DUBAI // A specially emblazoned Etihad Airways passenger jet celebrating the latest Fast and Furious film has been unveiled as part of a promotional campaign for the Hollywood blockbuster.
The film’s star, Vin Diesel, was at Los Angeles International Airport on Wednesday to greet the luxury Boeing 777 airliner as it arrived from Abu Dhabi to kick off a global promotion and world premiere of Furious 7.
Vox Cinemas has confirmed the film will open in the UAE on April 2, a day before its official US release date.
“We are pleased to work together with Universal, an organisation that shares that same spirit of innovation and reimagination when it comes to the world of entertainment,” said Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer of Etihad Airways.
The Fast and Furious 777 will fly directly between Abu Dhabi and Los Angeles.
The Abu Dhabi carrier is also sponsoring the film’s world premiere in LA on April 1.
The capital was a key location during production of the movie, with a number of scenes filmed in the city last year.
Over a two-week period in April, filming took place in areas including the Liwa Desert, the city centre, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace, Yas Marina Circuit and Etihad Towers.
"When we began filming The Fast and the Furious (franchise) in 2000, if you told me that we would one day have our logo on a wide-body jet, I would have said you were crazy," producer Neal H Moritz said.
“We are so honoured that Etihad has partnered with us to support this very personal film, and we thank the people of the United Arab Emirates for all the kindness and graciousness they showed throughout production.”
The logos will remain in place for the next four to six months.
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Hobby: "It is not really a hobby but I am very curious person. I love reading and spend hours on research."
Favourite author: Malcom Gladwell
Favourite travel destination: "Antigua in the Caribbean because I have emotional attachment to it. It is where I got married."
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BRIEF SCORES:
Toss: Nepal, chose to field
UAE 153-6: Shaiman (59), Usman (30); Regmi 2-23
Nepal 132-7: Jora 53 not out; Zahoor 2-17
Result: UAE won by 21 runs
Series: UAE lead 1-0
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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
