THROUGH MY EYES

THE UAE ACCORDING TO... Natalia Shustova

Each month, we ask residents to share a guide to the UAE through their eyes. Their favourite places, hidden gems, must-have products and local brands they love. This month, we chat to artist, creative entrepreneur and self-proclaimed ‘flower fairy’ of popular multi-disciplinary luxury brand Gosha, Natalia Shustova (@shoestova). Having moved to Dubai in 2006, the Belarus-born, Siberia-raised entrepreneur shares her tips to making the most of UAE life.

As I’m not a foodie, for me going to a restaurant is all about the experience – not just the food. Everything matters, from the music to the lights and crowd. Zuma (@zumadubai), which offers contemporary Japanese cuisine, is the one for a fun dinner with friends. We always have the best time, plus the food is consistently great. I have so many and it’s difficult for me to choose just one. Some of my forever favourites include Mrs. Keepa (@mrskeepaofficial), Reemami (@reemamiofficial), Dima Ayad (@dimaayad, above), Bil Arabi (@bilarabi), Bouguessa (@bouguessa), and Rami Al Ali (@ramialaliofficial).

I don’t drink alcohol, so I just have sparkling water with ice. The best spot though is always my garden with a group of friends. I love Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai. From all-white-everything to the truly most azure and lively beach in Dubai. I stay in the property at least twice a year and it’s my go-to pool escape during the summer months. @nikkibeachdubai Go to 3Fils (@3.fils) for a casual lunch in Jumeirah Fishing Village, or French Riviera Beach (@ frenchrivierabeach) at Jumeirah Al Qasr for truffle pizza while watching the sunset.

DISCOVER ABU DHABI’S GREATEST HITS

WORDS: MILES BUCKERIDGE

Free from restrictions and following a spirited construction spree, it really feels like Abu Dhabi is entering another golden age right now.

That means there is no better time to get the band back together and explore the emirate’s Greatest

Hits. But what adventures await? Our playlist goes a little something like this...

The Great

indoors

AC-chilled, roof-over-yourhead experiences

Dine at a revolving restaurant

Rotating restaurant Stratos combines panoramic views, a sophisticated swinging ‘50s soundtrack and an equally jazzy menu. The highlight of their weekly promotions has to be their much loved Friday evening Ratpack Supperclub (Dhs395) where you’ll also find yourself in one of the best spots in the city to watch the sun go down. Le Royal Meridien, Sheikh Khalifa Street, daily 5pm to 1am. Tel: (0)2 674 2020. @leroyalmeridienabudhabi

TRY SOME MICHELIN STARRED CUISINE

The plat is now out of the Michelin bag in Abu Dhabi and, based on the whims and wants of its inspectors, we’ve learned who’s kind of a big deal on the capital’s culinary scene. A significant 42 restaurants were added to this inaugural 2023 Guide, four were awarded the sought-after Bib Gourmand status (good affordably priced food) and three more were honoured with what is likely international gastronomy’s most coveted prize of all, a Michelin Star. Those trio of star-struck restaurants were Hakkasan Abu Dhabi, Talea by Antonio Guida and 99 Sushi Bar and Restaurant.

DECLARE WAR ON GRAVITY

Inside Yas-based adventuredrome, Clymb, you can skydive and scale up an artificial Everest beneath the snug-comfort of a steel sky. The venue is home to a truly epic wind tunnel that lets you live out all the thrills of hurling yourself out of a plane, except at a few metres above sea-level and without having to put faith in square metres of voluminous nylon. Prefer your ascents a bit more hands-on? There is a huge collection of climbing walls, and boulder-edging to pit your finger strength against. It’s our nation’s spiritual home of the war on gravity. Clymb, Yas Mall (by Ferrari World entrance), Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Sunday to Thursday 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday noon to 11pm, basic climb package Dhs120 for 60 minutes, Combo tickets from Dhs315. Tel: (600) 511115, clymbabudhabi.com

