'Big things are coming': Kevin Hart announced as Yas Island's first chief island officer


Sophie Prideaux
  • English
  • Arabic

Kevin Hart has been announced as Yas Island’s first chief island officer, and the US comedian has promised “big things are coming”.

In a teaser video released on social media, the Jumanji: The Next Level star says he has been hired to “Hartify” the “world’s most entertaining island”.

“There goes Yas Island’s first chief island officer in a white Ferrari thinking he’s a big deal,” the star’s voice can be heard saying, as he zips along the streets of Yas in the supercar. “Guess what, this is a big deal.

“The world’s most entertaining island hired me, Kevin Hart, to Hart-ify everything out here. We are going big on K-everything, because going big, that’s my middle name. Actually, it’s Darnell, but whatever.”

The video then shows Hart enjoying several of the destination’s attractions, including Warner Bros World, Yas Waterpark, Ferrari World, Clymb Abu Dhabi and Yas Links golf club.

The video has been released to coincide with the start of Arabian Travel Market 2022, the international travel trade show which is taking place in Dubai until Thursday. During the event, Yas Island also announced its ‘Kids Go Free’ summer offering, which includes several experiences and dining options.

Hart’s partnership with Yas Island was first announced last summer, when he shared a clip with his followers to reveal that it would be his next holiday destination.

“Yours truly will be coming that way soon. I’m excited, I’m pumped up,” he said. “I’m going to hop into that world of excitement … I’m expecting to be blown away.

“You’re doing it too big over there for me not to come and get some … Yas Island, buckle up!”

The official promotional video ends with the words “coming soon”, promising we can see more of Hart’s adventures from the UAE capital.

Hart is not the first celebrity to work with the destination. Earlier this year, Ranveer Singh, one of India's top actors, starred in a promotional video for Yas Island, which showed him taking in the best of what it has to offer.

Set to the tunes of the slogan "Yas hai to khaas hai", which is Hindi for "if it's Yas, it's special", the video opens with Singh at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, where he watches a face-off between Batman and his nemesis The Joker.

First day of Arabian Travel Market 2022 — in pictures:

  • Visitors at the Dubai stand on the third day of the Arabian Travel Market held at Dubai World Trade Centre. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors at the Dubai stand on the third day of the Arabian Travel Market held at Dubai World Trade Centre. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors at the Etihad stand. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors at the Etihad stand. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A Flynas advertisement on the first day of Arabian Travel Market.
    A Flynas advertisement on the first day of Arabian Travel Market.
  • The Iraq stand. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Iraq stand. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors at the Qatar stand on the first day of Arabian Travel Market.
    Visitors at the Qatar stand on the first day of Arabian Travel Market.
  • Visitors at the Rotana stand. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors at the Rotana stand. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Children's toys on display at the Emirates stand. Pawan Singh / The National
    Children's toys on display at the Emirates stand. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Neom stand. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Neom stand. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Armani stand. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Armani stand. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Flynas stand. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Flynas stand. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Performers dance at the Saudi Arabia stand on the second day of the Arabian Travel Market. Pawan Singh / The National
    Performers dance at the Saudi Arabia stand on the second day of the Arabian Travel Market. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors take photos at the flydubai stand. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors take photos at the flydubai stand. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Jordan stand. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Jordan stand. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The second day of Arabian Travel Market welcomed visitors from around the world. Pawan Singh / The National
    The second day of Arabian Travel Market welcomed visitors from around the world. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The event is considered a bellwether for the travel industry in the Middle East, offering an insight into the trends that will shape the year ahead. Pawan Singh / The National
    The event is considered a bellwether for the travel industry in the Middle East, offering an insight into the trends that will shape the year ahead. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A total of 112 countries looking to revive their tourism numbers will be featured on the exhibition's show floor, from Japan to Jamaica and South Africa to Italy. Pawan Singh / The National
    A total of 112 countries looking to revive their tourism numbers will be featured on the exhibition's show floor, from Japan to Jamaica and South Africa to Italy. Pawan Singh / The National
  • People visit the South Africa stand at the Arabian Travel Market. Pawan Singh / The National
    People visit the South Africa stand at the Arabian Travel Market. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A model of the Airbus A350-1000 at the Etihad stand on the first day of Arabian Travel Market held at Dubai World Trade Centre. All photos: Pawan Singh/The National
    A model of the Airbus A350-1000 at the Etihad stand on the first day of Arabian Travel Market held at Dubai World Trade Centre. All photos: Pawan Singh/The National
  • More than 1,500 exhibiting companies are taking part in the four-day tourism showcase that will welcome about 20,000 visitors.
    More than 1,500 exhibiting companies are taking part in the four-day tourism showcase that will welcome about 20,000 visitors.
  • Travel and tourism are starting to show signs of recovery from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with many companies starting to ramp up their recruitment as countries reopen their borders.
    Travel and tourism are starting to show signs of recovery from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with many companies starting to ramp up their recruitment as countries reopen their borders.
  • Staff from Al Ain Zoo showing some birds and reptiles at the Abu Dhabi stand.
    Staff from Al Ain Zoo showing some birds and reptiles at the Abu Dhabi stand.
  • Saudi Arabia has a major presence at this year's Arabian Travel Market, including representatives from Neom, the kingdom's $500 billion futuristic mega city.
    Saudi Arabia has a major presence at this year's Arabian Travel Market, including representatives from Neom, the kingdom's $500 billion futuristic mega city.
  • Arabian Travel Market is considered a bellwether for the travel industry in the Middle East, offering an insight into trends for the year ahead.
    Arabian Travel Market is considered a bellwether for the travel industry in the Middle East, offering an insight into trends for the year ahead.
  • Emirates airline launched its premium economy cabin at Arabian Travel Market.
    Emirates airline launched its premium economy cabin at Arabian Travel Market.
  • The Abu Dhabi stand at Arabian Travel Market was busy on the first day of the event.
    The Abu Dhabi stand at Arabian Travel Market was busy on the first day of the event.
  • Artists showcasing handmade items at the Abu Dhabi stand.
    Artists showcasing handmade items at the Abu Dhabi stand.
  • Staff from Al Ain Zoo introduce visitors to birds at the Abu Dhabi stand.
    Staff from Al Ain Zoo introduce visitors to birds at the Abu Dhabi stand.
  • Etihad Airways showcasing its economy class seats at Arabian Travel Market.
    Etihad Airways showcasing its economy class seats at Arabian Travel Market.
  • The soaring price of oil and the impact of the war in Ukraine are tempering the travel industry's expected resurgence.
    The soaring price of oil and the impact of the war in Ukraine are tempering the travel industry's expected resurgence.
  • Staff from Al Ain Zoo show visitors reptiles at the Abu Dhabi stand.
    Staff from Al Ain Zoo show visitors reptiles at the Abu Dhabi stand.
  • The Darina holidays stand on the first day of Arabian Travel Market held at Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai.
    The Darina holidays stand on the first day of Arabian Travel Market held at Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai.
  • Visitors at the Brussels stand.
    Visitors at the Brussels stand.
  • Visitors at the Maldives stand.
    Visitors at the Maldives stand.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Airev
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
 

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

THE%20SPECS
%3Cp%3EBattery%3A%2060kW%20lithium-ion%20phosphate%3Cbr%3EPower%3A%20Up%20to%20201bhp%3Cbr%3E0%20to%20100kph%3A%207.3%20seconds%3Cbr%3ERange%3A%20418km%3Cbr%3EPrice%3A%20From%20Dh149%2C900%3Cbr%3EAvailable%3A%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What drives subscription retailing?

Once the domain of newspaper home deliveries, subscription model retailing has combined with e-commerce to permeate myriad products and services.

The concept has grown tremendously around the world and is forecast to thrive further, according to UnivDatos Market Insights’ report on recent and predicted trends in the sector.

The global subscription e-commerce market was valued at $13.2 billion (Dh48.5bn) in 2018. It is forecast to touch $478.2bn in 2025, and include the entertainment, fitness, food, cosmetics, baby care and fashion sectors.

