DUBAI: We went, we saw, we were conquered. Patricia from the Philippines simply said it was “the most awesome concert” she has ever seen. Aaron from Dubai, in one word, said it was “epic”. As for me, I still haven’t got back from Yas Island where on Tuesday night I witnessed Metallica rock our socks off.

Image Credit: © XPRESS/Abdel-Krim Kallouche

Playing to an audience of nearly 30,000, the world’s biggest rock band delivered a performance that must rank as the best rock act so far in the region’s rock history. Despite being on the World Magnetic Tour since October 2008 the band were far from sounding tour-weary. In fact, they were in for a surprise: they found inspiration in Abu Dhabi, in the chanting of passionate metalheads from countries across the Middle East.

Following the customary The Ecstasy of God intro, the act kicked off, rather exploded, with Creeping Death. The force of it grabbed the audience by the throat and set the night on lava. Then came For Whom The Bell Tolls, Fuel, and Ride The Lightning in a row.

James Hetfield was so moved by fans’ response he repeatedly thanked the “Metallica family” for the support and minced no words in declaring “Metallica loves Abu Dhabi”. More info

The ADNIC Yas Run, the first 10km running event to be held at Yas Marina Circuit, may still be a few months away, but it has already sparked a friendly exchange of banter between Khadeejah Sani and her younger brother Mohammad.

The African-American sibling pair who moved to Dubai 11 years ago but currently study in the United States will both feature in the event’s highlight, the 10km run, which takes place on November 26.

And Khadeejah believes she will enter the run as the underdog in the battle for domestic bragging rights. “The thing is I play football, my brother is a more dedicated runner,” said 23-year-old Khadeejah. “And I play in the forward position so I’m more used to short sprints, so it’s definitely me who needs to practise more.”

Mohammad, 19, said the brother-sister duel could best be described as the fabled battle between ‘the hare and the tortoise’. “She’s more the sprinter so it’s kind of like the race between the hare and the tortoise. She’s the hare and I’m the tortoise. It’s speed versus endurance, and I think endurance is going to win this one,” he said.

However, Khadeejah has drawn inspiration from her brother in her aim to push him all the way. “As I said, he’s more dedicated to running, but seeing him practise has spurred me to get out of bed every morning even though it’s summer vacation,” she said.

While both have to return to the US for their respective academic courses, Khadeejah said they are trying to sort out their class schedules to avoid any clash with the event.

Interested runners will have the option of joining the Sani siblings for the 10km run or compete in a team relay.

The event, a joint venture by Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC) and Yas Marina Circuit, is aimed at attracting runners of all abilities and also features a 3km run for children aged between 12 and 15 and a 1km run for children aged between eight and 11.

A fortnight after world champion Sebastian Vettel and other Formula One stars have finished zooming around the track at the 2011 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, participants of the 10km and 3km events will start from the official F1 starting grid before finishing under the chequered flag.

“It’s going to be really exciting to run on the race track,” said Khadeejah. “It will have a whole new outlook.”

More than 1,200 Emirati students in grades 9 through 11 will benefit from “Skills for Life”, a summer program launched by Abu Dhabi Center for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Actvet).

The three-week program is free of charge. Disciplines will include training in the English language, engineering design, computer technology, aviation, health sciences, physical education and cultural activities.

The program is organised by the Institute of Applied Technology (IAT), Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute (Adveti) and Emirates Skills according to Mubarak Al Shamsi, Deputy Director General of Actvet. It will be given in 15 educational institutions from July 3 to July 26.

Each institute will offer a number of disciplines.

“IAT for instance will focus on developing English language skills, technological skills, web design, robotics design and computer technology while Al Ain International Aviation Academy will provide courses in design and maintenance of aircrafts and engines. Fatima College of Health and Sciences will offer courses on first aid and emergency skills, pharmaceutical, safe medicines’ use, safety and health standards in hospitals and healthy life practices. Al Jaheli Institute of Science and Technology in Al Ain will convey courses in photography, computer hardware and network design, interior design and fashion,” Al Shamsi said.

The Yas Marina Circuit will present courses in electronic design of race cars and safe driving, will also provide introduction to Formula 1, and some hand-on experience in changing tires during a competition. The program will also include developing students’ leadership skills, communal values and team work.

Students can also enrol in any of the institutions online.

“This is a unique high value caliber program that aims to discover creative skills of Emiratis in technology, aviation and health sciences,” said Dr Abdullatif Al Shamsi, IAT Managing Director.

“We want to develop these talents in the most advanced educational techniques to attract our young workforce towards new specialties needed in the market today,” he  added.