Conduct a prison break

Taking inspiration from iconic TV shows The Crystal Maze and Fort Boyard, Prison Island – Beat the Bars is an adventure experience at Abu Dhabi Mall. Set over a 1,000m expanse, this is no escape room – it’s a network of 26 individual ‘cells’ featuring tasks each more fiendishly conundrous (shhh, that’s a word) than the last, and you’ll have to beat them all if you want to escape the island with winner’s bragging rights. Abu Dhabi Mall, Dhs125. @prisonisland.abudhabi

RESORTING TO SPORTS

The Al Forsan International Sports Resort has some pretty amazing recreational fun times to get involved with, and whilst a lot of it is staged on the outdoor grounds (including the karting track, paintball arena and archery range), there are indoor pursuits, too. Take the shooting club for example. Visitors line up a range of firearms, including handguns, rifles, sniper rifles, a bow and arrow – and even a virtual VirTra 300-powered shooting simulator. Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Khalifa City. Tel: (800) 9900. alforsan.com A SUPER DAY OUT

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi was previously your top pick for ‘Favourite Attraction’ in the What’s On Awards Abu Dhabi. And we felt that. All of our favourite DCU superheroes (and villains), Tom, Jerry, Bugs, Daffy, Tweety, The Flintstones, and backed up by some spectacularly wild rides – plus all those expertly choreographed shows. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Dhs310 for adult and child. Tel: (600) 511 115. @wbworldad

Living your best

life

Ultra-luxe, ‘only in Abu Dhabi’ experiences

GOING ON A REAL (FREE-RANGE) SAFARI

Day tripping to Nurai

This James Bond-style island is the seat of one the most luxurious resorts in Abu Dhabi, but you can score a license to chill (a day pass) there for Dhs750. This includes pool and beach access, your return ferry crossing, and Dhs550 back to spend on dining, drink, watersports and spa activities. There are some great restaurant options available too, including seafood restaurant Hooked, Smokin’ Pineapple (which has its own surf pool) and Frangipani, the home of the hotel’s Saturday brunch. Nurai’s spa offers premium pamper opportunities, the latest trending treatments and relaxation as standard. Need to occupy the little ones? There’s a nautical tonne of activities for kids, including waterpark and flume adventures, shell painting and a packed funtineray at the dedicated Nurai Kid’s Club. Nurai Island, east side of Saadiyat Island, near exit 14 of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway. Tel: (0)2 506 6229. nuraiisland.com

Dining on The St. Regis helipad

It’s not a weekly occurrence, which is part of what makes this experience so special, but periodically The St. Regis Abu Dhabi opens up its 225-metrehigh helipad for the unofficial dictionary definition of elevated dining. Overlooking the dreamy blues of the Corniche’s waterways on one side and the capital’s twinkling cityscape on the other, on these rare fated-days you can make a sophisticated cloud-bothering date for some (really) high tea, a Champagne toast, or even a spin session (with Motion). Nation Tower, Abu Dhabi Corniche, priced from around Dhs550. @stregisabudhabi

RACING AROUND THE F1 CIRCUIT

Sir Bani Yas is Abu Dhabi’s very own Jurassic Park, if you exchange murderous giant dinosaurs with an exotic collection of African mammals. Accessed via a 25-minute boat ride from Jebel Dhanna (itself a two-hour drive from downtown Abu Dhabi), the island wilderness is home to a collection of exciting wildlife, architectural wonder, romantic vistas and three luxury Anantara resorts. This castaway paradise is a protected Royal Nature Reserve, flourishing with over 11,000 animals, including 30 different endangered species such as blackbuck antelope and Arabian oryx as well as giraffe, ostrich and cheetah. Guests on the island have the opportunity to go onsafari and snatch memorable opportunities to glimpse these rare creatures, without a single cage or handler in sight. Sir Bani Yas, off the coast of Jebel Dhanna, accessible by complimentary water taxi or private seaplane. anantara.com

