The year's most eagerly awaited film — possibly the most-anticipated film of all time — Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, will have its regional premiere in Abu Dhabi on December 16, the day before it opens in local cinemas and less than 48 hours after its world premiere in Los Angeles on December 14.
The invite-only gala screening will be at Emirates Palace, with the time yet to be confirmed. Organisers have also yet to reveal what stars and celebrity guests will attend the exclusive event, though such a high profile premiere is likely to attract regional and international stars.
A spokesman for local production partner twofour54 also promised the intriguing prospect of “an exclusive experience for the Abu Dhabi event” – but would not elaborate.
Episode VII, part of which was filmed in Abu Dhabi last year, is one of the most heavily hyped cinema events in recent years.
Director J J Abrams has successfully reunited all of the main cast from George Lucas’ 1977 original, including the trio of Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher (who play Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Leia Organa). They are joined by newcomers including Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, who play new heroes Rey and Finn, plus Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron and Adam Driver as the villain, Kylo Ren.
There had been initial hopes that Abu Dhabi might serve as the location for the film’s world premiere, fuelled by the mention of a December 15 release in the UAE on online movie encyclopaedia IMDB.com, but this date was soon deleted.
"Having Star Wars: The Force Awakens screen in Abu Dhabi prior to its general release is a real validation for how successful the filming was while the production was here," says Noura Al Kaabi, twofour54's chief executive.
“To date, all of the trailers and TV spots for the film have included scenes from Abu Dhabi, which have generated unprecedented excitement around the globe.
“We are very proud of our achievements and excited for audiences around the world to experience Abu Dhabi on the big screen”.
Abu Dhabi provides the landscape for the planet Jakku, “a frontier desert planet in a remote section of the Outer Rim Territories”, according to StarWars.com.
With assistance from twofour54 and the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, filming for the movie took place in the Emirate in May last year, during which 650 crew members worked at two locations.
The Force Awakens, is the seventh instalment in the Star Wars franchise and is expected to be one of the most successful films of all time. It is already the most heavily pre-booked film in US history, earning more US$50million (Dh184m) in pre-release ticket sales in North America alone, with more than two weeks still to go before over two weeks before its release there on December 18.
The Abu Dhabi premiere will be a red-carpet, invitation-only event brought to the capital by twofour54 in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and The Walt Disney Company.
Don't miss our exclusive interviews with The Force Awakens stars Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Gwendoline Christie, in which they talk about the new film and the experience of filming in the Abu Dhabi desert. Read it in The National's Arts&Life section and online on December 3.
cnewbould@thenational.ae
If you go
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
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Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
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Investment raised: $4 million
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The Greatest Royal Rumble card as it stands
50-man Royal Rumble
Universal Championship Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns in a steel cage match
Intercontinental Championship Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe
SmackDown Tag Team Championship The Bludgeon Brothers (champions) v The Usos
Casket match The Undertaker v Chris Jericho
John Cena v Triple H
Matches to be announced
WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Raw Tag Team Championship, United States Championship and the Cruiserweight Championship are all due to be defended
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
