Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: 5 December, 2011: As the Capital prepares to welcome the world’s leading DJs and artists for the biggest electronic music festival in the region, four internationally renowned spinners have taken the time out to send aspiring Arab DJs some helpful advice.

Yousef, Italoboyz, Markus Schulz and Slam, who jet in to Abu Dhabi later this week for the most anticipated electronic music fiesta the Capital has ever hosted, Creamfields Abu Dhabi, say, one of the most important things to remember is to be yourself.

Yousef, one of the most popular Arab DJs on the international circuit, said: “Following the crowd and social conformity within music is always temporary.”

Over the last few years, Yousef, an Egyptian based in the UK, has become a popular fixture on the music scene, playing worldwide to tens of thousands of party revelers. The most valuable piece of advice, he adds: “I would encourage a love for music, and make the DJ understand that being a real DJ is not a fashion accessory; it’s a passion.”

American-based German trance DJ Markus Schulz, who revolutionized trance music in the United States, had this piece of advice for aspiring young Arab spinners: “Find the groove that feels absolutely right for you and stick to it. So many DJs try to be all things to all people, and it just can’t happen. You can’t possibly have a true representation of yourself if you are trying to please every other person out there. It just isn’t possible. Find the style of music that moves and inspires you and stick to it!”

Native Italian duo Italoboyz, aka Marco Donato and Federico Marton, who are now based in London, suggested experimenting with sound and taking risks.

“Try to play music according to your real taste,” they said. “Don’t stick to the charts; try to play music that has a timeless feeling. Imagine hearing it yourself in a few years’ time and see if you will still like it. If the answer is yes, you have it.”

Slam, made up of Stuart McMillan and Orde Meikle, said: “Use the internet to build your knowledge of the multifaceted genre that is electronic dance music.”

The Glasgow-based pair, known throughout the clubbing-world for their house and techno sound, added: Choose your own path, start doing your own parties with friends, try to do radio production, and create your own record label. Finally, approach clubs to guest on nights; get busy.”

Partygoers and music lovers can see the DJs ply their trade this weekend. For the first time Creamfields Abu Dhabi 2011 will be held over two days at the YAS ARENA. Dance fans will enjoy over 24 hours of the world’s finest electronica Live and DJ talent.

Headlining the third installment of the annual electronic dance fiesta will be Tiesto, deadmau5, Magnetic Man, Ferry Corsten, Katy B, Laidback Luke, Tinie Tempa, and a host of special guests.

With multiple dance stages and arenas, as well as a host of weird and wonderful festival entertainment dotted around the YAS ARENA fields, Creamfields Abu Dhabi is now firmly established as one of the leading festivals in the region.

This year’s event is expected to attract even more with some of the hottest DJs spinning all weekend against a backdrop of cool chill out areas, VIP platforms, shisha lounges, massage areas, oxygen bars, heaps of whacky merchandise, rides, vendors and other exciting activities across the festival.

Artist line up for Thursday, December 8th includes deadmau5, Magnetic Man, Katy B, John Digweed, Ferry Cortsen, Markus Shulz, Danny Howells, Yousef, Jochen Miller plus local DJs Greg Stainer, Humaid, Pete Samplers, DJ Xavi & DJ Spider and from Audio Tonic: Mr Mr, Vas Floyd and Raxon.

Friday, December 9th will host Tiesto, Tinie Tempa, Laidback Luke, Marco Carola, Derrick Carter, Riva Starr, Slam Italoboyz, Madjam, Simonne Cooper plus local DJs Natalie Brogan, DJ Genie, Stacktrazz, Mark Pickup & Infusion Dj’s; Smokingroove, Andy Buchan, Charl Chaka and Afroboogie.

This year, to make this event even more impressive, two lucky people will get Creamfields Abu Dhabi VIP treatment, with a two day pass, backstage tour, meet and greet with select DJs and a weekend hotel stay on Yas Island. Visit www.creamfields.ae for more details.

Creamfields Abu Dhabi 2011 is a 21+ event. Tickets at www.thinkflash.ae

Make it a Weekend. Make it a Yas Island Show Weekend. For tickets visit www.thinkflash.ae. Plan your weekend at www.yasisland.com. Stay tuned for the other events and surprises happening on Yas Island this year.

12:00 NOON MONDAY 28^TH NOVEMBER

Standing, Seating and VIP Tables on sale 12:00 noon Monday 28^th November at www.thinkflash.ae

Prices start at only 325 AED with unique limited Fan Pit Early Access tickets placing fans at the very heart of the Coldplay live concert experience.

Abu Dhabi, UAE. 27 November 2011: Tickets for Coldplay’s New Year’s Eve concert in the UAE capital presented by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), and brought to the capital by FLASH Entertainment – go on sale from midday on Monday 28^th November at www.thinkflash.ae.

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 New Year’s Eve until 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.

Tickets start at 325 AED for General Admission, 495 AED for Grandstand Seating and 695 AED for Fan Pit tickets. The New Year’s Eve show will also offer fans a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity to see Coldplay up close, with a handful of 995 AED tickets granting Early Access to the Fan Pit 45 minutes before doors open.

Tickets for Coldplay’s New Year’s Eve concert are on sale tomorrow Monday November 28^th 12:00 PM UAE time, at www.thinkflash.ae. For table bookings and information call 800 FLASH (35274) or +971 4 366 2288 from outside the UAE

Travel packages will be available at www.volvooceanraceabudhabi.com

Ticket Categories information:

Fan Pit Early Access (Standing) @ 995 AED

• Standing section at the front of the stage
• Limited availability

Fan Pit (Standing) @ 695 AED

• Standing section
• Limited availability

General Admission (Standing) @ 325 AED

• Standing section behind the Fan Pit area

Grandstand (Reserved Seating) @ 495 AED

• Reserved seating on a raised platform behind all standing areas
• Limited availability

VIP table information:

VIP Silver Tables of 15 @ 15,000 AED

• Includes: 2 VIP parking pass
• Table service
• A selection of beverages

VIP Gold Tables of 15 @ 20,000 AED

• Includes: 3 VIP parking passes
• Table service
• A selection of beverages

VIP Platinum Tables of 15 @ 25,000 AED

• Includes: 4 VIP parking passes
• Premium table location
• Table service
• A selection of beverages

All tables located to the side of the Fan Pit section on raised platforms.  Prices set to reflect closeness to the stage as well as the beverage package included with the table.

COLDPLAY TO KICK OFF VOLVO OCEAN RACE & NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS IN ABU DHABI

Events

Coldplay

 

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