The title of Britney Spears and Elton John's new song, 'Hold Me Closer', comes from the lyrics of John's 1970s hit 'Tiny Dancer'. Getty Images
The title of Britney Spears and Elton John's new song, 'Hold Me Closer', comes from the lyrics of John's 1970s hit 'Tiny Dancer'. Getty Images
The title of Britney Spears and Elton John's new song, 'Hold Me Closer', comes from the lyrics of John's 1970s hit 'Tiny Dancer'. Getty Images
The title of Britney Spears and Elton John's new song, 'Hold Me Closer', comes from the lyrics of John's 1970s hit 'Tiny Dancer'. Getty Images

Elton John and Britney Spears to collaborate on new song


  • English
  • Arabic

Princess of pop Britney Spears will join forces with music maestro Elton John on a new single, Interscope Records, the record company releasing the track, said on Monday.

The pair — who have 90 years' experience in the music business between them — will collaborate on Hold Me Closer.

No further details were announced, including when the track would be released, but it will be the first new music from Spears since the middle of the past decade.

The title of the song comes from the lyrics of John's early 1970s hit Tiny Dancer, which he co-wrote with long-time creative partner Bernie Taupin.

'Hold Me Closer' with Britney Spears will be the latest in a string of collaborations for John, which include a performance with Miley Cyrus. Reuters
'Hold Me Closer' with Britney Spears will be the latest in a string of collaborations for John, which include a performance with Miley Cyrus. Reuters

The news comes after days of online speculation from fans that the pair would be teaming up.

It also comes weeks after Spears announced a long-wished-for pregnancy had ended in a miscarriage.

The pregnancy, with Sam Asghari, came five months after a Los Angeles judge dissolved a conservatorship overseen by Spears's father — an arrangement the singer said had prevented her from having a contraceptive IUD removed despite her desire for more children.

Aside from her very public legal battle with her father, the singer has mostly only been seen on her social media account in recent years.

She has not given an interview, rarely makes public appearances and last performed in October 2018.

The superstar, who first came to public attention as a child in 1992, released four studio albums under the conservatorship, most recently Glory in 2016.

She was also among a number singers to have staged wildly lucrative Las Vegas residencies in recent years. Her four-year Britney: Pieces of Me run grossed a reported $138 million.

But in January 2019, she abruptly cancelled her planned return to Vegas, going on indefinite professional hiatus.

The multi-award-winning artist John is one of Britain's most bankable stars, whose showmanship and musicality have left their mark on the performing arts.

Since 1962, the singer — born Reginald Dwight — has been responsible for some of the most recognisable tunes in pop, including Rocket Man, Your Song and I'm Still Standing.

