Anyone can enjoy the big race weekend festivities without spending a dirham, thanks to free Beats on the Beach music festival.
Thousands of fans flock to Abu Dhabi’s Corniche for the event, which this year takes place over three nights, November 24-26, from Thursday to Saturday. Here is what you need to know about the line-up.
Yeng Constantino
Thursday, November 24
It all kicks off with a headline slot from Yeng Constantino, who is a household name in the Philippines after her big break on television show Pinoy Dream Academy in 2006.
Darker tones will be provided by underground UK hip-hop duo Krept and Konan, who hit it big with last year's UK top 10 hit Freak of the Week, featuring Jeremih.
Support comes in the form of fan-favourite Shamma Hamdan, who was the first Emirati woman to make it to the finals of reality-TV show Arabs Got Talent.
Other local talent on the bill includes UAE-based Secrecy Over Supremacy, last year’s winners of Yasalam’s annual Emerging Talent Competition.
Earlier in the evening, the three finalists in this year’s talent search will take to the stage: Hasan Malik, Rashed Al Nuaimi and Jamil Jabbour. The winning act will graduate to a headline slot at Saturday’s closing concert.
The 5
Friday, November 25
The action shifts up a gear on day two, with dance-hall artist Sean Paul taking the top slot. A regular UAE visitor, the Jamaican Grammy winner is likely to bring his full band and dancers. Expect to hear hits including Get Busy and Temperature.
However, much of the attention will be focused on the UAE live debut of Arab boy band The 5. The much-hyped reality-TV stars will make only their second appearance in the region – after a festival show at Beirut's Oriental Night in July – since appearing as finalists in last year's edition of X Factor Middle East.
Also on the bill is 22-year-old Adham Nabulsi, another former X Factor contestant, and UAE teenage sensation Ester Eden, who arrives fresh from the release her debut album, Solitaire.
Travis Scott
Saturday, November 26
The biggest name of all tops the bill on the final night, with Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram set to dazzle fans with her raft of radio hits. One of the most famous singers in the Arab world, the 33-year-old released her first album when she was 15, and has since won three World Music Awards.
Harder sounds will come courtesy of Travis Scott, the US hip-hop artist who has been gaining traction with his recently released second LP, Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight.
There is also more local talent to look forward to, in the shape of funk-rock troupe Bull Funk Zoo, who recently released their second album, Dangerous Radio.
Beats on the Beach takes place at Lagoon Beach, Abu Dhabi Corniche, doors open daily from 6.30pm. Free entry.
rgarratt@thenational.ae
