Abu Dhabi rolled out the red carpet at Yas Marina Circuit on Wednesday for the regional premiere of F1 The Movie.
In a purpose-built cinema set up directly on the track, actors and influencers in the UAE, along with key figures from the emirate’s sport and creative sectors, were among the first to see the highly anticipated film.
While stars Brad Pitt, Damson Idris and Kerry Condon, along with director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, were unable to attend in person, the team sent a virtual message from London thanking Abu Dhabi for its support in bringing the film to life.
Pitt said: “As a huge fan of Formula One, to be here shooting on the iconic Yas Marina Circuit with our incredibly talented local crew was an amazing experience.”
Idris added: “To the people of Abu Dhabi, thank you for your unparalleled hospitality. You left us all with memories we'll treasure throughout our careers.”
The film follows ageing racer Sonny Hayes (Pitt), who returns for the second half of a Formula One season 30 years after a race nearly killed him. He's there to help his former teammate-turned-team owner secure a win by the end of the season so the board can't force a sale.
Abu Dhabi's role in the film is no mere cameo. As in real life, the final race of the season is held in the emirate, making it crucial to the team's fate. As a result, the film's thrilling and lengthy climactic sequence is set entirely on Yas Marina Circuit.
The movie's director also thanked Abu Dhabi's leadership for their “unwavering support” throughout the 29-day shoot, with filming taking place during both the 2023 and 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Kosinski cited the Creative Media Authority and Abu Dhabi Film Commission as key partners in bringing production to the UAE, with Bruckheimer adding that Yas Marina Circuit and the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism “showed us the best of Abu Dhabi while we visited”.
F1 The Movie is being released today in cinemas across the Middle East
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Nancy 9 (Hassa Beek)
Nancy Ajram
(In2Musica)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
MATCH INFO
Barcelona 2
Suarez (10'), Messi (52')
Real Madrid 2
Ronaldo (14'), Bale (72')
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
|
1.
|
United States
|
|
2.
|
China
|
|
3.
|
UAE
|
|
4.
|
Japan
|
|
5
|
Norway
|
|
6.
|
Canada
|
|
7.
|
Singapore
|
|
8.
|
Australia
|
|
9.
|
Saudi Arabia
|
|
10.
|
South Korea
|
Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush
Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”
A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.
“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”
The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits
Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Storage: 128/256/512GB
Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps
Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID
Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight
In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
Price: From Dh2,099
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
