ANDREA BOCELLI

PITCH PERFECT

World renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli returns to the capital

He’s sold more than 90 million records worldwide, been nominated for six Grammy Awards and performed for some of the most famous people on the planet, and now, Andrea Bocelli returns to the UAE. The beloved classical artist will headline a special oneoff concert at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Park on Yas Island on Thursday November 24.

Fans can expect to hear a selection of the celebrated tenor’s most iconic songs, including Time To Say Goodbye and Vivo Por Lei. We’re also hoping to hear some tracks from Bocelli’s uplifting latest album, Believe. The collection of songs feature some of his beloved timeless ballads and operatic masterpieces.

The alfresco gig, brought to you by Flash Entertainment, will come to Yas Island’s Etihad Park, the largest outdoor venue in the Middle East. November’s show will be Bocelli’s fifth performance in Abu Dhabi, although he’s also performed several times in Dubai. Speaking ahead of his show, the Italian artist said “Abu Dhabi holds a very special place in my heart. I cannot wait to take to the stage at Etihad Park and perform for the people there who appreciate the beauty of classical music. It will be a memorable, momentous occasion for everyone.”

Tickets are priced from Dhs395, which will get you B Reserve tickets, while you’ll pay Dhs695 for premium, Dhs995 for VIP and Dhs1,350 for VVIP. You’ll be able to get your tickets via Ticketmaster and at Virgin Megastores across the UAE. Andrea Bocelli live in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Thursday November 24, from Dhs395. ticketmaster.ae

“ABU DHABI HOLDS A VERY SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART”

LITTLE-KNOWN FACTS ABOUT ANDREA BOCELLI

1Bocelli has performed for four US presidents, the British Royal Family, three popes, and several prime ministers.

2On December 11, 2017, the opera legend was invited to the NASDAQ Stock Market in New York for the famous ‘ringing of the bell’ ceremony that marks the beginning of trading on the global stock exchange.

3In 2017, The Music of Silence, a film based on Andrea Bocelli’s 1999 autobiography of the same name, was released. The Michael Radford-directed film starred Spanish actor Antonio Banderas. 4 In May 2021, while shooting The Journey documentary, he rode more than 350 kilometres on horseback from Rome to his village of Lajatico, in Tuscany.

5A section of beach at Jesolo on Italy’s Adriatic coast was named after Bocelli on August 11, 2003 as a gesture of appreciation. As a lover of the great outdoors and particularly the sea, this represented a fitting way for Italians to appreciate their compatriot.

6Bocelli has performed at several major sporting events, including the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, European Championships, F1 grand prix, and even an NBA AllStar game.

7The operatic tenor is a keen football fan and has supported Inter Milan his entire life. His passion for the sport and his boyhood club has remained intact as he continues to listen to games on the radio to this day.

SPORT | FITNESS | WELLBEING

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Ready to rumble

Dmitry Bivol takes on Gilberto Ramirez

Bivol Vs Ramirez title clash thrusts Abu Dhabi onto the boxing world map

Yas Island loves a good fight. But this month, instead of UFC fighters battling it out in the Octagon, we’re going old school. The light heavyweight clash between WBA champion Dmitry Bivol and Gilberto Ramirez on November 5 at the Etihad Arena is the first of a new ‘Champions Series’ partnership between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and sporting events promoter Matchroom Boxing and represents the capital’s power move into staging major boxing events.

This boxing match-up promises to be a spectacle, and the stakes are high. Russian boxer Bivol, whose record reads 20-0 (11 knockouts), makes the whopping ninth defence of his WBA crown following his stunning victory against Saul Canelo Alverez in May. His Mexican contender, Ramirez, meanwhile, sits as the mandatory challenger having reeled o five victories since moving from super-middleweight – he previously held the WBO belt at 168lbs – to light heavyweight, with overall record standings at 44-0.

Speaking at the launch event, Matchroom Sport chairman Hearn said: “This is a historic moment for Abu Dhabi and DCT, and for Matchroom Boxing as well, as we build a long-term partnership here of global, high-profile world championship fights.

“I believe November 5 to be the start of such an exciting future in what has become the global sports hub here in Abu Dhabi. This is an iconic moment. For us as a business this is just the start of a new world of boxing here in the Middle East.”

November 5

Etihad Arena, Yas Island, 7pm, Dhs295 to Dhs6,995. Tel: 600 511 115. etihadarena.ae

PERFORM BOXING STUDIO

This authentic gym, behind City Seasons Hotel, offers something for everybody with group glasses, personal training sessions, and strength and conditioning. The instructors are boxing certified, with experience competing at a professional level. Price: One free trial or Dhs65 per session (packages available) performboxingstudio.com

Gloves up

Feeling inspired? Sign up for boxing classes at one of these Abu Dhabi gyms

PUNCH

Touted as an ‘immersive boxing fitness experience,’ Punch is where boxing and nightclub vibes combine, with water-filled punching bags, boxing sequences, strobe lighting and curated playlists. It’s an approachable introduction to the sport with a glossy, Instagrammable sheen. Price: Dhs90 per session (packages available) punchclub.ae STRIKE FITNESS

The beach may seem a slightly unusual location for a boxing class, but this is the UAE after all. At Strike, you’ll learn the basics of boxing during sweat sessions on the corniche. Expect a mix of rope skipping, shadow boxing, sandbag punching and light sparring. Price: Dhs75 per session (packages available) strike.ae