A scene from the film Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Film Frame / Disney / Lucasfilm via AP Photo
A scene from the film Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Film Frame / Disney / Lucasfilm via AP Photo

Feel the Force



A look at the Aldar headquarters building by Al Raha Beach in Abu Dhabi is bound to make you wonder whether there is a disturbance in the facade. And you would be right. As our arts & life section blogged, the building will be covered in a grand tribute to Star Wars – The Force Awakens, the seventh instalment of the global movie franchise that is set to be released on Thursday.

Some of our readers may not be interested in the film (although few will be able to escape it) but surely all will celebrate its connection with the UAE, where parts of it were shot.

The film will benefit the UAE on many fronts, especially tourism. Consider the case of New Zealand. The country experienced a 40 per cent growth in tourism between 2000 and 2006, which many credit to the success of The Lord of the Rings. In Tunisia, too, Star Wars enthusiasts continue to visit remote sets nearly 40 years after the first film. Regardless of your views, Star Wars – like the Force – is soon to be with us.

Joker: Folie a Deux

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Director: Todd Phillips 

Rating: 2/5

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Started: September 2023
Founder: Muhammad Khalid
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Generative AI
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
 
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2017: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-1
2016: Cleveland bt Golden State 4-3
2015: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-2
2014: San Antonio bt Miami 4-1
2013: Miami bt San Antonio 4-3
2012: Miami bt Oklahoma City 4-1
2011: Dallas bt Miami 4-2
2010: Los Angeles Lakers bt Boston 4-3
2009: Los Angeles Lakers bt Orlando 4-1
2008: Boston bt Los Angeles Lakers 4-2

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