NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal is back in Abu Dhabi. But he's not endorsing basketball games this time. Instead, he's sampling the capital's bustling street food culture.
In a video released by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the basketball star is seen walking around the streets of the capital before settling in at Al Dhafra restaurant along Corniche Street.
He is joined by a group of Emiratis, who introduce him to a big plate of lamb ghouzi, a traditional Emirati rice dish, and urge him to dig in with his hands.
“The rice, lamb and spices come together perfectly,” O'Neal says in the humorous clip. “I had to eat slower than usual to savour the taste,” he adds, as the video cuts to him seemingly finishing off the massive plate.
“The ghouzi from Al Dhafra restaurant belongs on every highlight reel. No wonder it's an urban treasure,” O'Neal says, referencing how the Emirati restaurant is part of the capital's list of Urban Treasures, or places that are recognised as having major contribution to Abu Dhabi's cultural fabric.
The clip ends with O'Neal winking at the camera, and leaving a five-star Google rating for Al Dhafra.
The first of a series of videos coming out in the next few weeks, the four-time NBA champion will visit eight other restaurants across Abu Dhabi.
Future videos will feature him eating luqaimat, or sweet dough ball with date syrup – which he describes as “mini basketballs” – from Luqaimat and Chebab.
He will also sample a takeaway classic burger from local favourite, Mo's Joint. At Beit El Khetyar he creates a giant shawarma, which he names “Shaqwarma”.
Other restaurants that will be featured include Al Sultan Sweets, India Palace Restaurant, Seashell and Bu Tafish, a seafood restaurant that's considered one of the oldest dining spots in the UAE, opened in 1968.
The former Orlando Magic and LA Lakers star is no stranger to Abu Dhabi. In 2022, O'Neal was the ambassador for the NBA Abu Dhabi Games. At the time, he was vocal about how he was impressed by the city's offerings.
“It’s a beautiful place. This place is fabulous: The beach, the water, the real estate, the people have been very hospitable,” he said.
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
SPECS
Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
On sale: Now
German plea
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the German parliament that. Russia had erected a new wall across Europe.
"It's not a Berlin Wall -- it is a Wall in central Europe between freedom and bondage and this Wall is growing bigger with every bomb" dropped on Ukraine, Zelenskyy told MPs.
Mr Zelenskyy was applauded by MPs in the Bundestag as he addressed Chancellor Olaf Scholz directly.
"Dear Mr Scholz, tear down this Wall," he said, evoking US President Ronald Reagan's 1987 appeal to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.
The BIO
Favourite piece of music: Verdi’s Requiem. It’s awe-inspiring.
Biggest inspiration: My father, as I grew up in a house where music was constantly played on a wind-up gramophone. I had amazing music teachers in primary and secondary school who inspired me to take my music further. They encouraged me to take up music as a profession and I follow in their footsteps, encouraging others to do the same.
Favourite book: Ian McEwan’s Atonement – the ending alone knocked me for six.
Favourite holiday destination: Italy - music and opera is so much part of the life there. I love it.
Zidane's managerial achievements
La Liga: 2016/17
Spanish Super Cup: 2017
Uefa Champions League: 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18
Uefa Super Cup: 2016, 2017
Fifa Club World Cup: 2016, 2017
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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