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Connect the World
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Emerging As Sport And Leisure Hub; CNN Abu Dhabi Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary; Vietnam To Host Its First Grand Prix In 2020; Pop Group Now United Looking For New Member From Middle East. Aired 11a-12p ET
Aired December 01, 2019 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[11:00:00]
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BECKY ANDERSON, CNN HOST (voice-over): Well, some of the biggest names in the Middle East are in Abu Dhabi and they are here in style. These
megayachts hosting the region's rich and famous as they celebrate the end of another Formula 1 season.
Welcome back to what is a very special edition of CONNECT THE WORLD. We are live from the W hotel as the party kicks off celebrating the end of
another fantastic season. One man definitely celebrating tonight is Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes crew, who wrapped up another championship in the
past hour.
Much like the track here on Yas Island, this year's finale provided race fans plenty to get excited about. Live and direct from the paddock view,
my colleague, Amanda Davies -- Amanda.
AMANDA DAVIES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Becky, yes, this is always one of the most glamorous, buzzing paddocks of the Formula 1 season. Not just the
biggest stars of the Middle East here but some of the biggest stars from around the world.
We've seen Steven Seagal, Lana Del Ray; as a Manchester United fan I'm excited, Patrice Evra, a former player, is over there. And so many people
making their way in this direction. Because just behind me is the Mercedes hospitality area in this paddock.
Everybody waiting to catch a glimpse of the main man, of course, six time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who finished up what has been a spectacular
season with that win here just over an hour ago.
You have to say that the challenge was provided by the team one hospitality suite along the red Ferrari weren't lining up. This has been the most
fascinating battle. The four time world champion. The experience of Sebastian Vettel up against the young pretender in just his second season
on the grid, Charles Leclerc.
That's where I began the second part with the broadcaster Will Buxton.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WILL BUXTON, F1 BROADCASTER: Can you ever have two number one drivers in a Formula 1 team?
Mercedes tried it.
That didn't go -- they won the title but they had to really pull their drivers up and tell them, you are not allowed to race one another.
Ferrari tried not to do that this year. It didn't work out well. You have Sebastian Vettel who quite rightly, would have said I'm a four-time
champion. You, Charles Leclerc, will learn from me.
Yet it was Charles that got the first place win for Ferrari. Seb was looking uneasy at the team that should have been his. If they wanted to
take their challenge to Mercedes, perhaps they have to define you are number 1 and number 2.
Who do they pick?
They pick a young guy?
Or do they pick the four time world champion?
DAVIES: Who do you pick?
[11:05:00]
BUXTON: If you don't pick Seb, what's he going to do?
Why would he turn up every weekend?
What's the point?
If you don't pick Charles, you neuter him at the point you want to back him and give him the fight for the world championships.
DAVIES: There have been so many kind of highlights this season. We've had Mercedes, Ferrari, what of the rest of the field?
Because the gap has gotten smaller.
BUXTON: We had a wonderful mid-field battle. We point to that. This time last year, McLaren and Fernando Alonso could barely get off the grid. They
were struggling with Williams at the back of the field; 12 months later, the fourth best team, they got their first podium in eons in Brazil.
You just look at a team reborn, rejuvenated. They've got a new technical leadership going into next year. They have this potential they could start
to get themselves back to where we know McLaren exists, which is on the podium. I think we got a great season in store in 2020.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
DAVIES: And it's going to be a great season next year. Lewis ran out of Mercedes hospitality, where there will be the team winning race photo to
celebrate what has been a incredible year. As I said a little bit earlier, there is no time to lose in this sport. The teams are on track on Tuesday
for testing ahead of 2020.
ANDERSON: Yes, absolutely remarkable. It just goes on and on. Listen, before you go, I know we got you coming up in a couple of minutes again.
How does Lewis Hamilton go on at this point?
DAVIES: Well, if his dad, Anthony, is to be believed, sorry, I'm distracted. I think that is Charles Leclerc, the Ferrari driver walking
past me, a few high fives. A few handshakes.
But if Lewis' dad, Anthony, is to be believed. I spoke to him minutes after Lewis clinched the world title. He says he can see him going on 40.
(CROSSTALK)
DAVIES: That would be another six years, which would be quite something. I think by all accounts, most people expect him to be here, his contract
with Mercedes lasted until next year. There is lots of discussion after what happens after that 2021 season.
