On Wednesday, January 20, Joe Biden will officially be inaugurated as the 46th president of the US.
The occasion will be marked with a televised special, and while celebrations will be pared back due to the coronavirus pandemic and the riots at the US Capitol earlier this month, there will still be a star-studded line-up and plenty of performances.
What is an inauguration, exactly?
While Biden won the election in November 2020, Wednesday will mark the official transfer of power from the Trump administration, as Biden is official sworn in as the next president of the US.
The gap between presidents is given to allow for the completion of administrative tasks and the transfer of security. The 20th amendment of the US constitution mandates that the terms of the sitting president and vice president end at noon on the 20th day of January.
The Presidential Inauguration Committee has revealed that this year the event will centre around the theme “America united”.
“This inauguration presents a unique opportunity to spotlight the resilience and spirit of an America united," said Tony Allen, chief executive of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, in a statement.
"We have witnessed countless heroes this past year step up to the frontlines and serve their fellow Americans, so we are telling their stories, spreading their collective light, and celebrating the best of our country and its people with this prime-time programme.”
Joe Biden says he's glad Donald Trump won't attend his inauguration:
Who is performing?
The inauguration will be accompanied by a number of performances. The televised special will be hosted by actor Tom Hanks, and see performances from Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Jon Bon Jovi, Demi Lovato, Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake, John Legend, Garth Brooks and Katy Perry.
A number of the stars have been vocal in their support for Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris in the run up to November's election, and have spoken of their honour at being asked to perform at Wednesday's Celebrating America event.
Writing on Instagram, Demi Lovato said: "I was left speechless when I was asked to perform!"
Timberlake revealed that he will perform a new song, Better Days, written several months ago, as a way of "doing what little we could to encourage everyone to stay hopeful and to keep working towards a better future".
How can you watch?
Celebrating America will be broadcast on Wednesday, January 20, at 8.30pm ET, and will be streamed via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and Amazon Prime Video. It will also be broadcast on US television.
How is it different from other inaugurations?
The celebrations will look different from past presidential inaugurations, with tightened security because of the riots at the US Capitol earlier this month.
The event was already going to be scaled back owing to Covid-19, with Biden asking supporters to stay at home and watch from afar. In keeping with crowd size restrictions to slow the spread of the virus, traditional activities such as the parade and the inaugural balls will be virtual.
Comparisons are also being drawn to the modest line-up that Donald Trump was able to attract for his inauguration. The concert, held on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, featured performances by Lee Greenwood, Toby Keith, 3 Doors Down, DJ Ravidrums, The Piano Guys, and The Frontmen of Country. Four years earlier, for his second term inauguration, Barack Obama wheeled out Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, James Taylor and the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.
Take a look back at Joe Biden's style evolution from young politician to the next US president:
RESULT
Arsenal 2
Sokratis Papastathopoulos 45 4'
Eddie Ntkeiah 51'
Portsmouth 0
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WISH
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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
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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
Results:
Men's wheelchair 800m T34: 1. Walid Ktila (TUN) 1.44.79; 2. Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) 1.45.88; 3. Isaac Towers (GBR) 1.46.46.
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
How to turn your property into a holiday home
- Ensure decoration and styling – and portal photography – quality is high to achieve maximum rates.
- Research equivalent Airbnb homes in your location to ensure competitiveness.
- Post on all relevant platforms to reach the widest audience; whether you let personally or via an agency know your potential guest profile – aiming for the wrong demographic may leave your property empty.
- Factor in costs when working out if holiday letting is beneficial. The annual DCTM fee runs from Dh370 for a one-bedroom flat to Dh1,200. Tourism tax is Dh10-15 per bedroom, per night.
- Check your management company has a physical office, a valid DTCM licence and is licencing your property and paying tourism taxes. For transparency, regularly view your booking calendar.
The biog
Name: Abeer Al Shahi
Emirate: Sharjah – Khor Fakkan
Education: Master’s degree in special education, preparing for a PhD in philosophy.
Favourite activities: Bungee jumping
Favourite quote: “My people and I will not settle for anything less than first place” – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
The Bloomberg Billionaire Index in full
1 Jeff Bezos $140 billion
2 Bill Gates $98.3 billion
3 Bernard Arnault $83.1 billion
4 Warren Buffett $83 billion
5 Amancio Ortega $67.9 billion
6 Mark Zuckerberg $67.3 billion
7 Larry Page $56.8 billion
8 Larry Ellison $56.1 billion
9 Sergey Brin $55.2 billion
10 Carlos Slim $55.2 billion
Royal wedding inspired menu
Ginger, citrus and orange blossom iced tea
Avocado ranch dip with crudites
Cucumber, smoked salmon and cream cheese mini club sandwiches
Elderflower and lemon syllabub meringue
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