Scroll through photos of fans celebrating the end of Spears's conservatorship

  • Supporters of singer Britney Spears celebrate outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles as Spears's conservatorship is terminated. Reuters
    Supporters of singer Britney Spears celebrate outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles as Spears's conservatorship is terminated. Reuters
  • Britney Spears supporter Phoebe Price and her dog Henry take pictures next to a 'Free Britney' Christmas tree set by fans outside the courthouse. AP
    Britney Spears supporter Phoebe Price and her dog Henry take pictures next to a 'Free Britney' Christmas tree set by fans outside the courthouse. AP
  • For the first time in 13 years, Britney Spears will be able to choose how she spends her fortune, estimated to be worth more than $60 million. AP
    For the first time in 13 years, Britney Spears will be able to choose how she spends her fortune, estimated to be worth more than $60 million. AP
  • Confetti falls on Britney Spears supporters outside the courthouse. AP
    Confetti falls on Britney Spears supporters outside the courthouse. AP
  • Spears supporters march on Grand Avenue during the hearing. AP
    Spears supporters march on Grand Avenue during the hearing. AP
  • Under the conservatorship imposed since 2008, Spears had no control over her how she spent her money, when she performed, who had access to her house and even what medications she should take. AP
    Under the conservatorship imposed since 2008, Spears had no control over her how she spent her money, when she performed, who had access to her house and even what medications she should take. AP
  • Spears herself posted an Instagram with the #FreedBritney hashtag shortly after the court decision. 'Good God, I love my fans so much it's crazy,' she said. AP
    Spears herself posted an Instagram with the #FreedBritney hashtag shortly after the court decision. 'Good God, I love my fans so much it's crazy,' she said. AP
  • New Jersey performer and Britney Spears supporter Brennyboombox cheers Matthew Rosengart, Britney Spears's lawyer, as they celebrate outside the courthouse. AP
    New Jersey performer and Britney Spears supporter Brennyboombox cheers Matthew Rosengart, Britney Spears's lawyer, as they celebrate outside the courthouse. AP
  • Matthew Rosengart, Britney Spears's lawyer,, talks to the media after the hearing. AP
    Matthew Rosengart, Britney Spears's lawyer,, talks to the media after the hearing. AP
  • 'Effective today, the conservatorship of the person and the estate of Britney Jean Spears is hereby terminated,' Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny said after a 30-minute hearing in which no one opposed ending the court-sanctioned arrangement. AP
    'Effective today, the conservatorship of the person and the estate of Britney Jean Spears is hereby terminated,' Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny said after a 30-minute hearing in which no one opposed ending the court-sanctioned arrangement. AP
  • Britney Spears supporter Felipe Servat, from Brazil, reacts with the the crowd as they celebrate. AP
    Britney Spears supporter Felipe Servat, from Brazil, reacts with the the crowd as they celebrate. AP
  • The conservatorship was set up and overseen by Britney's father, Jamie Spears, after she had a public breakdown in 2007 and was hospitalised for undisclosed mental health issues. AP
    The conservatorship was set up and overseen by Britney's father, Jamie Spears, after she had a public breakdown in 2007 and was hospitalised for undisclosed mental health issues. AP
  • Lauriann Wright, the lawyer for Jodi Montgomery, who had been entrusted with overseeing Spears's personal life, told the judge there was 'no reason this termination cannot happen and Ms Spears cannot live a safe, happy and fulfilling life'. AP
    Lauriann Wright, the lawyer for Jodi Montgomery, who had been entrusted with overseeing Spears's personal life, told the judge there was 'no reason this termination cannot happen and Ms Spears cannot live a safe, happy and fulfilling life'. AP
  • Spears's case helped prompt hearings in the US Congress and a new law in California aimed at preventing abusive conservatorships, which are normally set up to protect disabled people, the elderly or those suffering from dementia. AP
    Spears's case helped prompt hearings in the US Congress and a new law in California aimed at preventing abusive conservatorships, which are normally set up to protect disabled people, the elderly or those suffering from dementia. AP
  • In June, Spears told the court she had been humiliated and traumatised and that she wanted her life back. EPA
    In June, Spears told the court she had been humiliated and traumatised and that she wanted her life back. EPA
  • Spears's lawyer Rosengart said a 'safety net' had been put in place to help Spears transition back to regular life. AP
    Spears's lawyer Rosengart said a 'safety net' had been put in place to help Spears transition back to regular life. AP
  • Since revealing years of private anguish in tearful testimony in June, Spears hired Rosengart, who moved aggressively to end the restrictions. AP
    Since revealing years of private anguish in tearful testimony in June, Spears hired Rosengart, who moved aggressively to end the restrictions. AP
  • Filipe Servat and Lindsey Fairchild embrace upon hearing the news that Britney Spears's conservatorship has been terminated. EPA
    Filipe Servat and Lindsey Fairchild embrace upon hearing the news that Britney Spears's conservatorship has been terminated. EPA
  • Spears's lawyer Rosengart is pushing for Jamie Spears to be investigated for possible financial mismanagement of his daughter's affairs, but he said on Friday it would be up to Britney Spears to decide how to proceed on that matter. EPA
    Spears's lawyer Rosengart is pushing for Jamie Spears to be investigated for possible financial mismanagement of his daughter's affairs, but he said on Friday it would be up to Britney Spears to decide how to proceed on that matter. EPA
  • Spears had said she had been forced to work and take medication against her will and was prevented from marrying or even getting her hair done. AFP
    Spears had said she had been forced to work and take medication against her will and was prevented from marrying or even getting her hair done. AFP
  • A Britney Spears doll sits atop a 'Free Britney' Christmas tree during a rally outside the courthouse. EPA
    A Britney Spears doll sits atop a 'Free Britney' Christmas tree during a rally outside the courthouse. EPA
  • Lexi Tonniges and Lauren Grundmann are joined by other dancers as they perform on a stage outside the LA courthouse. EPA
    Lexi Tonniges and Lauren Grundmann are joined by other dancers as they perform on a stage outside the LA courthouse. EPA
  • Jamie Spears has said through lawyers that he helped his daughter rehabilitate her career and always acted in her best interest. AFP
    Jamie Spears has said through lawyers that he helped his daughter rehabilitate her career and always acted in her best interest. AFP
  • Jubilation erupted outside the courthouse, with fans cheering and shouting after the decision was announced. The crowd chanted 'Britney! Britney! Britney!' and fans sang and danced to Spears’ song 'Stronger'. Reuters
    Jubilation erupted outside the courthouse, with fans cheering and shouting after the decision was announced. The crowd chanted 'Britney! Britney! Britney!' and fans sang and danced to Spears’ song 'Stronger'. Reuters
  • The judge’s move was widely expected, with little support left for prolonging the legal arrangement. No new arguments were offered at the 30-minute hearing. Spears did not attend. Reuters
    The judge’s move was widely expected, with little support left for prolonging the legal arrangement. No new arguments were offered at the 30-minute hearing. Spears did not attend. Reuters
  • Spears’s lawyer, Mathew Rosengart, told fans and reporters that the case 'helped shine a light on conservatorships and guardianships from coast to coast, from California to New York. And that took a tremendous amount of insight, courage and grace'. Reuters
    Spears’s lawyer, Mathew Rosengart, told fans and reporters that the case 'helped shine a light on conservatorships and guardianships from coast to coast, from California to New York. And that took a tremendous amount of insight, courage and grace'. Reuters
  • Supporters decorate a pink Christmas tree outside the courthouse. Reuters
    Supporters decorate a pink Christmas tree outside the courthouse. Reuters
  • Alexandra Foertschbeck holds a 'Free Britney' flag during at the rally. EPA
    Alexandra Foertschbeck holds a 'Free Britney' flag during at the rally. EPA
  • Twins Edward and John Grimes of Dublin, Ireland, with a 'Free Britney' flag outside the courthouse. AP
    Twins Edward and John Grimes of Dublin, Ireland, with a 'Free Britney' flag outside the courthouse. AP
  • Supporter Rafael Lopez, of Tijuana, Mexico, waves a 'Free Britney' flag. AP
    Supporter Rafael Lopez, of Tijuana, Mexico, waves a 'Free Britney' flag. AP
'Moonshot'

