Concert of the year

George Michael and Alicia Keys fans are being urged to buy their tickets quickly, ahead of the artists' performance being held in Abu Dhabi this Monday, as part of the National Day celebrations.

According to the events organisers, Flash, tickets for the Zayed Sports City Stadium concert are selling faster than expected and many categories are nearly sold out.

Since it was announced that this was set to be Michael's final live performance of his current world tour – which, according to international reports is rumoured to be the legendary singer's last – sales through www.boxofficeme.com, Virgin Megastores and selected outlets across the UAE have exceeded all expectations, with thousands of fans across the region purchasing tickets. It is thought to be the biggest concert ever to be held in the UAE. The significance of the event has even been felt all over the Middle East and Europe, with Flash reportedly taking a number of calls from fans in the United Kingdom looking for tickets, flights and accommodation in the capital.

John Lickrish, Managing Director of Flash said in a statement: "To be honest, we have been blown over by the response from the region's music fans. It's quite clear that the combination of George Michael's final live performance, Alicia Keys' appearance, the affordability of the ticket prices and the National Day public holiday on December 2 have all contributed to what is fast approaching a sell-out concert."

Additionally, for the first time in the UAE, mobile telephone provider, du, which is the concert's official telecom partner, has released exclusive downloadable mobile content of the artists through portal MyWorld, which is available to all users. The mobile content includes exclusive music videos and ring tones, which cannot be accessed anywhere else. While Michael has been busy performing all over the globe, R&B and soul singer Keys has been perfecting her career. Since her last performance in the UAE in 2005 at Dubai Media City she has released her third studio album, As I Am, and the 27-year-old singer-songwriter-pianist 's career has gone from strength to strength.

She has also enjoyed hits with No One, Like You'll Never See Me Again, Teenage Love Affair, and Superwoman. Moreover, Keys' duet with White Stripes frontman Jack White for the latest Bond film, Quantum of Solace, entitled Another Way to Die proved to be the biggest Bond-themed hit in recent times. In fact, it became only the 13th Bond tune to gain a place on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, over the last 43 years, a run that started with Shirley Bassey's Goldfinger in 1965. Most recently, the Grammy-winning artist was the big winner at the American Music Awards, taking home two gongs. She concluded this year's show with a stunning performance of Superwoman, where she was joined by singer-actress Queen Latifah and opera star Kathleen Battle.



George Michael and Alicia Keys Live in Abu Dhabi December 1. Zayed Sports City Stadium. Tickets start from Dh195. Call: 04 367 6520



The story of a legend

George Michael has enjoyed one of the most successful and enduring careers in the history of pop music, having sold over 110 million records worldwide and achieved seven US number one singles, 11 number one British singles and six number one albums.

Originally starting out as the frontman of 1980s duo Wham!, Michael went solo in 1987 with Faith, which became one of the best selling albums of all time, as well as the first album to produce six top five singles in the United States. To date, it has sold an impressive 20 million copies worldwide.

In the 25 years of his musical career, Michael, now 45, has played some of the biggest and most important concerts in history, including Live Aid, the Nelson Mandela Freedom Concert and the Freddie Mercury Tribute.



15,000 parking spaces

Shakira's 2007 visit to Dubai was officially the biggest concert in the UAE, with 25,000 fans making their way to the Dubai Autodrome to see the Columbian-Lebanese singer and dancer in action.

However, George Michael and Alicia Keys' upcoming gig at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi is set to thrash that record, with 30,000 attendees expected to make their way to the capital.

According to concert organisers Flash, this will be one of the biggest concerts to ever arrive in the Middle East. However, organisers are ensuring that the necessary precautions are taken so everything runs smoothly on the night, and that no one misses out on the live action.

However, to ensure you get there on time, it is advisable that you leave early to avoid traffic problems. Doors open at 6.30pm, while the show starts at 8.30pm.

Additionally, there are 15,000 parking spaces available, so if you're going with family or friends, make sure you share a car. Finally, drive safe, and have fun.