Latest news with #EtihadArena
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Stand-up heavyweights packing punchlines at Abu Dhabi Comedy Season this week
24 June 2025 00:15 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is reaching the business end, with top international acts and punchlines coming in fast week, the stage is set for Mina Liccione and friends, Robby Collins, Pete Davidson, and none other than comedy royalty, Dave Chappelle. Mina LiccioneYou've seen her on Comedy Central, MTV, MBC and more - now this New Yorker is bringing her signature mix of stand-up, storytelling, impressions and musical comedy to Broadway Brasserie & Bar at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Hotel on Tuesday, June 24. The award-winning Broadway veteran's credits include STOMP, Cirque du Soleil, and sold-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Liccione will be sharing the stage with musical comedian Adi Thomas, the hilarious Jouhayna the Sassy Emirati, and a surprise special guest. Pete DavidsonAmerican comedian and actor Pete Davidson will be performing live in Abu Dhabi for the first time at the Etihad Arena on Wednesday, June 25. Known for his work on "Saturday Night Live" - and briefly dating Kim Kardashian! - Davidson brings his irreverent humour to the region for what promises to be an unforgettable night of comedy. His globally acclaimed live performances and below-the-belt jokes are not to be missed. Attendees must be 21 and over. Dave Chappelle Award-winning comedian, actor, screenwriter and producer Dave Chappelle is set to make his highly anticipated return to Abu Dhabi this Friday, June 27, at the Etihad Arena. At the inaugural Abu Dhabi Comedy Week in 2024, Chappelle performed for a record-breaking sold-out show that drew over 14,000 guests and became the region's largest-ever comedy event. Chappelle began his comedy career at age 14, performing in nightclub stages before rising to global fame. After early success in film and television, he created the groundbreaking "Chappelle's Show" (2003-2006), which showcased his unique take on social issues through satirical laidback and down-to-earth comedy blends personal experiences with wider social observations. His ability to delve into complex societal issues with a combination of honesty and witticism has made his stand-up especially popular amongst fans, as demonstrated in his six acclaimed Netflix specials, including his most recent "The Dreamer". His impressive accolades include five Emmy Awards - three for his Netflix specials and two for hosting "Saturday Night Live", where his most recent 17-minute monologue stands as the longest in the show's 50-year history. He has also won six Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album, received the Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and was honoured with the NAACP President's Award, cementing his status as a comedy legend. Robby Collins Get ready for a night of world-class comedy in Al Ain as Robby Collins brings his unmistakable South African brand of humour to Al Ain. With an impressive CV including tours with Trevor Noah, Netflix and Comedy Central Africa, Robby's stand-up masterfully blends bold observations with honest reflections, all delivered with his signature cool and collected style. The show held in Moodz Rotana will also feature a lineup of top comedians from the UAE and beyond.
The National
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Family man Robert Whittaker puts his game face on for UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi
Family, the gym and video games make up the 'perfect three' in life outside the octagon for Robert Whittaker. The former UFC middleweight champion's 16-year journey in the sport is well-documented. However, what is not as widely talked about is the fact he is a family man who spends most of his time at home with his wife and kids, whenever he is not in the gym. 'I'm a family man, I've got a big family. So if I'm not at the gym you'll catch me with the kids. I'm big into video games, I enjoy them for my downtime as well,' Whittaker told The National. 'That's something maybe people don't know, I'm not sure. Otherwise, yeah that's me. I'm at the gym, I'm with my kids or I'm at the computer. That's kind of my perfect three.' It is a different story inside the octagon, though. 'When I'm in the octagon, across from my opponents, it's business, you know. He's trying to take everything from me, I'm trying to take everything from him but I understand that 15-25 minutes, that's as long as it goes for,' he added. 