for their 2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concert. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Brit-pop group Blur gave a rare live performance of 'Country House' for their 2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concert. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Florence + the Machine at the 2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Florence + the Machine at the 2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Cuban-American singer and rapper Pitbull was underwhelming in 2016. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
    Cuban-American singer and rapper Pitbull was underwhelming in 2016. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
  • UK dance duo The Chemical Brothers were relentless at their 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concert. Pawan Singh / The National
    UK dance duo The Chemical Brothers were relentless at their 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concert. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Lionel Richie didn't disappoint at his 2016 after-race concert. Waleed Shah for The National
    Lionel Richie didn't disappoint at his 2016 after-race concert. Waleed Shah for The National
  • Rihanna rocked out at Etihad Park in 2016. Christopher Pike / The National
    Rihanna rocked out at Etihad Park in 2016. Christopher Pike / The National
  • UK DJ Calvin Harris was a shadowy presence at his Etihad Park concert in 2017. Reem Mohammed / The National
    UK DJ Calvin Harris was a shadowy presence at his Etihad Park concert in 2017. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • US rapper J Cole performed at the 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after hip-hop star Kendrick Lamar pulled out. Pawan Singh / The National
    US rapper J Cole performed at the 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after hip-hop star Kendrick Lamar pulled out. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The 2017 concert by Mumford & Sons was largely a fans-only affair. Pawan Singh / The National
    The 2017 concert by Mumford & Sons was largely a fans-only affair. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race day concert in 2017 by Pink had its fair share of acrobatics. Photo: Flash Entertainment
    The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race day concert in 2017 by Pink had its fair share of acrobatics. Photo: Flash Entertainment
  • US rapper Post Malone brought new meaning to the term 'solo performance' with his 2018 Abu Dhabi F1 show. Victor Besa / The National
    US rapper Post Malone brought new meaning to the term 'solo performance' with his 2018 Abu Dhabi F1 show. Victor Besa / The National
  • The Weeknd gave a typically brooding show in 2018. Victor Besa / The National
    The Weeknd gave a typically brooding show in 2018. Victor Besa / The National
  • Sam Smith changed a few misconceptions at their 2018 Abu Dhabi F1 concert. Victor Besa / The National
    Sam Smith changed a few misconceptions at their 2018 Abu Dhabi F1 concert. Victor Besa / The National
  • The Guns 'N' Roses concert at the 2018 Abu Dhabi F1 was cut short due to singer Axl Rose feeling unwell. Lee Hoagland / The National
    The Guns 'N' Roses concert at the 2018 Abu Dhabi F1 was cut short due to singer Axl Rose feeling unwell. Lee Hoagland / The National
  • Marshmello was a hit with the younger crowd during his 2019 Abu Dhabi F1 concert. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Marshmello was a hit with the younger crowd during his 2019 Abu Dhabi F1 concert. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Rapper Future performing at the 2019 after-race concert at Etihad Park. Pawan Singh / The National
    Rapper Future performing at the 2019 after-race concert at Etihad Park. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Lana Del Rey was suitably dramatic during her 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concert. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Lana Del Rey was suitably dramatic during her 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concert. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Killers were the big act in 2019. Photo: Flash Entertainment
    The Killers were the big act in 2019. Photo: Flash Entertainment
  • Khalid performed a sweet low-key set to kick of the 2021 Abu Dhabi F1 after-race concerts Pawan Singh / The National
    Khalid performed a sweet low-key set to kick of the 2021 Abu Dhabi F1 after-race concerts Pawan Singh / The National
  • British rapper Stormzy was happy to be back on stage at the 2021 Abu Dhabi F1. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    British rapper Stormzy was happy to be back on stage at the 2021 Abu Dhabi F1. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Lewis Capaldi performs in 2021. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Lewis Capaldi performs in 2021. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • DJ Martin Garrix performing the Abu Dhabi F1 race-day concert in 2021. Pawan Singh / The National
    DJ Martin Garrix performing the Abu Dhabi F1 race-day concert in 2021. Pawan Singh / The National
Liverpool's all-time goalscorers

Ian Rush 346
Roger Hunt 285
Mohamed Salah 250
Gordon Hodgson 241
Billy Liddell 228

Thank You for Banking with Us

Director: Laila Abbas

Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum

Rating: 4/5

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMaly%20Tech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mo%20Ibrahim%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%20International%20Financial%20Centre%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%241.6%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2015%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%2C%20planning%20first%20seed%20round%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20GCC-based%20angel%20investors%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Company profile

Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space

Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)

Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)

Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi 

Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution) 

Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space  

Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019

ENGLAND SQUAD

Team: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Ben Te'o, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Dylan Hartley, 3 Dan Cole, 4 Joe Launchbury, 5 Maro Itoje, 6 Courtney Lawes, 7 Chris Robshaw, 8 Sam Simmonds

Replacements 16 Jamie George, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Harry Williams, 19 George Kruis, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Danny Care, 22 Jonathan Joseph, 23 Jack Nowell

The specs: 2018 Renault Megane

Price, base / as tested Dh52,900 / Dh59,200

Engine 1.6L in-line four-cylinder

Transmission Continuously variable transmission

Power 115hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque 156Nm @ 4,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined 6.6L / 100km

Scoreline:

Cardiff City 0

Liverpool 2

Wijnaldum 57', Milner 81' (pen)

England squad

Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Dominic Bess, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Ben Foakes, Lewis Gregory, Keaton Jennings, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Jamie Overton, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Amar Virdi, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Tips for used car buyers
  • Choose cars with GCC specifications
  • Get a service history for cars less than five years old
  • Don’t go cheap on the inspection
  • Check for oil leaks
  • Do a Google search on the standard problems for your car model
  • Do your due diligence. Get a transfer of ownership done at an official RTA centre
  • Check the vehicle’s condition. You don’t want to buy a car that’s a good deal but ends up costing you Dh10,000 in repairs every month
  • Validate warranty and service contracts with the relevant agency and and make sure they are valid when ownership is transferred
  • If you are planning to sell the car soon, buy one with a good resale value. The two most popular cars in the UAE are black or white in colour and other colours are harder to sell

Tarek Kabrit, chief executive of Seez, and Imad Hammad, chief executive and co-founder of CarSwitch.com

UAE%20athletes%20heading%20to%20Paris%202024
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEquestrian%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EAbdullah%20Humaid%20Al%20Muhairi%2C%20Abdullah%20Al%20Marri%2C%20Omar%20Al%20Marzooqi%2C%20Salem%20Al%20Suwaidi%2C%20and%20Ali%20Al%20Karbi%20(four%20to%20be%20selected).%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EJudo%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMen%3A%20Narmandakh%20Bayanmunkh%20(66kg)%2C%20Nugzari%20Tatalashvili%20(81kg)%2C%20Aram%20Grigorian%20(90kg)%2C%20Dzhafar%20Kostoev%20(100kg)%2C%20Magomedomar%20Magomedomarov%20(%2B100kg)%3B%20women's%20Khorloodoi%20Bishrelt%20(52kg).%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECycling%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ESafia%20Al%20Sayegh%20(women's%20road%20race).%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESwimming%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMen%3A%20Yousef%20Rashid%20Al%20Matroushi%20(100m%20freestyle)%3B%20women%3A%20Maha%20Abdullah%20Al%20Shehi%20(200m%20freestyle).%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAthletics%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMaryam%20Mohammed%20Al%20Farsi%20(women's%20100%20metres).%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: June 25, 2022, 5:55 AM