Judging by the way some of you treat the highways here, it’s very unlikely you’ll get a shock call up to this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. But there is still a way you could find yourself doing laps of Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. They have a stacked grid of car experiences, but the best for thrill seekers has to be Formula Yas 3000 (Dhs1,840). Described as, “the closest thing to an F1 car most people will ever drive,” you’ll get to zoom around in a race car armed with a 3.0 litre V6 Jaguar Cosworth engine, plus Formula One-style gear sticks. Looking for something a little less fast pace? Yas Marina also offers karting sessions (from Dhs120). yasmarinacircuit.com

Remarkable history

Cultural, historically investigative experiences

Pop into Al Ain’s camel market

You’ll find this dromedary expo about 15 minutes outside of downtown Al Ain. The camel is of central importance to the UAE story, and their trade still takes place in these bustling market places today. Lucky guests might get the opportunity to see camels flexing their A-game in demonstrations of racing pedigree. You’ll have to brave some pretty formidable scents, but it’s rare to find examples of traditional Middle Eastern life this authentic and open to the public. It also affords a perhaps unmatched opportunity to catch a candid camel selfie. Al Ain, daily 6am to 7pm (although most of the trading happens first thing). visitabudhabi.ae

Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

One of the world’s largest mosques, this inspirational building was commissioned by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and was completed in just over a decade. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has space for 40,000 worshipers each day and pulls design features from Islamic countries. There are 1,096 amethyst-and-jasperembedded columns, 82 white marble domes, reflective pools, Swarovski chandeliers, the world’s largest hand-woven carpet, a breathtaking prayer hall, and a courtyard with one of the world’s largest real marble mosaics. Al Maqta’a, daily 11am to 11pm, free. visit.szgmc.gov.ae

SEE THE LOUVRE FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

Seahawk offers night kayak tours of the great Louvre Abu Dhabi, allowing you to observe the buildings and grab some privileged pics from rarified angles. New trophies unlocked. Trace the dome’s lunar-like curves and watch the ballet of artificial light, water and shadow create their own masterpieces on the exterior of the gallery. Once a (lunar) month you’ll be able to do it on a full moon. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Dhs126. Tel: (02) 673 6688, sea-hawk.ae

Meet the ancient residents of Jebel Hafit

Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jebel Hafit is Abu Dhabi’s tallest peak, located in Al Ain, about 90 minutes’ drive from the capital city. Now operated by Pura Eco Retreats, the team that brought you those gorgeous glamping bubbles on Jubail Island, the campground offers static high-end tented accommodation as well as pitches for those that wish to bring their own canvas and poles. Holiday-makers come here to hike the heritage trails, mountain bike (rental available), enjoy dune buggy tours, ride camels and breathe in the rare fresh air (and lack of light pollution) that contributes to the perfect conditions for astronomy. Those with a historical thirst should make the trek to Jebel Hafit’s two archeological sites. One, a neolithic excavation, dates back 8,000 years – whilst the other, a 5,000-year-old tomb was excavated in 1959 on the orders of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Jebel Hafit Desert Park, Jebel Hafeet, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (0)3 711 8362. jebelhafitdesertpark.com

WATCH A LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW AT THE PALACE OF THE NATION

The grand ‘Palace of the Nation’, Qasr Al Watan lies at one end of the city’s main Corniche. It is by all measures a newcomer on the UAE’s heritage scene, but it already commands a place amongst its most precious cultural gems. Entry to the attraction is Dhs60 and contained within its white granite walls, you’ll find a blend of educational and inspirational experiences, including architectural masterwork, a library with storey-high book shelves, the great hall, the seat of the UAE’s cabinet, a ‘house of knowledge’ learning hub, exhibits telling the story of the nation’s rich and nuanced history. There’s also a Palace in Motion Sound and Light show (adults Dhs25, kids Dhs12), which now takes place daily. An entertainment extravaganza that illuminates tales from the nation’s past, present and future. Al Ras Al Akhdar, daily between 10am and 6.45pm Dhs60, kids Dhs30. qasralwatan.ae

Just deserts

Off-the-beaten-track experiences

Of sands and stays

From stargazing eco-pods to luxurious dune-clamped pamper palaces, Abu Dhabi’s collection of off-piste, onsand desert hotels is as diverse as it is enchanting. There’s the stunning Anantara Qasr Al Sarab, an oasis of elegance amid the rugged Liwa sands; the wellness paradise of Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa; the AirStream glamping active adventures available at Bab Al Nojoum Al Mugheirah; and the stunning panoramic dome tents of Pura Eco Retreat at Jebel Hafit. And later this year, you’ll also be able to check into the sand-swept stylings of Liwa Hotel, Autograph Collection, Abu Dhabi.