'Outside of that, I'm a dad, I'm a husband, I'm another man. I'm just another person. We all have our strengths and there's a time and place for everything.' Next month, Whittaker will have to take a step back from family life as he takes on Dutchman Reinier de Ridder in Abu Dhabi. Whittaker, 34, enjoys a 26-8 win-loss MMA record, compared to his Dutch opponent's 20-2 record. The middleweights headline UFC Fight Night at the Etihad Arena on July 26. De Ridder made an impressive debut in the UAE Warriors by knocking out Magomedmurad Khasaev in the first round and was immediately signed by the UFC. He is undefeated in three appearances in the world's lead MMA promotion, ending all of them without inside the distance. 'I look forward to hard fights. They bring the best out of me. Obviously, the crowd and the fans enjoy it. But I like the test,' Whittaker said of his upcoming fight. 'I'm not here to fight chumps. I'm here to fight the best. He's well put together. He's got a good skill set. He's high calibre. So, I look forward to putting on a show.' Whittaker believes success against De Ridder will take him closer to another title shot. 'Yes, victory against RDR pushes me in the path towards gold. That's what I'm trying to head for. That's the direction I want to head to. It makes me a better fighter,' he said. Whittaker will look into his opponent's fighting skills and the challenges he may pose, but believes he will make his own assessment of De Ridder closer to the contest. 'I don't do too much research up until a little closer to the fight night. I let my coaching staff do that, so that I work on skill sets without any predisposition in my head,' he added. 'And once this week, next week, the week after, I'll do my own research and then everything will just click and fall into place.' Whittaker returns to the octagon for the first time since a first-round defeat to Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC 308 co-main event in Abu Dhabi last October. There, Chimaev handed Whittaker a chastening defeat, crushing several of his teeth in the process. 'Outstanding,' he said of his preparation for De Ridder. 'I got that last month to sharpen up. I'm looking forward to getting in there and looking forward to going back to Abu Dhabi. 'I love fighting over there. So yeah, everything's in place and I'm going to be coming in fight week at 100 per cent.' I love fighting in Abu Dhabi. I jump at the opportunity. Any opportunity I'm given to fight in Abu Dhabi Robert Whittaker Whittaker hopes to arrive in Abu Dhabi 10 days before the fight; this will be his fourth visit to the capital. 'I love fighting in Abu Dhabi. I jump at the opportunity. Any opportunity I'm given to fight in Abu Dhabi, I take it because I just … I know the area now,' he said. 'I know how I got my set-up, my plans for when we get in, and where we're going to train, who we're going to work with. And I know everything's done well and professionally. So I always look forward to the opportunity of fighting there.' Whittaker has come a long way in combat sports, after moving on from rugby league in his younger days. 'I've always been in combat sports,' he said. 'I don't think I played a lot of rugby league when I was younger. Honestly, that's what I thought I'd be doing professionally, but then kind of branched off into MMA, and I'm glad I did. I did all right. 'Right now my trade is combat sports. After I finish up at UFC, I will probably look to do some jiu-jitsu, some coaching. 'I'm not sure if I'll compete anymore after that. I'll cross that bridge when we get there. I've got some things to do still while I'm active.' And the first of those on his 'to-do' list is the fight in the UAE next month. Preparation for bouts is pretty much routine: gradually move away from the comfort of home and get into fight mode. 'I stay with my family the entire time, but once I leave for the fight, the closer I get to the fight naturally, I start to hone into those instincts and that headspace of what needs to be done,' he said. 'As the weight starts to come off ... it's natural for me now. I've been doing it for so long, and I've been in the sport for so long that it happens naturally. You know, I don't really need to think. 'I want to get that title. That's what I'm fighting for. I'm doing everything in my power to beat RDR and that'll push me in the direction that I need to go to get rematches or fights with people that are holding the strap.' Whittaker will not be completely alone in his journey in Abu Dhabi as his family will join him for the contest. 'I can't wait to come out there once again, put on a show, bring my family this time so they can enjoy the area as well ... I look forward to it.'