Certainly Lewis is showing no sign of losing his appetite, no sign of slowing down, no sign these championships will get any harder to clinch.
ANDERSON: Yes. Good stuff. All right. Thank you.
Amanda is down, a stone's throw over the water here at the Yas Marina Circuit, where F1 fans have been flock now for just over a decade. It's
not just the race that draws people in. This place is a veritable smorgasbord of sports and entertainment venues.
And in typical Abu Dhabi style, the plans for Yas are ambitious. I took a chopper ride about three years ago with the man charged with driving
tourism in Abu Dhabi and what we discussed was what he had in store. Have a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: The plan to develop Yas Island I believe was initiated back in 2006. Take me back.
MOHAMED AL MUBARAK, ABU DHABI TOURISM AND CULTURE AUTHORITY: This chopper ride really gives me goose bumps, because the crown prince of Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed flew over this island. He wanted to create a destination for all.
The Links golf course that you see on my left, really one of the most stunning pieces of real estate in the world. Look at the backdrop of a
grade a Formula 1 racetrack, the backdrop of one of the largest public arts pieces in the world with Ferrari World. I mean, this does not look like
your conventional theme park.
Yas Mall, which last year brought over 22 million visitors in its first year to the island. So you're starting to really see a very special place
in less than 10 years we've accomplished that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: That was some three years ago. And it is, I have to say, incredible to see how much more has been added to this Yas Island since
that interview.
[11:10:00]
ANDERSON: Let me bring in the man leading the charge here, Mohammed Al Zaabi. He's the CEO of Miral, Yas Island's developer.
When you see that clip of your chairman, Amin, How do you feel when you look at where you were at just three years ago?
MOHAMMED AL ZAABI, CEO, MIRAL: First of all, thank you for having us. And congratulations on your 10th anniversary.
ANDERSON: Thank you very much.
ZAABI: It was very high points from the chairman. I still remember when he put his hand on his heart and says I promise the world, whatever the
store in 2018 and we worked very hard to achieve that. I am very proud of that achievement.
But the island has a very sad story. You have to go back, 12 years back, when we started massive designing, this island with this vision. It was
the top tourism family demonstrations.
ANDERSON: Literally, it was an island with nothing on it?
ZAABI: Absolutely. Until we had the first Formula 1 in 2009. Since then, we've not stopped, that construction, every year, we add more.
ANDERSON: And that's my point. Formula 1 is obviously a very, very big weekend for Abu Dhabi. But the island hosts quite spectacular sporting
events, I have to say.
What are you most proud of?
ZAABI: Yas Island.
ANDERSON: There is a whole bunch of things here, Warner Brothers, the theme park. The golf course we are looking at. This is the marina, you
hold an ITU triathlon event every year. You just put in the UFC arena.
We were just talking to Mo Rogan (ph), as he's known. That was huge for you. When you had that big fight a couple of months ago, that's a new big
attraction for you here.
ZAABI: Absolutely. That's all coming from the vision for the island. And it's a part of our vision for UAE. We believe tourism will always be grown
and our GDP. Last year, 10 percent, more than any year, and we strongly believe Yas has been paying a major role.
ANDERSON: It certainly dovetails into the wider story. No secret that the economy has slowed down and beyond since these plans for Yas Island were
first announced.
How are you dealing with that?
ZAABI: Yes, it has been a great success. 2015, we had 25 million visits to the island. Last year, 2018, we had 28 million visits. In the same
period, that is just a reflection of the visit of the island.
ANDERSON: It's a pleasure having you on, go and enjoy the after-race entertainment that's going on here. Thank you, sir and congratulations.
Yas Island hosted its share of celebrity visitors. Have a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOSH BEAUCHAMP, NOW UNITED: We have the Warner Brothers Studios in Abu Dhabi.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: That's Josh Beauchamp from the global pop group Now United. Why the band is eyeing the region once again. My interview with the teen
stars.
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[11:15:00]
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ANDERSON: No matter how many years you attend, as Abu Dhabi celebrates more than 10 years of F1, CNN has its own bit of celebrating to do. This
marks the 10th anniversary of CNN's programming hub here. It's a perfect opportunity to dive into the archives and bring back some of our favorite
highlights. Enjoy these with us.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you very much.
