The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is traditionally a time of year when the eyes of the world are on the UAE and the Yas Marina becomes a riotous spectacle of glamour and culture.
This year was no different and I was lucky enough to have a ringside seat for the action, as we presented a special edition of Connect the World from the W Hotel, right in the heart of the celebrations as the Formula One circuit exploded into life with a stunning firework display.
But one thing occurred to me as I was welcoming a stream of guests onto our beautiful terrace set: this year, unusually, the climax of the F1 season was not the biggest international event here in the UAE. In fact, arguably, it wasn’t even the second biggest.
This was a year of almost unprecedented attention on my adopted home. The landmark visit of Pope Francis in February was an extraordinary, momentous occasion broadcast globally, with millions tuning in to see the historic event – many watching on CNN. Then, just a matter of weeks later, the Special Olympics rolled into town, with 7,500 athletes from 190 countries converging on Abu Dhabi to take part in another ground-breaking celebration.
The hosting of the Special Olympics was perhaps an even more marked indicator of progress. Ministry of Presidential Affairs
These were events of global significance of course – both firsts in their own ways – but they also marked the culmination of quiet, steady progress of a remarkable kind here, too. The Papal visit was rightly praised for the way in which it strengthened the cultural bridge between the Christian and Muslim communities, and both sides played their part in making it a success. The UAE’s 1.2 million-strong Christian community was shown the world, alongside a Muslim majority that welcomed the Pope with moving sincerity.
The hosting of the Special Olympics was perhaps an even more marked indicator of progress. As a region, the Middle East has often lagged behind the rest of the world in recognising and catering to the needs of people of determination and providing them with opportunities. For the UAE to host an event of such scale, and for it to commit to the wider cause around it through the work of organisations such as the Zayed Higher Organisation, was to take a potentially game-changing leadership position and challenge the region to reframe its view of its most vulnerable citizens.
This year is also a special one for CNN. November marked a decade since we set up our regional hub here, and we are soon to expand our presence thanks to our partnership with TwoFour54. So much has changed in that time. A decade ago, would the idea of a Catholic Mass led by the Pope, and a global celebration of people with intellectual disabilities in the same year have seemed fanciful? I think perhaps it would; but after 2019, it feels like anything is possible.
CNN's Becky Anderson with Amna Al Qubaisi and her family. The Emirati driver won the first Formula 4 UAE race during Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. Courtesy Brendan Lopes
For my own part, I was lucky enough to travel to this region many times before I came to live here six years ago. As a young traveller and holidaymaker, and then as a journalist, I thought I had a reasonably full idea of what the Middle East was about before I moved here. But I was wrong about many things.
Since setting up home here, I have been astonished by the UAE's focus on innovation, on technology, on leading-edge creative solutions to some of the greatest problems facing the world. I have also been endlessly impressed by the way women are taking leadership roles in society here, often in the most unexpected places. What better way to celebrate an F1 race than in the company of two young female Emirati racing drivers? And who, a decade ago, could have predicted such a thing?
Even in the days of global connectivity, 24-hour news coverage, wall-to-wall social media and unprecedented availability of information, the world’s image of this region remains somewhat one-dimensional. The Middle East can still often be viewed by outsiders through the prism of conflict and intolerance, of oil and extravagance.
It is important for us operating here in this region not to overlook the truths that underpin some of those prejudices, but I have been proud and delighted to play a role in bringing many of the stories that challenge these perceptions to the world.
Becky Anderson presents Connect the World on CNN International
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
UAE central contracts
Full time contracts
Rohan Mustafa, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Usman, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Sultan Ahmed, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmed, Zawar Farid
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
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.”
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
Company profile
Company: Rent Your Wardrobe
Date started: May 2021
Founder: Mamta Arora
Based: Dubai
Sector: Clothes rental subscription
Stage: Bootstrapped, self-funded
SPECS
Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo Power: 630hp Torque: 850Nm Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic Price: From Dh599,000 On sale: Now
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples. Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts. Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.
UAE squad: Rohan Mustafa (captain), Shaiman Anwar, Ghulam Shabber, Mohammed Qasim, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Chirag Suri, Ahmed Raza, Imran Haider, Mohammed Naveed, Amjad Javed, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed Fixtures:
Monday, 1st 50-over match
Wednesday, 2nd 50-over match
Thursday, 3rd 50-over match