What's On
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Wael Kfoury is performing live at Dubai Opera this weekend
A love song you can't stop humming, a voice you've grown up with and a night you'll want to be at. Wael Kfoury is performing live at Dubai Opera on Saturday, June 22, and it's set to be a special one. Wael Kfoury 101 Wael is a big deal, if you didn't already know. Since the '90s, he's been at the heart of the Arabic music scene, with a long list of chart-topping tracks and millions of devoted fans across the region. With a career spanning over three decades, Wael has built a reputation as one of the Arab world's most enduring musical legends. From passionate ballads to feel-good hits, his songs are woven into the soundtracks of many lives. Dubbed the 'King of Romance,' he's known for pairing deep lyrics with that deep voice – warm, steady, and full of feeling. His live shows? Always packed. Always electric. The music From early hits like El Bint El Awiye and Omri Kellou to more recent favourites like Law Hobna Ghalta and Qalbe Meshtaq , Wael's sound blends contemporary Arabic pop with unmistakable classical roots. He's a balladeer at heart – and when he hits those long notes live, it's goosebumps. The event Whether you've been there from the days of the cassette tape or jumped on board more recently, Wael's music hits deep. Presented by Moments Events, the Lebanese star returns to Dubai for a one-night-only concert inside the city's most iconic venue. Expect a mix of nostalgia, power ballads, and pure charisma. The venue Dubai Opera doesn't really do average nights out. Set in the heart of Downtown, it's the city's go-to for world-class concerts, theatre, and shows. The venue itself is a design marvel, and whether you've been before or it's your first visit, a night here always feels like a special occasion – it's the perfect place for a concert like this. The details Location: Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai Time: Sunday, June 22, doors open 8pm Tickets: Starting at Dhs350, available via More big names If you're planning your concert calendar, the UAE is stacked: Jennifer Lopez at Etihad Arena on July 29, Lil Baby on October 18, Elissa at Dubai Opera on November 3, Enrique Iglesias in November, and Katy Perry closing the year in December. Images: Getty Images > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Forbes
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Holloway Plans To Spoil Poirier's Retirement Then Fight For UFC Title
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 26: Max Holloway prepares to face Ilia Topuria of Spain in ... More the UFC featherweight championship fight during the UFC 308 event at Etihad Arena on October 26, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Max Holloway faces Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 318. Most of the focus on the trilogy bout between the two has been on the fact that the contest is being billed as Poirier's retirement fight. While Holloway understands that, he sees the matchup as his route to another title fight, this one in the UFC lightweight division. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 11: Max Holloway is seen on stage during the UFC 300 press conference at ... More MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) "I respect Dustin," Holloway said on his YouTube channel (via MMA Junkie) . "He's fought a who's who, and he did everything you could ask for someone to do in this sport. But at the end of the day, it's not even about fighting. It's about respecting Dustin as a man. He's a great guy. He's a good guy. I've got nothing but respect for him, and I can't wait to share the octagon yet again with him. "I know this is Dustin's retirement fight, and he's trying to ride into the sunset, but he can go and do that, and it might be a little bit sad, because I'm going to go out there and get my hand raised. ... Hell of guy, great guy, awesome that it's his retirement fight, but I'm here to spoil his plans and get my hand raised because I'm still going to be here when he's riding off in the sunset. I'm still going to be here. I want to still go get an undisputed title, so I've got to go out and make a statement." "The only message that I'm trying to send is I'm still here," Holloway added. "I know this is Dustin's retirement fight, but his last fight was for a title. I still have title contentions in my mind. Couple weeks before us, there's a title fight at 155 and I've got history with both men. At the end of the day, I go out there and do my thing, I make a statement, I get a statement win, who's to say your boy not fighting for the 155 undisputed title at the end of the year? First things first is Dustin Poirier. I'm not overlooking him. This is his retirement fight. He is taking it serious. Everybody keeps reminding me that he's 2-0. The internet and everywhere all around is saying, 'Why?' I'm going to show you why. I'm going to show you why I got this fight, and I'm going to show the fans why you want to see this fight." The UFC 155-pound title that will be decided a 'couple weeks before' UFC 318 is the UFC 317 matchup between former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and ex-lightweight champ Charles Oliveira for the