You can’t fault Kevin Hart for trying.
The comedian and actor was announced as the first Chief Island Officer of Yas Island in May, meaning he will help to promote the Abu Dhabi destination. In a newly released bloopers video, we see Hart attempting to speak Arabic.
In it, he is trying to say: “Welcome, my name is Kevin Hart. I’m the new Chief Island Officer on Yas Island. Give us a follow on Instagram.” However, there are some words that prove more difficult to pronounce, which provides some laughs. For example, island in Arabic is jazira, but he says something that sounds more like jazra, which means carrot.
Showing off the typical comedic humour, he ends by saying: "Eat your heart out Google translate. Ha."
In May, Yas Island released a teaser video on social media showing the Jumanji: The Next Level star at some of the most famous attractions on Yas Island. In the clip, he can be seen in a white Ferrari zipping around, as well as at other attractions, including Warner Bros World, Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World, Clymb and Yas Links golf club.
“The world’s most entertaining island hired me, Kevin Hart, to Hartify everything out here. We are going big on K-everything, because going big, that’s my middle name. Actually, it’s Darnell, but whatever," he says.
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!”
Scroll through the gallery below to see how Yas Island has evolved.
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Yas Island in May 2007 was but four roads. All photos: Yas Marina Circuit -
In May 2007, Yas Island is barren but for a bridge leading to it. -
Construction begins on Yas Marina Circuit in 2007. -
An outline of the track begins to appear in August 2007. -
In August 2007, tractors dig up sand to make way for what will become the marina. -
In February 2008, buildings slowly begin to emerge around what will become the race track. -
As the track is laid down in 2009, the marina slowly begins to take shape. Next, the remaining sand will be dug up and the area flooded with sea water. -
Canopies begin to be hung up over the start and finish line as the outer shell of Yas Viceroy Hotel is built in 2009. Construction for a complex of hotels to the left of the Viceroy is also under way. -
Seating stands rise out of the sand in 2009 at what will become turn seven of the Yas Marina Circuit. -
Formula One drivers race around turn seven at Yas Marina Circuit. -
The start and finish line: now ready to welcome tens of thousands of Formula One fans. -
Yas Viceroy Hotel, which began operating as a W Hotel in 2018, is hugged by the marina - where luxury yachts park for the race weekend. -
Yas Marina Circuit in all its glory at dusk, complete with new coastline. -
The sandy island is transformed with grassy hills where Formula One fans can watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. -
Formula One drivers get ready to begin the race at Yas Marina Circuit.