BLAZE YOUR OWN TRAIL THROUGH THE EMPTY QUARTER

Abu Dhabi’s Off-Road Driving Project is a series of six cross-country driving routes mapped across meandering terrain, compiled by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT). The trails have been designed for those with a taste for adventure to head off on safe self-drive expeditions, and track down intrepid desert camping experiences. The routes have been graded at different accessibility and driving ability levels, from beginner to expert. Each option offers its own exciting sight-seeing opportunities, with wildlife encounters such as gazelle and camel, the entrancing dune configurations of Al Quo’a, secret ghaf forests of Al Mirayr, camel racing tracks, desert tombs and hidden oases. You can pull up detailed information on routes, points of interest and camping opportunities as well as safety procedures, emergency information and pretrip checklists on visitabudhabi.ae.

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF ABU DHABI’S DUNES

The desert areas of the UAE hold many wonders, but few can compare to the ethereal beauty of Al Wathba’s fossil dunes. These naturally occurring monoliths are jutting, jagged reminders of the emirate’s storied geological past, having been forged over the past 120,000 years. Found a short distance away from the (also well-worth a visit) Al Wathba Wildlife Reserve, an expanse covering more than 1,700 of the fossil dunes has now been designated as a protected landmark. The Al Wathba Fossil Dune Protected Area now features a visitor centre, a viewing area, an amphitheatre and 7kms of hike-able trails with educational signage explaining the origins and cultural significance of these magnificent sand relics.

CHECK OUT ABU DHABI’S SALT LAKES

Abu Dhabi’s Salt Lakes took Instagram by storm last year. Bloggers, influencers and the naturally curious headed out to their location near Al Wathba Wildlife Reserve to capture snaps with the narrow pastel green lakes filled with crystalline lily pad features. You can find the exact location on Google Maps, but getting there isn’t easy. Take an SUV, take snacks and back up supplies, tell someone where you are going, do not litter, and make sure you’re all fuelled up. We promise it’s worth it.

The wild

side

Adrenaline-pumping experiences

SHARK TANK

In addition to eight themed zones, a XXL reticulated python known only as ‘Super Snake’, back stage tours, and marine animal rehabilitation projects, The National Aquarium also offers a range of marine life meet and greets. You can, for example, have an ‘Ocean Encounter’ feeding sharks measuring up to two metres in length for just Dhs180. The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, Al Qana, Al Maqta, general admission from Dhs105. Tel: (0)2 418 6666. thenationalaquarium.ae

FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI

Beyond the recordbreaking rollercoasters and connoisseur’s collection of classic cars, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi boasts a couple of new adrenaline-baiting experiences especially for those that court the edge. There’s a huge zip-line and roof-walk adventure attraction that you can purchase in combo packages with your park tickets. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, open daily midday to 8pm, adults Dhs310, kids Dhs240. @ferrariworldabudhabi

DINE WITH WILD ANIMALS

Emirates Park Zoo has an incredibly diverse population of animal inhabitants, some of them cuddly, some of them decidedly less so. They also have awesome immersive experiences where you can get up and close and relatively personal with a select crew of animal pals. The Big Cat Brunch lets you eat lunch in the company of an actual leopard (because, UAE), you can pose questions, take photos and there’s even a private expert-led tour. Too wild? Why not book breakfast with a giraffe instead? Emirates Park Zoo, 12th St – Al Bahyah. Tel: (0)2 501 0000. emiratesparkzooandresort.com Feed the lions at Al Ain Zoo