STAN GRANT, CNN HOST: I'm Stan Grant, coming to you from CNN.
TYLER: Abu Dhabi.
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ANDERSON: Because it is an art in and of itself.
DAVIES: On the circuit on Abu Dhabi.
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: I'm Nic Robertson, CNN, Abu Dhabi.
RICHARD QUEST, CNNMONEY EDITOR AT LARGE: I'm Richard Quest in Abu Dhabi.
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(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, John Defterios, my colleague and a wise man of the bureau, joining us now.
[11:20:00]
ANDERSON: You have actually been here, you have been based in Abu Dhabi for nearly a decade, so you've seen a lot. We've listened to a lot of
people tell us about just how quickly this place has evolved.
JOHN DEFTERIOS, CNN EMERGING MARKETS EDITOR: Well, as an economy what's often overlooked, many talk about South Korea as an industrialized nation,
you go back 40 years into the UAE, because Abu Dhabi has the oil well, it had no roads, no hospitals, no schools.
So we went from zero to 180 kilometers an hour really quickly. Now the big trick is for them, Becky, is because they have 9 percent of global oil
reserves is they have life after oil. And this is about investment and diversification, tourism, The Louvre on the other side of the island, of
course, can they diversify fast enough over what is probably a 20 or 30- year oil and gas transition, that includes renewables.
ANDERSON: You've spent a lot of time reporting on this sort of story of diversification, you can always find that sort of content on our shows as
we continue to cover the evolving story. John, thank you, we will take a short break right after this.
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ANDERSON: Well, the party is in full swing here on Yas Island, this 2019 Formula 1 season. Well, next year, is going to be a bumper one for F1 I am
told, it will be F1's 70th anniversary, you can expect unprecedented 22 Grands Prix, that includes two new editions of Vietnam and the Netherlands.
Amanda Davies has the 2020 vision we need when it comes to next year.
What's coming on?
DAVIES: There is not many major rules and regulation changes. Those are coming in 2021. We heard from earlier new driver lineups. Then another
Canadian driver from F2 is making the step up this year.
But I think, without doubt, the biggest calendar that Formula 1 has ever seen is the big change for next season. People are tired here in Abu
Dhabi, there have been 21 races. Next year we've got 22. It's the return of the Dutch Grand Prix. First time back on the calendar since 1985, in
large part because the Max factor.
So many of his passionate Dutch fans, Vietnam very much not known as a motor sport hub. They have been working very hard for this one.
Liberty Media have a lot invested in this. This is their first new venue race since they've come in. They want to succeed. The CEO putting that
race together have been doing the rounds this season, trying to find out what they can learn. And I was able to find out a little bit more about
what we should be expecting.
ANDERSON: Great.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LE NGOC CHI, VIETNAM GRAND PRIX CORPORATION: In Vietnam we are trying to deliver a F1 that has the authenticity of Vietnam, of Hanoi so when people
go there, they will know, just know they are in Vietnam, whether that's our culture or the cultural shows or the events, whether that's our food.
And we have the best food, whether it's our people, whether it's the development of our cities, of our country, which arise out of the war, I
just think that people will feel that.
[11:25:00]
CHI: So it's those little details that make each country stand out. And I think this market is big enough that we have our own audience and I don't
see any competition at all.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
DAVIES: Something really noticeable this season, about 18 promoters are all here. That never used to happen.
There's more to come from 2021 and onwards.
ANDERSON: Thank you, Amanda.
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[11:30:00]
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ANDERSON: Well, we are at Yas Marina for the close of F1. The crowds here, they are coming to see the race. Everyone watching the action of the
race this final event of the Formula 1 season is a great place to get a glimpse of loads of entertainers and sports stars and sometimes those
celebrities, they just pop by, British boxing star and philanthropist Amir Khan.
Nice to see you.
What are you doing here?
AMIR KHAN, BOXING STAR: It's good to be here, as you know, I'm a big Formula 1 fan and I know Lewis Hamilton well. Everybody is in Dubai. I
was in Dubai on a holiday. I decided to come to Abu Dhabi. The chemistry here has been amazing. The people are great.
ANDERSON: It's not like you are unfamiliar with this region. You fought in Saudi, of course, what is the opportunity of bringing a fight out here?
