The stars of Fast & Furious 7 filtered into the UAE over the weekend ahead of filming in the capital, with several taking to social media to post the news to their fans.
The most prolific on Facebook and Instagram, Tyrese Gibson charted his arrival in near real-time, posting a photo of himself and co-stars Vin Diesel and Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, an inspirational video shot from his Emirates Palace suite – “self-love is the cure for self-hate” was the prevalent theme – as well as another where he jokes about ordering around his personal butler. On Saturday morning, he posted a photo of himself with his late co-star Paul Walker early in the franchise.
“Were gonna make you proud P!” he wrote.
The cast have all been conscious to honour their former cast member, who died suddenly late last year in a fiery car crash nearby an event for his charity.
On April 6 Vin Diesel uploaded a video to his Facebook page introducing a trainer who was helping produce a key fight scene in the film.
“He was Paul Walker’s Jiu-Jitsu teacher, so I met him through my brother [Paul Walker], it made all the sense in the world to invite him into our world, so he could put his stamp of approval on it because he knows how important it is for this film to be the best film in honour of my brother Paul Walker,” he says.
Gibson’s trip marks a return to the UAE after spending most of December in Dubai, including his birthday and New Year’s Eve, hanging out with Will Smith, his wife Jada Pinkett Smith and the performer Maxwell. He also posted footage of himself and his co-star Michelle Rodriguez sitting in first class aboard an Etihad Airways flight.
Rodriguez sits beside him, chatting on the phone and waving at the camera.
“Yeah baby,” she says. “Better than a G6.”
Diesel took another route, on Tuesday posting a picture on his Facebook page with the caption “Tunisia... Carthage... yeah, I was there...P.s. About to take a long flight to Dubai, for the first time…”
On Tuesday, at a party held by Marie Claire magazine in Los Angeles, the actress and cast member Jordana Brewster told E! News there is “definitely a key element missing”.
“I’m sure it will be very bittersweet,” she said. “We all just want to honour Paul going back.”
amcqueen@thenational.ae
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group H
Juventus v Valencia, Tuesday, midnight (UAE)
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
The specs: 2018 Kia Picanto
Price: From Dh39,500
Engine: 1.2L inline four-cylinder
Transmission: Four-speed auto
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Torque: 122Nm @ 4,000rpm
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Roll of honour: Who won what in 2018/19?
West Asia Premiership: Winners – Bahrain; Runners-up – Dubai Exiles
UAE Premiership: Winners – Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners-up – Jebel Ali Dragons
Dubai Rugby Sevens: Winners – Dubai Hurricanes; Runners-up – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Conference: Winners – Dubai Tigers; Runners-up – Al Ain Amblers
Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush
Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”
A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.
“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”
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