title that Islam Makhachev left vacant when he decided to more to welterweight. Topuria knocked out Holloway at UFC 308 in October 2024 in his second and final defense of his UFC featherweight crown. Holloway defeated Oliveira in a UFC Fight Night main event in 2015, winning the featherweight fight by TKO (injury) in the first round. NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 01: Dustin Poirier is introduced before in his lightweight bout against ... More Islam Makhachev of Russia during UFC 302 at Prudential Center on June 01, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by) Poirier (30-9-0-1) has been a UFC fighter since 2011. At the time he had a 7-1 record. Between 2011 and 2018, Poirier went 16-4-0-1, picking up notable wins over Max Holloway, Bobby Green, Jim Miller, Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje, and Eddie Alvarez. His losses during that stretch came to The Korean Zombie, Cub Swanson, Conor McGregor, and Michael Johnson. Poirier's wins over Miller, Pettis, Gaethje, and Alvarez set him up to fight for the interim UFC lightweight title against then-UFC featherweight titleholder Max Holloway. Poirier was the No. 3 ranked fighter in the UFC 155-pound division at the time, April 2019. Poirier claimed the interim crown with a decision win. In September 2019, Poirier faced Khabib Nurmagomedov in a title unification bout. Nurmagomedov won that contest by third-round submission. Three wins after that, including two TKO victories over Conor McGregor, put Poirier in another lightweight title fight. He lost that battle to Charles Oliveira, falling to a rear-naked choke in the third round of their December 2021 matchup. The 36-year-old Poirier is 2-2 since that setback with wins over Michael Chandler and Benoit Saint Denis. Poirier's losses during that run came against Justin Gaethje for the BMF title and, most recently, opposite Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title at UFC 302 in June 2024. Poirier has 15 fight-night bonus awards, which ties him for fourth all-time in that category. Poirier is the No. 5 ranked UFC lightweight. ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 26: Max Holloway prepares to face Ilia Topuria of Spain in ... More the UFC featherweight championship fight during the UFC 308 event at Etihad Arena on October 26, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Max Holloway (26-8) has been with the UFC since 2012. If there's a stat that the UFC tracks, chances are Holloway is among the leaders. He holds the UFC featherweight record for wins (20), finishes (11), knockouts (nine), win streak (13 straight), total fight time (6:58:57), significant strikes landed (2,971), and total strikes landed (3,180). Holloway's overall UFC records include significant strikes landed (3,457) and total strikes landed (3,706). Holloway's run as UFC featherweight champ began in June 2017 when he knocked out Jose Aldo. Holloway entered that contest as the interim champ, a belt he won by knocking out Anthony Pettis in December 2016. He defended his title against Aldo (TKO), Brian Ortega (TKO), and Frankie Edgar (decision). He also attempted to win the interim UFC lightweight belt during that run, but he fell short, dropping a decision to Dustin Poirier. Holloway's championship run ended in December 2019 when Alexander Volkanovski beat him by decision. Volkanovski retained the title in an immediate rematch. Wins over Calvin Kattar and Yair Rodriguez earned Holloway another shot at Volkanovski and his title in July 2022, but the champ retained his belt with a decision win. Holloway followed that setback with wins over Arnold Allen, the Korean Zombie, and Justin Gaethje. The Gaethje victory, a fight that many voted 'Fight of the Year' and 'Knockout of the Year,' earned Holloway the BMF title. That fight took place at 155 pounds. Holloway followed his BMF title win with the first knockout loss of his career, falling to Ilia Topuria in a UFC featherweight title fight in October 2024. Holloway is the No. 1 fighter in the official UFC featherweight rankings. He is also ranked at No. 4 at 155 pounds and sits at No. 12 in the pound-for-pound rankings. ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 13: (R-L) Dustin Poirier reacts after defeating Max Holloway in their interim ... More lightweight championship bout during the UFC 236 event at State Farm Arena on April 13, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) Poirier is 2-0 against Holloway. They first met in a featherweight scrap at UFC 143 in February 2012. The bout was Holloway's fifth pro fight and first as a member of the UFC. He was 4-0 heading into the contest. Meanwhile, Poirier had been with the WEC/UFC for two years by then with a 11-1 pro record. Poirier won that fight, and earned Submission of the Night, for his first-round triangle armbar stoppage. The two faced off for the second time in April 2019 at UFC 236. That matchup was for the interim UFC lightweight title. Poirier won that 'Fight of the Night' bonus-winning scrap. Poirier failed to unify the title, losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov by submission at UFC 242 in September 2019. We will have more on UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3 as fight night nears.