This 400-hectare park’s animal register includes gorillas, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, jaguars, lemurs, hippos, chimpanzees, wolves, and crocodiles. The zoo gives visitors a rare shot at heading into the lion’s den and feeding the king of the jungle. Blimey, what a ripper. At this stage, we should point out that safety equipment, including caged vehicle, is provided. Hop in the back of the all-terrain truck, gingerly grasp your tongs and offer pieces of meat through the gaps in the cage into the jaws of waiting lions. Al Ain Zoo, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 6pm, adult price of park tickets Dhs29. alainzoo.ae

Kayaking through a serene green wilderness at Jubail Mangrove Park

Jubail Mangrove Park offers visitors the opportunity to explore one of this region’s most fascinating natural habitats. Found nestled away on a quiet outcrop of Jubail Island, the mangrove park became an instant hit with locals, residents and tourists. It features a meandering 2.3km boardwalk and sits in close proximity to the city. There are plenty of ways to explore this fascinating ecosystem, including boardwalk meditation sessions (Dhs120) ranger-led, guided boardwalks (from Dhs50), and kayak (Dhs100), and e-dragon boat tours (from Dhs80) of the mangroves. Jubail Mangrove Park, Al Jubail Island (next to Saadiyat Island), Abu Dhabi, 8am to 7.30pm daily, Dhs15 for adult, Dhs10. Tel: (0)56 303 2423. park.jubailisland.ae

GO ISLAND HOPPING

Nautical tour operating outfit Sea Safari is extending an invitation for you to live your very best Disney pirate life. Jump aboard one of their modern vessels for a six-hour tour of Abu Dhabi’s islandscape with barbecue. It’s land ahoy with scenic stops at such enchanting sea-hemmed spots as Salt Island and Bahrani Island. Their boats come with music systems for stereophonic shanty support and soft drinks are included in the Dhs450 package price (charters are available for Dhs2,500). seasafari.ae

WORDS: LAURA COUGHLIN

Imagine Dragons, Sting and Blackpink to perform on Yas Island

The dust has barely settled after a rapturous line-up of musical megastars at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November last year. But the capital has come up trumps, kicking 2023 off in style with not one, not two, but three major names to play on Yas Island and all within three glorious days.

JANUARY 26

With 75 million records sold worldwide, the Las Vegas musical superstars are one of the world’s best-selling music artists of all time

It’s hard to imagine a time when Imagine Dragons didn’t dominate the airwaves. But their journey to becoming one of the biggest alt-rock bands of the decade seemed to happen all at once. One day they were relatively unknown; the next, their 2013 breakthrough single Radioactive was everywhere, a process that repeated with Believer, their 2017 single that seemingly appeared in every other blockbuster movie trailer that year. In between it all, and the years up to the present day, the Las Vegas natives have continued to churn out hits, racking up an impressive trophy case of awards with their anthems flooding radio stations, and five of their albums becoming Top 10 hits on the Billboard 200.

Still, peruse musical subsections of Reddit or album reviews on NME, and you’ll see that Imagine Dragons gets a fair bit of flak for releasing what is seen by some as songs that pander to the masses, mixing pop riffs, EDM beats and rock anthems into some kind of Frankensteinian amalgamation.

Rightfully, the lads have learnt to take criticism in their stride. “My bandmates are some of my best friends,” said lead singer Dan Reynolds in a recent tweet. “We are authentically ourselves and strive to bring positivity and empowerment to the world. We’ll continue to do just that.”

Ultimately, Imagine Dragons’ musical impact is undeniable. The streaming age of genre-blending ‘alternative’ acts such as The Kid Laroi and Glass Animals would be unimaginable without Imagine Dragons paving the way. They’re also not the first band to be critically derided yet audience-adored – just look at Queen or Journey’s early reviews. When you look at the awards and nominations that Imagine Dragons has captured, the numerous charitable performances they’ve undertaken, and the motivation that the band ignites, it’s really not that hard to like them. And the fact that people continue to buy their albums and attend their concerts, well, that speaks volumes. The show has officially sold out, so only those lucky enough to have already got their ticket will be able to see the band perform live.

