News: Formula 1: All roads lead to Abu Dhabi this Saturday as Pharrell, Rita Ora et al hit the stage

Are you in the UAE and wondering what to do this weekend?
Then save the date, Saturday November 22, 2014 there's gonna be a massive concert!
Playing the main stage on Saturday November 22 is perhaps the hottest commodity in music right now. Pharrell Williams has been around for what seems like forever, spearheading N*E*R*D and The Neptunes, but it’s only in the past year the producer and all-round music maestro has catapulted himself to the top of the solo charts. ‘Blurred Lines’ (in collaboration with Robin Thicke), ‘Get Lucky’ (in collaboration with Daft Punk) and ‘Happy’ are still three of the biggest songs on the radio months after their initial release, making 2013 and 2014 all about Pharrell – expect to hear all three chart toppers as well as a host of other hits. Pharrell is currently on his Dear G I R L tour in Europe, his du Arena gig will be his first visit to Abu Dhabi. The man of a thousand oversized Stetson hats will appeal to all the family – we wouldn’t be surprised if this was the biggest gig of the weekend.

Rita Ora
Rita Ora has risen sensationally to the top of the UK music industry in under three years. Concert goers on Saturday are bound to hear Rita’s three number one singles from 2012 ‘How We Do (Party)’, ‘R.I.P’ and ‘Hot Right Now’ as well as 2014 smash hit ‘I Will Never Let You Down’ and possibly other tracks from her upcoming second album. Who knows, we might even get a couple of bars of ‘Black Widow’, the Izzy Azalea song that has been dominating the charts for months, as Rita is featured on the track. Expect an energetic performance – for many this will be the highlight of the Yasalam festival.

Tinashe
The 21-year-old singer, songwriter, and performer Tinashe is coming to Abu Dhabi with a distinct and dynamic vision of her individual sound. A mix of RnB punctuated by hip-hop attitude, pop flavour, rock swagger, and electronica spark, the set will go down well with the crowd on the beach.

Sabine
She’s been named as a ‘Best Rising Star’ by Universal Studios, following in the footsteps of names such as Rihanna and Mariah Carey, so big things are expected for Lebanese-born singer and dancer, Sabine. She has a gifted vocal range and uses her talents to recreate Arab romance and dance music, which will be popular with UAE residents.

Ragheb Alama

Lebanese superstar, Ragheb Alama, is probably the most famous and popular singer and composer in the Arab world, with several chart-topping hits and a platinum album, Baa’sha’ak. Alama is also the head judge on Arab Idol. His set is sure to be well-received by UAE residents and visitors to the city.

Juliana Down

Juliana Down is perhaps the most well-known UAE produced, home-grown rock band. Dia Hassan (vocals/guitar) and Sari Ramadan (guitar) have now established themselves as an international act who is paving the way for more local talent from the UAE to follow.
Having already played with Muse, Guns N’ Roses and Maroon 5, the guys are no strangers to the main stage. Expect a rocking set from start to finish, the passion and energy of the band is sure to resonate with the Beats on the Beach crowd.November 20-22. Live on the Corniche. activities have moved from East Plaza to West Plaza and Lagoon Beach, Abu Dhabi Corniche. For more details visit www.yasalam.ae.