The National
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Why Mamma Mia! still resonates globally 26 years after its West End stage debut
With over 25 years of success trailing its reputation across the globe, Mamma Mia! hits the stage at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena for the first time, with heart and splendour to spare. On opening night, fans of the musical arrived in island-inspired outfits centred on the Greece-set show, and danced in the aisles when the well-known Abba songs kicked into gear. Richard Standing, who plays Sam Carmichael – one of protagonist Sophie Sheridan's three dads – says the show is still relevant 26 years after it debuted in London's West End because its themes resonate with everyone. 'The fact that it's about old people who need to find love, young people finding all forms of love, and sorting out complications of what a family can be – these things are universal, they speak to everyone,' Standing tells The National. Over the past two decades, Standing has seen an evolution in Mamma Mia! 's audience. When it started, he saw mostly young women bringing along their often-reluctant partners, both of whom would always end up dancing together. But after the film adaptation, starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried released in 2008, the target audience grew far more diverse, attracting men and women young and old. 'That film did the show a lot of favours. It brought six-year-olds, 16, 36, 66 and 96-year-olds. I've seen four or five generations of people,' says Standing. What makes it more special is the cast's connection with the audience during the performance. 'You can't beat live theatre. You can't beat that feeling. It's indescribable,' says Ellie Kingdon, who plays Sophie Sheridan. 'I hope it's going to be received well here. We've never been to Abu Dhabi before, but the vibe we have already is amazing,' she adds. For an international performance, which has staged 50 productions in several languages and over 400 cities, Mamma Mia! 's cast have been at the forefront of absorbing cultural nuances in their audience's behaviour during the show. Standing, who has performed in over 40 countries, including twice in Dubai and once in Amman, says the varying reactions keep things fun. 'The best bit about an international tour is the people. In the end, everybody loves the story, because who doesn't love a story about love? Love is the answer. 'The things that we share are so much greater than the things that are different,' he adds. 'Thank You for the Music' One of the most integral parts of Mamma Mia! is its soundtrack, encompassing more than 20 Abba songs throughout. Stuart Reid, who plays Harry Bright – another one of Sophie's fathers – says Abba's music is a cornerstone of pop culture, constantly renewing itself in different ways, creating 'universal appeal' for the show. 'We go to many countries where English isn't the mother tongue, but the show gets the same response because it's about the story and the music,' he says. By the end of the show, when the cast sing Waterloo, Mamma Mia and Dancing Queen during the encore, everybody in the audience is up on their feet and dancing, soaking in the final moments of a memorable performance, says Bob Harms, who plays Bill Austin. 'We just want people to enjoy, and I have no doubt everywhere we go, people do,' he says. So, which of the three is the father? Mamma Mia! 's flair and charm would not be nearly what it is now without the mystery of who Sophie's real father is. While fans of the show love to speculate, the answer has not been revealed – yet. However, for Kingdon, the most special scenes in the show are the intimate moments with each of her fathers. 'There are some really interesting moments where you see the shift in Sophie's story, and I think they're my favourite parts to play.' Each of the three male leads has their own take, too. 'I used to mind this when I was younger, but the whole point of the musical is that a family can be anything. In the end, it doesn't really matter because all three of them decide to share that responsibility,' says Stanning, who marries Sophie's mother, Donna, in the story. However, he adds with a mischievous gleam in his eye: 'But yes, of course, it is me.' Reid believes the show is not about who the father is, but rather about the three men who want to be in Sophie's life, each believing they are her true father. 'We're all in this journey together,' he says. Mamma Mia! movie.