January 26

Etihad Arena, Yas Island, sold out. etihadarena.ae

1HE USED TO LOOK LIKE A BUMBLE BEE

Herein lies the answer to the question, ‘why is Sting called Sting?’. While performing in UK jazz clubs in the ‘70s, a young Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner would often wear a black and yellow striped sweater, hence the everlasting moniker.

2BAND LIFE WAS NOT FOR HIM, BUT HE SURE LOVES A COLLAB

From the 2003 Rise and Fall duet with Craig David and the timeless smash hit Desert Rose with Cheb Mami to the unlikely pairing of a whole Shaggy and Sting album, his collaborations run the gamut of musical tastes and genres. No less than 17 collaborations feature on his Duets album, which was released in 2021.

JANUARY 27

HE SWEARS BY YOGA

He might be 71-years old, but his body is the envy of men half of his age. Sting attributes his fantastic health to yoga. He and his

3wife Trudie Styler have been avid students of Jivamukti and Ashtanga yoga practices since the late ‘80s.

The multi-Grammy-scooping former front man of The Police belts out hits from his 40-year musical career in Abu Dhabi this month. out hits from his 40-year musical career in Abu Dhabi this month. But how well do you know him? Here are five fun facts… But how well do you know him? Here are five fun facts…

4HE WAS PART OF THE POLICE FOR ONLY SEVEN YEARS

It’s hard to imagine that The Police only lasted from 1977 to 1984, since they managed to accomplish so much in those seven years. They began playing tiny clubs around London just as punk was breaking and ended by selling out just about every stadium on the planet, singing mega hits such as Don’t Stand So Close To Me, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, Message In A Bottle, and Roxanne. At the end of the Synchronicity tour, it was virtually impossible to imagine how they could become any more popular. Alas, tensions in the group swiftly led the band’s untimely demise.

THE MAN IS WORTH A FORTUNE

In February 2022, Sting sold his back catalogue, featuring hits, including Roxanne, Every Breath You Take and Englishman in New York, to Universal Music in a deal thought to be worth up to $300m. While the details of the deal were not disclosed, the volume and popularity of 5 Sting’s work makes it one of the most valuable back catalogue transactions ever made.

January 27

Etihad Arena, Yas Island, from Dhs395. ticketmaster.ae

Global superstars and Time Magazine’s ‘2022 Entertainer of the Year’ Blackpink continues to make history. What’s On looks at the Korean band’s biggest accomplishments so far…

Since making their debut back in 2016, Blackpink has been busy not only making music, but collecting accolades. Besides climbing up the charts with their well-received releases and catchy tunes, the quartet of Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa and Rosé has been raking in numerous firsts and smashing world records as an all-female K-pop group.

First K-pop girl group to headline Coachella

In 2019, Jennie, Rosé, Lisa and Jisoo not only became the first K-pop girl group to play at the annual music festival, but they were also one of the main acts on opening day.

Most subscribed YouTube artist of all time

Blackpink continues to dominate on YouTube as the biggest musical act with over 83 million subscribers.

Blackpink currently holds several Guinness World Records

In 2020, the group snagged three entries in the Guinness World Records thanks to the video for their single How You Like That. With more than 86 million views in just the first day of release, the video earned Guinness’ most viewed YouTube video in 24 hours, most viewed music video on YouTube in 24 hours, and most viewed YouTube music video in 24 Hours by a K-pop group. All three records were previously held by fellow K-pop group BTS.

First female K-pop group to win a VMA

In 2020, the band became the first all-female K-pop group to win an MTV Video Music Award when the hit took home the Moon Man in the song of the summer category for How You Like That. In 2022, the band performed their blazing new single Pink Venom at the MTV Video Music awards marking their first ever US awards show performance.

MEET THE

MONONYMOUS BAND

LISA

Age: 25 Following Jennie and Rosé, Lisa was the third band member to branch out of the Blackpink empire with her own song, Lalisa. Born and raised in Thailand, she is the only non-Korean member. A common fixture on front row seats of global fashion shows, Lisa is the global ambassador for Celine as well as Bvlgari.

