Ryan Reynolds is Yas Island Abu Dhabi's new chief island officer.
The Deadpool actor assumes the role after Jason Momoa, who took up the position last year from comedian Kevin Hart.
Responsible for promoting the destination to an international audience, Reynolds is the mystery skydiving celebrity who has appeared in a new teaser campaign from the destination.
The Canadian actor, director and Wrexham Football Club co-owner appears to skydive onto the Abu Dhabi island in a new promotional video released on Instagram.
"Welcome Ryan" read lights on the W Abu Dhabi Hotel, the star's intended landing spot, but in what seems to be classic Reynolds comedy, the actor misses his landing point, and lands directly on top of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit.
“I've been an actor, a producer, a Welsh football club owner and I could go on. So I will …" says Reynolds.
The rest of his speech is drowned out by the roar of F1 cars as they zoom around Abu Dhabi's Grand Prix Circuit, including a part where he says it's his "mission to create the first-ever Yas Island …” which is bound to leave viewers wondering what's to come at the destination.
The action-packed reel shows the actor whizzing down water slides at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, enjoying a drink at Cafe Del Mar Beach Club at Yas Bay and spinning around on rollercoasters at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi. He also found time to play some golf on the island's pristine greens.
As part of the Yas Island role, Reynolds can expect some epic adventures. Previous campaigns saw Kevin Hart zoom around the island in a Ferrari while Jason Momoa took to the water, paddle boarding on the Arabian Gulf.
Reynolds is already been impressed by the island destination and its offerings.
"I was excited to see Ferrari World, which didn’t disappoint," said Reynolds in an interview shared exclusively with The National.
"Like most people, I’ve never driven a Ferrari. But the world they’ve built is so immersive. It’s impossible to not be awed by these cars. Which are works of art. And the rides will leave you absolutely breathless. I’ve never seen rides that fast. Incredible."
"With the appointment of Ryan Reynolds as our latest chief island officer of Yas Island Abu Dhabi, we continue the tradition of excellence established by Kevin Hart and Jason Momoa. Reynolds brings his own unique blend of charisma, energy, and enthusiasm to the role, promising to elevate the Yas Island experience to even greater heights. We're thrilled to embark on this exhilarating journey with him, inviting fans worldwide to be part of the legacy," said Liam Findlay, chief executive of Miral Destinations.
Exclusive Q&A with Ryan Reynolds, Yas Island Abu Dhabi’s new chief island officer
If you had to cast a film set on Yas Island, what would the movie be about?
The last thing I’d want to do is set a film there. That would mean I’d spend my time working. Yas is built to help you unplug, golfing, amusement parks, pools and a ton of attractions. Less work. More play.
Describe your ideal holiday. Are you a thrill seeker or leisure lounger?
I can go for a bit of both. I like a couple of days to unwind and then a little excitement works just fine for me.
Which Hollywood buddy would like to go on a vacation with to Yas Island?
I suspect Hugh Jackman would have a pretty good time at Yas, I don’t think he golfs, so I’d probably get him on the course right away.
One memory you’ll be taking back home from Yas Island?
I loved the attention to detail. Everywhere you look it seems this place is made with care, relaxation, and adventure in mind. That said, the rollercoaster at Ferrari World was something I don’t think I’ll ever forget. I wasn’t expecting it to move that fast.
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if you go
The flights
Flydubai offers three daily direct flights to Sarajevo and, from June, a daily flight from Thessaloniki from Dubai. A return flight costs from Dhs1,905 including taxes.
The trip
The Travel Scientists are the organisers of the Balkan Ride and several other rallies around the world. The 2018 running of this particular adventure will take place from August 3-11, once again starting in Sarajevo and ending a week later in Thessaloniki. If you’re driving your own vehicle, then entry start from €880 (Dhs 3,900) per person including all accommodation along the route. Contact the Travel Scientists if you wish to hire one of their vehicles.
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
The five pillars of Islam
Grand Slam Los Angeles results
Men:
56kg – Jorge Nakamura
62kg – Joao Gabriel de Sousa
69kg – Gianni Grippo
77kg – Caio Soares
85kg – Manuel Ribamar
94kg – Gustavo Batista
110kg – Erberth Santos
Women:
49kg – Mayssa Bastos
55kg – Nathalie Ribeiro
62kg – Gabrielle McComb
70kg – Thamara Silva
90kg – Gabrieli Pessanha
The biog
Family: He is the youngest of five brothers, of whom two are dentists.
Celebrities he worked on: Fabio Canavaro, Lojain Omran, RedOne, Saber Al Rabai.
Where he works: Liberty Dental Clinic
Henrik Stenson's finishes at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship:
2006 - 2
2007 - 8
2008 - 2
2009 - MC
2010 - 21
2011 - 42
2012 - MC
2013 - 23
2014 - MC
2015 - MC
2016 - 3
2017 - 8