Educational institutions offering the program

• IAT branches in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain (male and female campuses) Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah
• Fatima College of Health and Sciences
• Al Ain International Aviation Academy
• Al Jazirah Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi
• Al Jaheli Institute of Science and Technology in Al Ain (male and female)
• Baynounah Institute of Science and Technology in the Western Region
• Al Farazdaq school in Delma Island
• Yas Marina Circuit

Tickets for November’s Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix have been sold ahead of target by four weeks after going on sale, holding out the possibility of another sell-out event.

“We’re delighted with the way ticket sales are going,” said Richard Cregan, Chief Executive Officer of Yas Marina Circuit, which will host the race on November 11-13.

“This is turning out to be an incredibly exciting Formula 1 season, and I think we can expect a thrilling race at Yas. We still have tickets available in all the grandstands, but they are selling fast. Now is the time to buy, before people find their preferred area is no longer available.”

Located on Yas Island, the Yas Marina Circuit boasts technologically advanced motor racing facilities.

The circuit debuted on October 30, 2009, with the final race of the FIA Formula One World Championship — the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to a crowd of around 50,000.

Tickets went on sale globally on April 28 and 55 per cent had been sold by yesterday, with the bulk of buyers living in the UAE and Europe. The 20 per cent discount on grandstand tickets expires on May 31.

Flash Entertainment books Armin van Buuren for a summer showdown spectacular on June 30 at Flash Forum, Yas Island

With the temperature rising clubbers are forced into the cool indoors, but the heat is still on in Abu Dhabi.

Flash Entertainment has booked Armin van Buuren for a summer showdown spectacular on June 30 at Flash Forum, Yas Island.

Buuren, who played in Dubai last year, has been voted the world’s most popular DJ in the prestigious DJ Mag Top 100 poll for three consecutive years and has built a career as one of the hottest dance DJs and producers.

Promoting his fourth album Mirage, which was released in September last year, Buuren is expected to sell out in the capital.

Tickets, priced Dh250 and Dh395 for VIP standing, are available at 800 FLASH (35274) or thinkflash.ae.

When she found out that her best friend was diagnosed with leukaemia and that ther are currently no compatible bone marrow matches, 14-year-old Nadeen Eisa decided to organise a walkathon to raise awareness.

“We are more than friends, we’re sisters…I’ve known Malaq since she was born because our families are close friends. When she was diagnosed it was a shock, even though there were already some hints that something was wrong,” Nadeen, a Palestinian-American expatriate, said.

According to the National Cancer Institute in the United States, leukaemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as bone marrow and causes large numbers of white blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream.

Six-year-old Malaq, an American-Egyptian expatriate, and her parents began searching for a bone marrow match, but so far their efforts have not been successful.

Nadeen wanted to be a donor, but after being told that she had to be at least 18 to do so, she began searching for other ways to help.

“We created a Facebook page and were surprised by the positive reactions we received…about a month ago I even contacted the Sharjah Blood Bank and the Ministry of Health to ask them to support us and when they said they would, I felt I had accomplished something great,” the American Community School pupil said.

The Circle of Life walkathon took place on Saturday at the Yas Marina Circuit.

It was attended by Dr Hanif Hassan, Minister of Health, and Dr Ameen Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Health Practices and Licences in the Ministry of Health, and director of the ministry’s Blood Transfusion and Research Centre in Sharjah, as well as fellow pupils from ACS and members of the public.

In Abu Dhabi for a business meeting? And you’ve heard so much about the emirate that you want to extend your stay by another two days to look around, but are unsure how to go about it?

Help is at hand. Here’s an itinerary to make the most of a 36-hour tour of the UAE capital covering all its major attractions.

3pm Desert encounters
Friday: For a different kind of desert safari, try Al Badeyah Eyes Tourism’s new camp, nestled in the dunes of Al Khazna. It offers modern amenities with five permanent tents, with beds and bathrooms, and a traditional majlis tent for activities. The emphasis is on providing an authentic Emirati experience that offers insight into UAE customs, with cultural performances, camel rides and falcon shows, as well as dune bashing, quad biking and sand skiing.

Or if you’re tired of the desert, prowl the newly opened Arabian souq in the Central Market for local and regional products, from jewellery and carpets to antiques and clothes.

9pm Local flavour
Return to civilisation in time for dinner at the UAE’s first fine-dining restaurant devoted to Emirati cuisine, Mezlai, at Emirates Palace. The menu offers 20-30 traditional dishes and about 80 variations on local recipes. For that authentic local taste, try hamour machbous (fish cooked with onions and dried lime served over spiced rice), harees (a dish of ground wheat and meat) or the fusion version of jisheed made of boiled shark meat sautéed with spices and onions.