JISOO

Age: 27 Aside from her love of singing, Jisoo is also an aspiring actress. She made her acting debut on the drama Snowdrop, and with 66 million Instagram followers became the platform’s most-followed Korean actress. Originally from Gunpo, a small city in South Korea, Jisoo is the only one of the four who has lived in the country all her life.

JENNIE

Age: 27 Born in Seoul but a New Zealand resident, Jennie was the first member of Blackpink to release a solo track. Her 2018 song, aptly named Solo, was an unflinching hip-hop banger, debuting at Number 1 in the South Korean Gaon Digital Chart. This year, the Chanel ambassador will appear in HBO’s The Idol, alongside the Weeknd.

ROSÉ

Age: 25 Korean-New Zealand singer and dancer Rosé is the group’s main vocalist and has simultaneously enjoyed phenomenal success as a solo artist with hit singles, including On the Ground and Gone.

January 28

Etihad Park, Yas Island, from Dhs350. ticketmaster.ae

WORDS: SHELBY GEE

Pack your tissues and get ready for some serious LOLs this month, as not one but two British comedic heavyweights are in town.

JANUARY 7

James Anthony Patrick Carr, more commonly known as Jimmy Carr is a British writer, presenter and comedian, known for his deadpan delivery of controversial one-liners. Carr will be heading to Abu Dhabi this month with his ‘Terribly Funny 2.0’ world tour, which will be his first time performing in the capital.

He has been featured on classic British TV shows such as 8 out of 10 Cats, as well as the celebrity editions of The Chase, Tipping Point and Catchphrase and is also the host of his own show Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You.

In 2021, Jimmy Carr released his third book Before & Laughter: The Funniest Man in the UK’s Genuinely Useful Guide to Life. The book is considered a memoir and self-help manual (with a

Jimmy Carr very generous serving of profanity), very generous serving of profanity), which is written in true Jimmy Carr which is written in true Jimmy Carr style with satirical one liner jokes style with satirical one liner jokes wrapped in an endearing message wrapped in an endearing message about how to turn things around about how to turn things around when you don’t have to do so. Before the funny man performed his comedic antics on stage, he was a marketing executive. But after he got a taste of the spotlight, he was hooked, “As soon as I did my first five hooked, “As soon as I did my first five minutes of stand-up, I knew that I would minutes of stand-up, I knew that I would rather be a failure at comedy than a rather be a failure at comedy than a success in marketing,” said Carr. success in marketing,” said Carr. Jimmy Carr performs at the Etihad Jimmy Carr performs at the Etihad Arena on Saturday, January 7 at 8pm and Arena on Saturday, January 7 at 8pm and the arena is sure to be filled with laughter the arena is sure to be filled with laughter along with slight ‘oh’s and ‘ah’s at his along with slight ‘oh’s and ‘ah’s at his controversial and risqué set.

JANUARY 21

Kevin Bridges

Scottish comedian Kevin Bridges is also heading to Abu Dhabi – on Saturday January 21 – making a pit stop in the UAE for his ‘Overdue Catch-Up’ tour.

Bridges is a common face on hilarious UK panel shows, including Would I Lie to You? and Have I Got News for You. He has also performed on Live at the Apollo and in Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow.

He last performed in the UAE in 2017, when he did a gig at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The sold-out show was a huge hit with residents, so you can expect the same calibre of comedy when he returns to the Emirates this month.

FUN FACTS

In 2006, Jimmy Carr was the first major comedian to perform in the virtual reality cyberspace, which landed him in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Jimmy Carr is the holder of a Political Sciences degree from Cambridge University. Kevin Bridges dropped out of secondary school at the age of 17 to pursue his career as a stand-up comedian. Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow was his first break on mainstream TV.

In 2014, Kevin Bridges adopted a dog called Annie, who was abandoned on a street in Ireland. Annie now makes an appearance at most of Bridges’ shows. The comedic pair have worked together previously on 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown where Jimmy Carr is the host. They have also worked together on Catchphrase.

Tickets start from Dhs195 for both performances. abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net

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Penelope’s Jazz Bar