KHAN: I mean, to see the fan base over here that came to the Formula 1, I think to do a boxing event around here would be big, really. I think there
is a lot of people I have been asking, walking around, when are you going to find Abu Dhabi?
It's out here, you need to speak to the right people. Recently we had the MMA fight over here. That was a success.
ANDERSON: You've seen the stadium, I think. On Yas Island, it is a part of the development here.
Listen, how are things going with you?
What's news?
KHAN: So I'm keeping myself busy. I'm doing my training work. I am spending a lot of time in the U.K., in America. Hopefully, a lot of fight
coming maybe March or April. Maybe back in Saudi Arabia again. We will be talking to the Saudi government to make it happen over there. There is
folks like Manny Pacquiao, a lot of names. Let's see what happens.
ANDERSON: I heard these names, do you think one of these fights is going to come off?
KHAN: I do cause a lot of threat to a lot of fighters. If the money, if the money is right, then maybe we will. Who I want for more than anyone, I
would love to fight with a fighter who has been in the ring and being the best. So to be in the ring with him is amazing. Definitely, otherwise I
won't take it.
ANDERSON: How long were you going to go on?
Everyone wonders this about fighters. There is a lot of fighters, you go on for one, you know, one boxing match too many.
KHAN: Yes, I'm looking, just enjoying at the moment. I'm 32 years of age, I'm enjoying this sport. I am finding different locations, like, for
example, Saudi Arabia, Vegas, New York, America, England, all over the place, I'm fighting. I'm enjoying more than anything, now with a new
market that's opened, hoping the market in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to hold some big fights over here. The Saudi market is opened now, let's get this Abu
Dhabi market opened.
ANDERSON: You like this region. Glad to have you on the show. Thank you very much, Amir Khan in the house.
Still to come, F1 trying to tackle the climate crisis. Yes, it is.
How do you make 8,000 liters of paint sustainable?
Those answers just ahead.
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ANDERSON: This is a special edition of CONNECT THE WORLD. This hour coming to you from the Yas Marina and the end of the F1 season.
[11:35:00]
ANDERSON: Formula 1 wants to look forward and that's what they are saying and they genuinely giving a go on the first ever sustainability strategy.
It includes a net zero carbon footprint by 2030. I see or feel some of you raising a bit of an eyebrow over this. It clearly is going to be a huge
undertaking.
Let's bring in the man in charge of making F1 green, the head of strategy and business development and he joins us now.
Go on then. Convince our viewers that this sport of petrol, as it were, sustained by petrol, can really go sustainable.
YATH GANGAKUMARAN, F1: Yes. So I mean a lot of people are thinking how to do this. There will be four ways to get to net zero carbon sports. First
we think about the cars on track. We already have the most energy efficient engines. A lot of people don't know that.
We'll make them more efficient. The key thing will be fuels. We will look to infuse 100 percent sustainable fuels. These will be carbon neutral
fuels.
The second element is around logistics and travel. The majority is us traveling around the world. We are going to reduce the amount by
undertaking --
(CROSSTALK)
ANDERSON: You are increasing the number of races to 2022?
GANGAKUMARAN: But we will be more efficient in how we do that, introducing road operations on our broadcast, looking to use greener transport options,
sea freight, rail freight and looking to ensure we have more regional hubs. We can travel less distance. So that's how we will reduce it.
ANDERSON: Yes, that's fascinating to hear and people will say, that all sounds great on a CSR report. You know, I mean, everybody's got a
sustainability sort of project going on at the moment.
What are your goals at this point?
GANGAKUMARAN: So we want to be net zero carbon as a sport by 2030. We also have another part of our plan, which is around having sustainable
races themselves. We want every race to qualify as a sustainable event by 2025.
That means looking at things like removal of waste, showing that we increase fan well-being and increasing social access. This amazing,
glamorous, glitzy sport you see behind you is not just the wealthy, it's one where local people can access it regardless of their income as well.
ANDERSON: Do you feel that there is genuine pressure from the new generation of Formula 1 viewers that you will want for all fans, that you
want to bring on board and sustain?
This is a generation that really cares about the environment. They care about climate crisis; they are anxious about climate crisis. You've got a
competitor, for example, in Formula E, electric car.
