ABU DHABI // Forty-four is a magic number. At least, it is for Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is looking to secure his 44th F1 win at Sunday’s Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
A 44th win would be fitting for the British sportsman, whose Mercedes-GP has the number 44 on the front. It would also match up with celebrations for this year’s National Day – the 44th.
“I’m excited to be here in Abu Dhabi, with the 44th UAE National Day coming up and me being here to win that 44th race,” said Hamilton, who is gearing up for his third win at Yas Marina Circuit. “It’s cool how it all ties in.”
Hamilton comes to the UAE on the back of winning his third F1 championship. He has also won twice in Abu Dhabi, in 2011 and last year, when he clinched his second world title.
On Friday the driver will start his bid for victory when the cars take to the track for two 90-minute practice sessions.
While there was no track action on Thursday, that did not stop a large crowd of spectators from heading to the circuit to take part in the pre-race pit walk, during which they saw up close the cars that will compete in Sunday’s 55-lap race.
Close by, others headed to du Arena for the first of four nights of music to celebrate the racing event.
Emirati songstress Aryam, Lebanese singer Fares Karam and Cheb Khaled, the king of Algerian rai, entertained the crowds in an all-Arabic evening of entertainment.
The event, now in its third year, has firmly established itself as a crowd favourite because of its eclectic line-ups and the stars did not disappoint.
Al Ain singer Aryam made her comeback at last night’s concert following a break after releasing her album, Vitamin Al Gharam, in 2011.
With nine albums under her belt, the Emirati singer had lots of material to provide a well-rounded set of Khaleeji pop to begin the evening.
Backed by a large orchestra, her voice went down a treat in Tiz’al, breaking through the raucous musical backdrop of hand claps, yearning strings and staccato percussion.
Fan favourite Youm Shouft elicited the first mass dance of the night, courtesy of its catchy beat.
The concerts continue until Sunday with Spanish pop star Enrique Iglesias on stage on Friday night, UK art rockers Florence and The Machine on Saturday, and Britpop stalwarts Blur wrapping things up on the final evening.
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The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
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Euro 2020 qualifier
Ukraine 2 (Yaremchuk 06', Yarmolenko 27')
Portugal 1 (Ronaldo 72' pen)
TRAINING FOR TOKYO
A typical week's training for Sebastian, who is competing at the ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon on March 8-9:
- Four swim sessions (14km)
- Three bike sessions (200km)
- Four run sessions (45km)
- Two strength and conditioning session (two hours)
- One session therapy session at DISC Dubai
- Two-three hours of stretching and self-maintenance of the body
ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon
For more information go to www.abudhabi.triathlon.org.
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How The Debt Panel's advice helped readers in 2019
December 11: 'My husband died, so what happens to the Dh240,000 he owes in the UAE?'
JL, a housewife from India, wrote to us about her husband, who died earlier this month. He left behind an outstanding loan of Dh240,000 and she was hoping to pay it off with an insurance policy he had taken out. She also wanted to recover some of her husband’s end-of-service liabilities to help support her and her son.
“I have no words to thank you for helping me out,” she wrote to The Debt Panel after receiving the panellists' comments. “The advice has given me an idea of the present status of the loan and how to take it up further. I will draft a letter and send it to the email ID on the bank’s website along with the death certificate. I hope and pray to find a way out of this.”
November 26: ‘I owe Dh100,000 because my employer has not paid me for a year’
SL, a financial services employee from India, left the UAE in June after quitting his job because his employer had not paid him since November 2018. He owes Dh103,800 on four debts and was told by the panellists he may be able to use the insolvency law to solve his issue.
SL thanked the panellists for their efforts. "Indeed, I have some clarity on the consequence of the case and the next steps to take regarding my situation," he says. "Hopefully, I will be able to provide a positive testimony soon."
October 15: 'I lost my job and left the UAE owing Dh71,000. Can I return?'
MS, an energy sector employee from South Africa, left the UAE in August after losing his Dh12,000 job. He was struggling to meet the repayments while securing a new position in the UAE and feared he would be detained if he returned. He has now secured a new job and will return to the Emirates this month.
“The insolvency law is indeed a relief to hear,” he says. "I will not apply for insolvency at this stage. I have been able to pay something towards my loan and credit card. As it stands, I only have a one-month deficit, which I will be able to recover by the end of December."
Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Developer: Treyarch, Raven Software
Publisher: Activision
Console: PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One & Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5