Global pop band Now United enjoy Abu Dhabi's attractions

The stars have been in the UAE since Nour Ardakani from Lebanon joined the group

Global pop group Now United, formed by Simon Fuller, enjoy Abu Dhabi's attractions. Courtesy XIX Entertainment

The band have been enjoying the UAE since landing in Dubai in search of their 16th member, and now, Now United have taken over Yas Island.

The global pop group have moved from Dubai to the UAE capital, where they have been busy taking in the city’s attractions including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World and a boat trip around Yas Island.

The band have also filmed videos for their social media channel at Saadiyat Beach, as well as in the Abu Dhabi desert.

Members of the band, which is the brainchild of Simon Fuller – a former manager and mentor of the Spice Girls – have been in the UAE since September. Dubai was the base for the region-wide talent search to find a Middle Eastern member.

Thousands of applicants were whittled down to just a handful of candidates, with Nour Ardakani from Lebanon selected by Fuller to become the group’s 16th member.

"In Nour, I have found a remarkable young performer. She has natural talent and is a wonderful pure singer with gentle emotion and warmth," he said.

“However, it is her personality that impressed me the most. She has a calm confidence, a maturity and intelligence far in advance of her age. She comes from an extraordinary part of the world, rich in history, culture and the arts. Nour is the perfect choice and she will make the region and Lebanon very proud.”

Speaking to The National, Ardakani said she was proud to represent her country. "I am ready for the responsibility," she said after being selected. "I am not only representing the Mena region and Lebanon, but also the youth who come from here. This only makes me want to work harder and I can't wait to get started."

Group members of the band represent 16 different countries across the globe, including Mexico, Brazil, South Korea, Russia, China, UK, India, Philippines, US, Germany, Finland, Japan, Canada, Senegal, Australia and the recently added Lebanon.

The band released its new single Habibi to celebrate Ardakani's arrival, the video for which was filmed in Dubai's historical Al Fahidi district.