Director: Chris Winterbauer

Stars: Lana Condor and Cole Sprouse 

Rating: 3/5

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20synchronous%20electric%20motors%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E660hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C100Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20automatic%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETouring%20range%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E488km-560km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh850%2C000%20(estimate)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOctober%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
VEZEETA PROFILE

Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: HealthTech / MedTech

Size: 300 employees

Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)

Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC

What is a robo-adviser?

Robo-advisers use an online sign-up process to gauge an investor’s risk tolerance by feeding information such as their age, income, saving goals and investment history into an algorithm, which then assigns them an investment portfolio, ranging from more conservative to higher risk ones.

These portfolios are made up of exchange traded funds (ETFs) with exposure to indices such as US and global equities, fixed-income products like bonds, though exposure to real estate, commodity ETFs or gold is also possible.

Investing in ETFs allows robo-advisers to offer fees far lower than traditional investments, such as actively managed mutual funds bought through a bank or broker. Investors can buy ETFs directly via a brokerage, but with robo-advisers they benefit from investment portfolios matched to their risk tolerance as well as being user friendly.

Many robo-advisers charge what are called wrap fees, meaning there are no additional fees such as subscription or withdrawal fees, success fees or fees for rebalancing.

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
  • Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000 
  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
  • Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
  • Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
Trump v Khan

2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US

2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks

2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit

2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”

2022:  Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency

July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”

Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.

Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”

The Bio

Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village

What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft

Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans

Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface

Healthy tips to remember

Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:

Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast

Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits

Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day

Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet

Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill

Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.

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: 5.0-litre V8

Power: 480hp at 7,250rpm

Torque: 566Nm at 4,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: L/100km

Price: Dh306,495

On sale: now

TOUR RESULTS AND FIXTURES

 

June 3: NZ Provincial Barbarians 7 Lions 13
June 7: Blues 22 Lions 16
June 10: Crusaders 3 Lions 12
June 13: Highlanders 23 Lions 22
June 17: Maori All Blacks 10 Lions 32
June 20: Chiefs 6 Lions 34
June 24: New Zealand 30 Lions 15
June 27: Hurricanes 31 Lions 31
July 1: New Zealand 21 Lions 24
July 8: New Zealand v Lions

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO

Mainz 0

RB Leipzig 5 (Werner 11', 48', 75', Poulsen 23', Sabitzer 36')

Man of the Match: Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)

Updated: August 09, 2022, 8:04 AM