REVIEW: Metallica prove why they are still the champions of heavy metal at Abu Dhabi show

US heavy metal rockers Metallica treated their fans to a smorgasbord of their biggest hits from a career spanning 40 years. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 07 December 2025
Follow

REVIEW: Metallica prove why they are still the champions of heavy metal at Abu Dhabi show

ABU DHABI: US heavy metal rockers Metallica treated their fans to a smorgasbord of their biggest hits from a career spanning 40 years, with an energy that shows no signs of slowing down, at the Abu Dhabi Formula One after-race concert at Etihad Park.

A full-on eruption of sound and visuals, the set lasted for nearly two hours, with the sexagenarians — returning to the capital after 2013 — not stopping for any breaks. From the moment the first chords struck of their first track of the night, “Creeping Death,” James Hetfield’s vocals dominated the atmosphere, proving once again why he remains one of rock’s most commanding frontmen.

And while they entertained the crowd with hit after hit, including “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Wherever I May Roam,” and “Seek and Destroy,” they saved the best for the last, rewarding their fans with a triple treat: “One,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Enter Sandman.”

But it wasn’t just the setlist that made the night extraordinary — it was the unmatched energy. The band played like they were feeding off every cheer, every raised metal sign, every head bang. The atmosphere was simply electric, in a way that only a legacy band like Metallica can conjure at this scale.

Layered atop the music was a visual spectacle worthy of the band’s legacy. Pyro lit up the stage throughout the night — towering flames, erupting fire bursts, synchronized flashes, and animated scenes that turned the performance into a cinematic show.

Powerful, immersive, and unforgettable, Metallica’s Abu Dhabi performance was a masterclass in how a legendary band continues to dominate.
 


Saudi label KML unveils new collection in Paris

Updated 21 January 2026
Follow

Saudi label KML unveils new collection in Paris

DUBAI: Siblings Razan and Ahmed Hassan presented their Fall/Winter 2026–2027 collection at Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday, continuing the rapid rise of their KML label.

The duo has gained international recognition since launching the brand in 2022, most recently being named semifinalists for the LVMH Prize — a prestigious annual award for emerging designers.

Creative director Ahmed’s minimalist designs and sharp tailoring mean KML — owned by his sister, Razan — has built its identity around reimagining traditional Saudi garments through a contemporary lens. Jackets are paired with shawl-like elements, large leather belts recall those historically worn by Bedouin men, and skirts nod to silhouettes once worn by men in the Eastern Province, Jazan and the Hijaz.

The collection leans on wrap constructions, asymmetry and elongated proportions. (Getty Images)

The approach is reflected in the new collection, which features a restrained palette of black, white and muted earth tones, leaning on wrap constructions, asymmetry and elongated proportions.

Flowing skirts, structured wrap tops and robe-like coats dominate the lineup, with some looks referencing classical draping while others lean toward utilitarian dressing, defined by sharp shoulders, cinched waists and clean, architectural lines.

In a previous interview with Arab News, Ahmed said their grandmother was a huge influence on their lives as he and his sister grew up in Riyadh. He fondly recalled both her progressive nature and inimitable style. As a young boy, Ahmed would often accompany her to fabric shops so she could get her designs stitched by a local tailor. The experience left an impression, though fashion was not an obvious initial career path.

Ahmed studied architecture and became an intern at Zaha Hadid Architects, where he developed an appreciation for structure and form. Razan, meanwhile, pursued law at Prince Sultan University and she went on to practice full-time.

“One summer, we both realized we weren’t doing what we truly wanted to do, so I decided to go to the UK to study creative writing, and Ahmed went to Central Saint Martins (in London) for a few courses,” Razan explained.

That was the catalyst for KML. In August 2023, they launched their debut capsule collection and towards the end of that year they applied to the Saudi 100 Brands program. The Fashion Commission recognized their potential, helping KML launch collections at fashion weeks in Paris, Riyadh and Milan.