Jonas Brothers set hearts racing at Yas Arena

More than 25,000 fans pack the venue to watch the American teenage heart-throbs kick off the Yas Island Show Weekends.

More than 25,000 fans packed the venue to watch the American teenage heartthrobs kick off the Yas Island Show Weekends.

ABU DHABI // The noise level of screaming teenage Jonas Brothers fans at Yas Arena yesterday was almost enough to rival the roars of the F1 cars on the track this week.

Thousands of fans packed into the arena to watch the American heart-throbs kick-off the Yas Island Show Weekends.

Opening with Feelin' Alive, followed by the crowd-pleasing Year 3000, Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas did not disappoint. Other tracks included Be Be Good, Poison Ivy and Gotta Find You, all of which had the predominantly female audience screaming for more.

The middle brother Joe, 21, made a point of thanking the crowd for making them feel “welcome”.

“I wanted to say it was great to be back, but it’s our first time here,” he said. “And we’ve never felt more welcome.”

Many parents said it was the first opportunity they have had to enjoy a high-profile music gig with their children.

Abdulla Hasan, brought his nine-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter from their home in Khalifa City. “There have been other events but not for all of us,” he said. “I think this is better. This is my son’s first concert and I am pleased it is one we can enjoy together.”

The crowd was filled with fans of all ages, from children who needed to be lifted high on to their parents shoulders just to see the stage, to older couples who simply wanted to soak up the fun atmosphere.

Rebecca Boustead, 17, from Abu Dhabi, said she was surprised that Yas Island had managed to secure such a young act. “It’s amazing,” she said. “When I found out they were playing I couldn’t believe it. They are fantastic.”

Twin brothers Faisal and Hassan Mehio, eight, who live in Dubai, said they were the trio’s “biggest fans”.

“We are extremely excited,” Faisal said. “It’s our first concert,” his brother added.

The concert was the first of five performances from a set-list featuring artists such as Nelly Furtado, Guns ‘N’ Roses and Creamfields Abu Dhabi 2010, which will run on consecutive weekends until December 16.

Flash Entertainment, the concert organisers, have also arranged a host of family-friendly activities to keep children busy during the day. Activities include free open-air cinema showings of popular Disney films, Fifa themed games and breakdancing workshops.