The report says subscription-based services currently constitute “a small trend within e-commerce”. The US hosts almost 70 per cent of recurring plan firms, including leaders Dollar Shave Club, Hello Fresh and Netflix. Walmart and Sephora are among longer established retailers entering the space.

UnivDatos cites younger and affluent urbanites as prime subscription targets, with women currently the largest share of end-users.

That’s expected to remain unchanged until 2025, when women will represent a $246.6bn market share, owing to increasing numbers of start-ups targeting women.

Personal care and beauty occupy the largest chunk of the worldwide subscription e-commerce market, with changing lifestyles, work schedules, customisation and convenience among the chief future drivers.

The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre V6

Power: 295hp at 6,000rpm

Torque: 355Nm at 5,200rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km

Price: Dh179,999-plus

On sale: now 

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELeap%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202021%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ziad%20Toqan%20and%20Jamil%20Khammu%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Undisclosed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

MATCH INFO

Bangla Tigers 108-5 (10 ovs)

Ingram 37, Rossouw 26, Pretorius 2-10

Deccan Gladiators 109-4 (9.5 ovs)

Watson 41, Devcich 27, Wiese 2-15

Gladiators win by six wickets

Virtuzone GCC Sixes

Date and venue Friday and Saturday, ICC Academy, Dubai Sports City

Time Matches start at 9am

Groups

A Blighty Ducks, Darjeeling Colts, Darjeeling Social, Dubai Wombats; B Darjeeling Veterans, Kuwait Casuals, Loose Cannons, Savannah Lions; Awali Taverners, Darjeeling, Dromedary, Darjeeling Good Eggs

Indoor cricket in a nutshell

Indoor Cricket World Cup – Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai

16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side

8 There are eight players per team

There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.

5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls

Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership

Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.

Zones

A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs

B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run

Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs

Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full

The Bio

Favourite holiday destination: Either Kazakhstan or Montenegro. I’ve been involved in events in both countries and they are just stunning.

Favourite book: I am a huge of Robin Cook’s medical thrillers, which I suppose is quite apt right now. My mother introduced me to them back home in New Zealand.

Favourite film or television programme: Forrest Gump is my favourite film, that’s never been up for debate. I love watching repeats of Mash as well.

Inspiration: My late father moulded me into the man I am today. I would also say disappointment and sadness are great motivators. There are times when events have brought me to my knees but it has also made me determined not to let them get the better of me.

Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
%3Cp%3EHigh%20fever%20(40%C2%B0C%2F104%C2%B0F)%3Cbr%3ESevere%20headache%3Cbr%3EPain%20behind%20the%20eyes%3Cbr%3EMuscle%20and%20joint%20pains%3Cbr%3ENausea%3Cbr%3EVomiting%3Cbr%3ESwollen%20glands%3Cbr%3ERash%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

RESULTS

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: JAP Almahfuz, Fernando Jara (jockey), Irfan Ellahi (trainer).

5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh90,000 1,400m​​​​​​​
Winner: AF Momtaz, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.

6pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,400m​​​​​​​
Winner: Yaalail, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship Listed (PA) Dh180,000 1,600m​​​​​​​
Winner: Ihtesham, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.

7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m​​​​​​​
Winner: Dahess D’Arabie, Fernando Jara, Helal Al Alawi.

7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 2.200m
​​​​​​​Winner: Ezz Al Rawasi, Connor Beasley, Helal Al Alawi.

The finalists

Player of the Century, 2001-2020: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Ronaldinho

Coach of the Century, 2001-2020: Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Jose Mourinho (Tottenham Hotspur), Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid), Sir Alex Ferguson

Club of the Century, 2001-2020: Al Ahly (Egypt), Bayern Munich (Germany), Barcelona (Spain), Real Madrid (Spain)

Player of the Year: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

Club of the Year: Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Real Madrid

Coach of the Year: Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta), Hans-Dieter Flick (Bayern Munich), Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)

Agent of the Century, 2001-2020: Giovanni Branchini, Jorge Mendes, Mino Raiola

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How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Updated: April 25, 2023, 7:19 AM