If you like trying different cuisines, Abu Dhabi has a lot of options. Step into Abdel Wahab at the Souq at Qaryat Al Beri for good Lebanese food, or Asha’s at Khalidiya Mall for Indian fare.

10am Architectural treasure
Saturday: Begin the day with a visit to the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Drawing inspiration from various architectural styles, including Moroccan and Turkish, the 22,412-square-metre mosque has 82 domes and accommodates more than 40,000 worshippers. Its interiors are truly awe-inspiring, with the main prayer hall featuring the world’s biggest chandelier and the largest hand-knotted carpet. Also check out its new library, home to some 5,000 titles spanning Arabic and Islamic eras. Highlights include copies of the Quran printed in Europe between 1537 and 1857.

12 noon Snapshot
Drive down Khaleej Al Arabi Street to see a modern-day challenger to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Capital Gate, developed by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, has been certified as the world’s furthest leaning man-made tower by Guinness World Records. The 160-metre, 35-storey tower leans 18 degrees westwards — four times further than the tower of Pisa — and makes a great holiday snap.

2pm Ride of your life
After a light lunch, head out to Yas Island, the emerging entertainment destination of the UAE capital. Located on the island is Ferrari World, the largest indoor theme park, which boasts Formula Rossa — the world’s fastest roller coaster reaching speeds of up to 240km/h. Hang on to dear life as the ride takes you up over 62 metres through the roof and back while you experience a G-force equivalent to that felt in F1 cars. The park hosts more than 20 different rides; one day’s general admission with unlimited access costs Dh225.

5pm Rev up for action
The nearby Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts racing events such as the annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, GP2 Asia Series, Australia’s V8 Supercars, and the FIA GT1 World Championship, offers a range of activities and experiences for visitors.

Feel the excitement of karting at Yas Kartzone, or if it’s a Yas Track Day, you can drive your own car down the Grand Prix circuit.

Other types of sports enthusiasts can devote the evening to some outdoor sports. Within ten minutes of Abu Dhabi International Airport is the Al Forsan International Sports Resort, where you can indulge in shooting, wakeboarding, waterskiing, horse riding, paintball and more, making it an ideal venue for people of all ages and a great way to spend a family day out.

9pm Grab a bite
Make a stop at Cipriani, set in the stunning Yas Marina and Yacht Club, overlooking the Formula One Circuit, for a quick bite. The menu features signature dishes from Harry’s Bar in Venice and classic Italian favourites.

Yas Arena, the hottest stopover on the concert circuit, is nearby, where US rapper Snoop Dogg is set to perform on May 6.

Seven champions were crowned as the first ever Pro Drag Racing series reached its climax at Yas Marina on Friday night.

Between the championship win and prize money already paid out for each of the four rounds at the Yas Drag Racing Centre, the winners and runners-up shared a total purse of Dh1.4 million.

Three of the series champions sealed their successes on Friday.

Ali Al Kaabi won the Pro Mod class with an elapsed time of just 3.858 seconds and a terminal speed of 306.86km/h, taking the series with a 170 point total.

Fadi Tammour clinched both the 4.80 Index (172 points) and Super Street 8 (106 points) championships, winning the 4.80 Index race in a Yas Super Comp in style from Qassin Rakan.

Perfect time

He recorded a perfect 0.000 reaction time in the semi-final race and just 0.014 in the final — a rare occurrence in drag racing anywhere in the world.

“My fast reaction time actually made it quite tough in both races,” Tammour said. “I knew the championship was mine anyway but I wanted to take it with four clean wins.”

The 33-year-old jeweller from Syria trained at the Yas Drag Racing School this winter, obtained his National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) licence, entered the Pro Series four days later and won every one of his four races.

The Pro Bike championship was won by Mohammad Bu Rashad with 120 points. He also won the final race with an elapsed time of 4.187 seconds and a terminal speed of 271.23km/h.

The Super Street Bike championship went to Mishari Al Turki on 140 points. Al Turki also won the final race with a time of 9.708 seconds.

The Outlaw 10.5 champion’s title went to Hussain Mohammad on 114 points. Winner on the night was Saoud Al Zibin with a time of 4.335 seconds and a speed of 280.69 km/h. Fahd Al Raessi won the Pro 6 championship title with 205 points, but the win on the night went to H. Al Tenaiji with a time of 5.26 seconds and a speed of 211.75.

Rashad Al Qubaisi, head of the Yas Drag Racing Centre, said: “This was our first professional drag racing series and I am very pleased with the outcome.

“The whole series was hotly contested and the final round delivered great entertainment for the crowd. We look forward to running a bigger and better race series next winter.”