Surely that there is a threat isn't there from that sort of sport?
I mean I guess what I'm saying is this by volition this strategy?
GANGAKUMARAN: Well, we're doing this from a position of strength. We've seen since they've taken over two years ago, we seen our TV audiences go up
every year and races up every year. We think about the younger fans, it's important we stay relevant in the long term. That's why we are doing it.
ANDERSON: That is the challenge.
GANGAKUMARAN: It's a challenge, to younger people more content promiscuous. For us, we have 5 million fans around the world. We already
have ourselves engrained in culture in many countries. We want to make sure that they will help us do that.
ANDERSON: So this is a plan you want to be carbon neutral by 2030?
I will come back to this story. We'll stay on it, see how you are doing.
GANGAKUMARAN: We are really excited by all the opportunities. We think we can make a real impact in the world.
ANDERSON: We will hold you to it. Thanks for coming on. Lots more for you this hour. When we come back.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON (voice-over): Could you be the 15th member of this global team pop group?
Now United is recruiting their next bandmate. We speak to two of the stars about where they want that new recruit from -- after this.
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[11:40:00]
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ANDERSON: There are boats, there are yachts and then there are these ,super yachts. They're blasting their party tunes across Yas Marina in Abu
Dhabi. Keep listening, we might be jamming to this hit song.
(VIDEO CLIP)
Well, that is Now United, the 14-member pop group that rocked the stage here in Abu Dhabi earlier this year at the Special Olympics. Now the stars
are on the hunt for a new member from right here in the Middle East.
Could it be you?
I am joined by two of the band's current members, Josh Beauchamp and Noah Urrea from Los Angeles.
Both of you, thank you for joining us. Your bandage all about young talent coming together from, different nationalities to share their passion from
music and dance. You look to recruit someone from the Middle East.
Tell us a little more about that, Josh.
JOSH BEAUCHAMP, MEMBER, NOW UNITED: Yes, so we are currently looking for a new member from the Middle East/North Africa. We really want to include
that into our group. Because if you look at from where the members are from in Now United, there is a big gap in the Middle Eastern area. We like
to show that we include the whole world in this group. So it wouldn't make sense without the Middle East.
NOAH URREA, MEMBER, NOW UNITED: Yes.
ANDERSON: So is it what you are looking for in a new band member?
URREA: I believe that we are looking for someone that really enjoys singing and dancing as much as we all do. And they have to have the Now
United spirit. You have to be positive and travel a lot. We often do that. And we will be trying new foods.
ANDERSON: Tell us about, just tell us about being in the band. Because you look as if you are having an awful lot of fun. I saw you here at the
opening of the Special Olympics. I know you had a lot of fun.
How does it feel to be a part of this huge band?
BEAUCHAMP: It is amazing. Honestly, I'm speechless when people ask me this question. We came off a tour called the Dreams Come True tour and it
really was a dreams come true. We get to travel the world and we get to perform and share our passion for art and music and dance.
[11:45:00]
BEAUCHAMP: And we get to do it together which is really just amazing. Yes.
ANDERSON: So you are living the dream. You know that. You are living the dream.
There will be people around the world saying I want your job, Noah.
The big question is always, how do you all get on?
Don't tell me you get on all the time like a house on fire?
URREA: No, we actually do a pretty good job of being very kind to each other. We're kind of like a family. I feel that's the best way to
describe us. I know it's kind of cliche, but it's true. We spend so much time together.
Me and this guy are together 24/7. We often share a hotel room together. So we're like brothers, yes, we're a big family. We all love each other.
BEAUCHAMP: As a matter of fact, we have the same birthday.
URREA: March 31st.
ANDERSON: That's always a good thing.
Listen, finally, Josh, tell me, you've got 60 seconds, what's your message to anybody out there from this region in the Middle East who might be
watching who would love to be a part of the band?
I know there is a search on, 60 seconds, what's the message?
BEAUCHAMP: Well, we partnered with Pepsi to do this search. So send in your clips to search.united.com.
URREA: Do it.
BEAUCHAMP: Just show us what you've got. You know, we are really accepting and excited to see all of your entries.
URREA: Yes. We love you guys, thank you so much for supporting us. We can't wait to see who is next.
