In case you’ve been on a social media detox, you’ve been missing out on the trending topic of Beyoncé’s official return to the stage with a 60-minute performance in Dubai – her first full-length concert in four years.
Similar to a Super Bowl Halftime show (and possibly even better), the unforgettable experience was to celebrate the unveiling of the city’s newest ultra-luxury resort, Atlantis The Royal, and came with high-energy choreography, inspiring production and a stunning display of fireworks set against the resort’s iconic facade.
Over the weekend, the official grand reveal of Dubai’s newest icon took place with over one thousand celebrities and special guests in town to witness the unforgettable event.
The invite-only weekend was attended by A-list celebrities, including Kendall Jenner, Rebel Wilson, Liam Payne, Jay Z, Balqees Fathi, Olivia Culpo, Aamir Khan, Terrence J, Michelle Keegan, Chloe x Halle, Ashley Park, Letitia Wright, Ibtihaj Muhammad and plenty more.
The weekend also featured the star-studded grand opening events of Nobu and Ling Ling, saw ell as the launch of Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila on the resort’s sky pool, Cloud 22.
The pinnacle of the resort’s grand reveal weekend was undoubtedly Beyoncé’s performance. The multi-award-winning artist earned a reported $24 million for the intimate concert, where a set list included: “At Last,” “XO,” “Flaws and All,” “Ave Maria,” “Halo,” “Brown Skin Girl,” “Be Alive,” “Otherside” “Bigger,” “Spirit,” “Freedom,” “I Care,” “Beautiful Liar,” “Crazy in Love,” “Countdown,” “Naughty Girl” and “Drunk in Love.” No songs from her new “Renaissance” album were performed.
Beyoncé’s performance began with a stunning rendition of the Etta James’ classic, “At Last,” before she treated the star-studded audience to some of her biggest career-spanning hits, and a shared moment with her daughter, Blue Ivy, who took the stage along Queen B to sing “Brown Skin Girl”.
From start to finish, it was an energetic and inspiring performance that truly put the spotlight on the region and on women. The global superstar was accompanied by Firdaus, a 48-person all-female orchestra and America’s Got Talent winners, The Mayyas, an all-female precision dance group from Lebanon.
With a stage wardrobe designed by Atelier Zuhra from Dubai, Nicolas Jebran of Lebanon and Frolov from Ukraine, Beyoncé took the red carpet in a custom Dolce & Gabbana gold sequin and sheer gown with an armoured-style bodice and column skirt, and custom Messika asymmetrical chandelier High Jewellery earrings.
In a breathtaking finale moment, set against the stunning backdrop of Atlantis The Royal, Beyoncé was raised sixteen feet into the air amidst one of the world’s unique performance fountains, Skyblaze. Surrounded by a field of water and fire, a powerful rendition of “Drunk in Love” closed the magnificent and awe-inspiring show.
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