Abu Dhabi, UAE. 20^th November 2011: Seven-time Grammy award-winning rock band Coldplay will usher the New Year into Abu Dhabi, kick-starting the emirate’s historic hosting of the 2011/12 Volvo Ocean Race – the gruelling round-the-world yacht race, widely regarded as the ‘Everest of Sailing’.

Presented by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), and brought to the capital by FLASH Entertainment, Coldplay will perform live on December 31^st at a unique venue adjacent to the purpose-built ‘Volvo Ocean Race Destination Village’ on the Corniche Breakwater – which from 31st December 2011 till 14^th January 2012 will host the six-strong Volvo Ocean Race fleet, its sea-hardened sailors and the more than 100,000 expected fans.

Having last played to 20,000 fans in Abu Dhabi in 2009, the British band is relishing a return to the UAE capital to play for their tens of thousands of fans from across the region and beyond.

On the back of the band’s latest album ‘Mylo Xyloto’, which debuted at number one in 30 countries worldwide and smashed the record for the highest number of download sales in one week, ADTA is optimistic that Coldplay’s iconic status as arguably one of the biggest bands on the planet will significantly boost visitor numbers to the ‘Destination Village’.

And the Coldplay announcement is proof that ADTA – which is lead-managing the emirate’s Volvo Ocean Race campaign – is delivering on its pledge to make its stopover an ‘unparalleled highlight’ in the 38 year-old history of the race.

“We promised a destination hosting like no other when we began our Volvo Ocean Race campaign and the confirmation of Coldplay’s New Year’s Eve concert signals our intention to live up to that commitment. With customised travel packages for both the concert and race, we are confident that Abu Dhabi will again raise the bar as a destination of distinction for international sporting events,” said HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA.

John Lickrish, Managing Director of FLASH Entertainment, spoke of the excitement at securing the band: “In 2009, Coldplay stunned Abu Dhabi with a phenomenal performance that left us in awe. They are a simply stunning live act with a global fan base of millions, rightfully hailed as one of the biggest bands on the planet. We all know and love their catalogue of hits, but with a hot new album to perform this year, Coldplay live in Abu Dhabi is going to be one of the most memorable New Year’s Eve you’ve ever seen….anywhere! We can’t wait.”

Full details on the show will be announced shortly, including ticket prices, times, and race arena details. Tickets will be available soon at www.thinkflash.ae (make sure you’re the first to know when tickets go on sale; ‘like’ http://www.facebook.com/ThinkFlashAbuDhabi and www.facebook.com/abudhabioceanracing)

Travel packages will be available at www.volvooceanraceabudhabi.com

Flash Entertainment has done it again! Last night’s concert was a blast! It was a perfect combination to have Amr Diab , the Arab Pop sensation and Shakira , the international singer behind the hits, Waka Waka: This Time for Africa and Whenever , Wherever to perform on stage. With approximately 15,000 people of different nationalities, they were gathered last night to witness this weekend’s surprise at Yas Island. With sold-out ticket sales, it was undoubtedly the best weekend getaway anyone can have that night. From children to adults, they danced and partied to the music of these two internationally renowned performers.

It was my first time to see both of them perform, and hands down to both of them , they were really awesome! Amr Diab, made the crowd crazy when he sang his unforgettable hit, “Nur Al Ayn”. Although this is the second time that Shakira performed in Abu Dhabi, she never failed to entertain her audience. Shakira was gorgeous, especially when she moves. Seeing her perform up close was an incredible experience, and I owe this to Flash Entertainment. Here are some of the best photographs from the event.

For all the hip hop fans out there! Be ready. “The Dogg Father” Snoop Doggy Dogg will hit Yas Island! Yes, you’ve heard it right! We will Drop it Like Its Hot this weekend, May 6, 2011 at Yas Island concert grounds , Abu Dhabi. For more details please visit http://www.thinkflash.ae.

Loca Loca, Waka Waka with Shakira & Amr Diab

Events

Flash Entertainment proudly brings back to Abu Dhabi the grammy award winner singer-songwriter, Shakira! Yes she’s back and ready to entertain us with her hit songs and outrageous dance moves! Joining her for the evening will be award winner of the World Music Awards for his albums “Nour El Ain” and “Aktar Wahed” Amr Diab. Luckily, I was granted with my media pass to this very much anticipated event. I can’t wait to see her tomorrow and have a Waka Waka experience! Mark the date, its 29th of April 2011 @ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi show starts at 6:00 in the evening .See you there!