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Prepare to get lovestoned

The American pop star is performing in the Middle East for the first time, the concert being the last in his 19 months long Future Sex/Love Show world tour, which covered 60 countries.

The concert, sponsored by Mubadala Company and Aldar Properties, will be opened by the UAE based rock band Juliana Down, at 8 pm, while Timberlake will be on the stage one hour later.

This is not just the first performance of the pop artist in the UAE, but also his first visit here. "I've only seen Abu Dhabi in the map before, but to experience it in real life is so amazing! It is an incredible place that is still growing and I'm sure the international music industry will grow with it," said Timberlake, adding that he will put a good word for Abu Dhabi to his fellow pop stars.

He was also very impressed with the concert setting by the seaside, which he said reminded him of his hometown in Mississippi, Memphis.

In a nostalgic mood, Timberlake also revealed that one of his all-times favourite bands is the Eagles. "I have a broad band of the musical spectrum, though and I like all kind of musical styles, from Frank Sinatra to Prince", added Timberlake.

Capital gets ready for Timberlake

HYPE SURROUNDING the concert reached fever-pitch with 13,500 fans having bought tickets to see the multi-award winning pop artist perform.

Timberlake has already played to sold out arenas in over 60 countries and, in what is a new record for the UAE capital, where tickets were sold out in just two hours.

Justin Timberlake, said: "I am overwhelmed with how people have reacted to my arrival here in Abu Dhabi. I can't wait to sample the local cuisine and perform in front of a great crowd."

The concert will open its doors at 4pm with a start time of 9pm. Abu Dhabi-based rock group, Juliana Down, who were recently voted the ‘UAE’s Favorite Band’, will kick-start the entertainment at 8pm.

Working in close coordination with the Abu Dhabi Police, concert organisers have ensured that all the necessary measures are in place for the safety and security of the fans, as well as smooth and continuous traffic movement in and out of the outdoor concert site on that day.

To accommodate the expected volume of vehicles arriving at the West Park of the Emirates Palace, a purpose built 7,000-bay car park area has been built directly across from the concert site.

IMG, producers of the event, has also asked all fans to familiarise themselves with the procedures surrounding the concert by visiting the website (www.justintimberlake.ae) to ease entry.

IMG has asked all concert goers to ensure they have a hard copy of their ticket before entering the premises as those without will not be granted entry. Also, for those that have purchased tickets online, they should go directly to the dedicated box office located in the main lobby of Emirates Palace. A form of identification such as a driving license should be carried.

In addition, all recording equipment such as video and still image cameras will not be allowed on site.