ANDERSON: That's amazing. All right, thank you, lads, for joining us. Or maybe once you find your 15th member from the Middle East, you will come
out after the race concerts in Abu Dhabi. You still have to compete with these guys.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRAD WHITFORD, AEROSMITH: Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, getting' on it, Abu Dhabi. Yes, yes.
STEVEN TYLER, AEROSMITH: And that's it!
WHITFORD: Thank you.
TYLER: Abu Dhabi, you're a Dhabi, everybody do a Dhabi now. Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, get to know me, Abu Dhabi, yes.
WHITFORD: Tip the waitress. Try the veal.
(LAUGHTER)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: No, we got to Abu Dhabi do, we have a lot more on the show because it's been a cracker of a year in sports. Next, we look back at the
year it was.
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[11:50:00]
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ANDERSON: Well, the glitz, the glamour, shimmering over the waters of Abu Dhabi as Formula 1 fans enjoy the post-race festivities, as, in fact, all
of us will be, we are almost at the finish line of what is this special show, the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi, bringing the season to a close
in 2019.
And it's been a stellar year for sport. We've had the UAE hosting the Asian Cup and the African Cup nation which Algeria won, both huge successes
and, of course, women's football had people glued to their screens, another World Cup victory, that of the South Africans in rugby.
Where do you want to start?
You have been to all of these.
DAVIES: We started at Formula 1. It was the moment I was lucky enough to be there when Lewis pledged this sixth world title. And you really had a
sense you were there witnessing history. He is the second most successful Formula 1 driver of all time.
Only surpassed by Michael Schumacher, the man who wrote the initial records that people thought were never going to be broken.
And Lewis is breaking them. And there really is no sign of him slowing down. I spoke to his dad earlier, after that win in Austin. He said he
can see Lewis going on to 40.
That would be 40.
ANDERSON: 40, 4-0?
DAVIES: Six more years. I expect that's a little too far. I wouldn't put it past him.
ANDERSON: If he gets to 40, you and I will be back here doing this show from Abu Dhabi, if it's still the last race, of course, they're adding
races in as we speak. It has been a compelling season of F1, once again. But as I was pointing out, it's been a tremendous year of sport, not the
least for women's sport and football.
DAVIES: The Women's World Cup, I was lucky enough to asked to host. I remember walking out on the stage in Paris, having that real moment of,
wow, this is huge. And it was the first time that the draw for Women's World Cup had been the same size as the men's World Cup in terms of the
venue and the vision it was given.
That carried all the way through to that incredible tournament. The expectations were not small. There was that concern, had we given this too
big a finish. But absolutely not. The crowds, the football was fantastic. Yes, the U.S. won again but there is no doubt what is carrying on from
that.
ANDERSON: The legacy is remarkable. Not the least from women's football in Australia, we are talking equality. I played women's soccer, a long,
long time ago. Nobody was talking about it.
DAVIES: You were fortunate, because at my school. I wasn't allowed to play football, women's soccer at all. Now it is becoming the norm.
ANDERSON: What else is the highlight?
DAVIES: Do you remember it's super Sunday the pair of us were a part of. I was watching Lewis Hamilton winning a record Grand Prix in front of his
home fans. We were watching on our phones the Wimbledon men's final, Novak Djokovic. And if I were on my phone, we were on the radio. Super over
likely to be witnessed again.
ANDERSON: Along with Britain we enjoy having you hear. Thank you as ever.
What a buzzing couple of hours. You know the control room, let's bring up all the shots, shall we?
We are talking the directors, the producers here. Let's soak up this atmosphere. It's electric. It's been a tremendous year of milestones and
achievements for Abu Dhabi.
[11:55:00]
ANDERSON: And ones we here at CNN have been really proud to cover from this 10 years of F1 to the defining Special Olympics, the largest ever, to
ground shaking fights, you've seen fights we've been having.
We wanted to take a couple hours from your usual news cycle to show you what's brilliant, what's changing and what is exciting and what can help us
bring it all together. At the end of the day, that's what all counts, right, that we help change the world for the better, if it's through sport,
all the more fun.
For me and my brilliant team, including Amanda, and CNN Headquarters, thank you to you viewers I'm going to leave with you in this spectacular. That
was a very special edition of CONNECT THE WORLD from the Yas Marina Circuit. Thank you for watching.
END
