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


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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
Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

Winners

Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)

Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)

Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)

Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)

Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)

Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)

Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)

Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)

The specs: 2018 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet

Price, base: Dh429,090

Engine 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission Seven-speed automatic

Power 510hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque 700Nm @ 1,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 9.2L / 100km

Abandon
Sangeeta Bandyopadhyay
Translated by Arunava Sinha
Tilted Axis Press 

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

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

TV: World Cup Qualifier 2018 matches will be aired on on OSN Sports HD Cricket channel

Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
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Scotland's team:

15-Sean Maitland, 14-Darcy Graham, 13-Nick Grigg, 12-Sam Johnson, 11-Byron McGuigan, 10-Finn Russell, 9-Ali Price, 8-Magnus Bradbury, 7-Hamish Watson, 6-Sam Skinner, 5-Grant Gilchrist, 4-Ben Toolis, 3-Willem Nel, 2-Stuart McInally (captain), 1-Allan Dell

Replacements: 16-Fraser Brown, 17-Gordon Reid, 18-Simon Berghan, 19-Jonny Gray, 20-Josh Strauss, 21-Greig Laidlaw, 22-Adam Hastings, 23-Chris Harris

RESULTS

4pm: Al Bastakiya Listed US$250,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Yulong Warrior, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer)

4.35pm: Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 $200,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Jordan Sport, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass

5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Conditions $200,000 (Turf) 1,200m
Winner: Jungle Cat, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 $200,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Kimbear, Patrick Dobbs, Doug Watson

6.20pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 $300,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner: Blair House, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby

6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 $400,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: North America, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar

7.30pm: Dubai City of Gold Group 2 $250,000 (T) 2,410m
Winner: Hawkbill, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.

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.”

While you're here
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How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Updated: August 09, 2022, 8:04 AM