Netflix’s first Arabic reality show The Fastest will put the region’s love for fast cars to the metal.
The streaming platform released a trailer on Wednesday, giving us an initial look at the six-part series, which will debut on November 23.
From glistening vintage US muscles to sleek German speedsters and Japanese sports cars modded to the teeth, the trailer features plenty of breakneck rides with no shortage of rev and roar. But the show is, perhaps, less about the cars than the men and women driving them.
The Fastest’s contestants come from various backgrounds across the Arab world. They will go head to head in drag races across deserts, race tracks and paved roads, competing for a cash prize. The adventure, Netflix promises, will be “unpredictable”.
“They will be challenged and put to the test every step of the way to prove they are the fastest,” the platform said.
But what’s a reality show without some sharp-toothed commentary?
Popular Saudi actor and YouTube personality Tarek Al Harbi will be narrating The Fastest, putting his brand of quick-witted comedy in the high-octane show.
In the trailer, he is heard warning the audience: “Everything you know about speed is over.”
“The challenge is really big,” one of the show’s contestants is seen saying in the trailer. “It’s not just the car. It’s the car, the driver, the set-up. It’s everything.”
“The Fastest is our first unscripted Arab Netflix series and it will deliver on the tenets of our content strategy with its authenticity, representation, and creativity,” said Lucy Leveugle, director of Nonfiction Originals at Netflix Emea.
“We know that the Arab world has a particular love for fast cars and thrilling experiences, so The Fastest will put the best of the best through their paces for fans from the Middle East and beyond."
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Where to buy art books in the UAE
There are a number of speciality art bookshops in the UAE.
In Dubai, The Lighthouse at Dubai Design District has a wonderfully curated selection of art and design books. Alserkal Avenue runs a pop-up shop at their A4 space, and host the art-book fair Fully Booked during Art Week in March. The Third Line, also in Alserkal Avenue, has a strong book-publishing arm and sells copies at its gallery. Kinokuniya, at Dubai Mall, has some good offerings within its broad selection, and you never know what you will find at the House of Prose in Jumeirah. Finally, all of Gulf Photo Plus’s photo books are available for sale at their show.
In Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi has a beautiful selection of catalogues and art books, and Magrudy’s – across the Emirates, but particularly at their NYU Abu Dhabi site – has a great selection in art, fiction and cultural theory.
In Sharjah, the Sharjah Art Museum sells catalogues and art books at its museum shop, and the Sharjah Art Foundation has a bookshop that offers reads on art, theory and cultural history.
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
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
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