This weekend marks the return of Blended – an eclectic two-day musical pick 'n' mix of rock, funk, soul, jazz and more at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. We set the scene for the last big outdoor festival before summer by talking to Sergio Pizzorno from Kasabian and Kool & the Gang's Robert 'Kool' Bell. We also checked in with the ever-charming Craig David, and preview the other acts on the bill.
Robin Thicke
Thicke’s career was in the doldrums before he scored one of the biggest hits ever – clocking 14.8 million sales of 2013’s Blurred Lines. That song was mired in controversy long before Thicke and co-writer Pharrell Williams were forced to cough up US$7.3 million [Dh26.8m] in royalties after a jury last month ruled that the pair had plagiarised Marvin Gaye’s 1977 funk staple Got to Give It Up. Presumably he’ll play it this weekend anyway, though it might now feel more bittersweet. Also on the setlist will be choice cuts from his seven albums, including last year’s Paula, a heart-on-sleeve tribute to his estranged wife, the actress Paula Patton.
• Friday at 8.15pm
Jessie Ware
Soulful singer Ware began her working life as a journalist before finding inspiration from musician friends Adele, Jack Peñate and Florence Welch. Expect smart, mature, minimalist R&B grooves, and look out for hits Wildest Moments and Say You Love Me.
• Thursday at 9.15pm
Nico & Vinz
The Norwegian duo, of Vinz Dery (left) and Nico Sereba, serve up pleasant groovy pop that mixes folk, house, hip-hop and Afrobeat influences. Expect things to kick off for their breakout hit Am I Wrong?
• Friday at 7pm
Red Emperor
This unsigned British indie band landed an early Thursday slot. Check them out on Soundcloud.
• Thursday at 6.10pm
Abri & Funk Radius
The UAE’s funkiest band, led by Hamdan Al Abri, gets the crowd warmed up on Friday.
• Friday at 5.10pm
Montells Jazz Gala
A seven-piece jazz and soul outfit from Denmark, led by the crooner Maria Montell.
• Friday at 6pm
Jazz@Pizza Express Garden
Away from the main stage, live-music stalwart Jazz@Pizza Express will be hosting a 50-capacity pop-up restaurant, with performances from top local acts, including Uptown, Rachael Calladine, Paul O’Conner and McMahon.
• Thursday and Friday from 4pm to 1am
Tickets and location
Blended is at Dubia Media City Amphitheatre Thursday and Friday. Tickets from Dh395 per day or Dh650 for the weekend. For more information, visit www.blended.ae
Company%20profile
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
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Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Company%20Profile
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The specs
Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: seven-speed PDK dual clutch automatic
Power: 375bhp
Torque: 520Nm
Price: Dh332,800
On sale: now
The specs
Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Porsche Macan T: The Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 265hp from 5,000-6,500rpm
Torque: 400Nm from 1,800-4,500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto
Speed: 0-100kph in 6.2sec
Top speed: 232kph
Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km
On sale: May or June
Price: From Dh259,900