Elton John, Selena Gomez, Major Lazer and All Saints are among the raft of international stars to perform in the UAE before the year is out.
The names have been revealed as part of the upcoming autumn season of concerts at Dubai’s new Autism Rocks Arena.
John will perform at the purpose built venue, at Dubai Outlet Mall, on December 15. Appearing as part of the next leg of his Wonderful Crazy Night tour – which kicks off in London’s Hyde Park in September – the 69 year-old legendary singer songwriter will appear alongside a full live band, unlike his stripped-back duo show in Abu Dhabi in 2012.
Pop princess Selena Gomez will appear on November 18 as part of her Revival World Tour. A significant three years will have passed since the 23-year-old’s appearance at Dubai Music Week, in 2013, with the former Disney star displaying a new maturity with last year’s hit singles Same Old Love and Good for You, featuring the rapper ASAP Rocky.
The brainchild of celebrity producer Diplo, dancehall-inspired electronic music group Major Lazer will headline a new festival themed on Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations.
Entitled Fiesta De Los Muertos, also performing at the October 28 event will be recently reunited English-Canadian girl group All Saints, known for late-1990s hits such as Never Ever, Under the Bridge and Lady Marmalade.
Rounding out the festival bill will be kooky UK cover act The Mariachis, who cover familiar pop tunes in a faux-Latino style, and a closing set from the UAE’s very own dance-pop duo Hollaphonic. Meanwhile organisers 117 Live have promised one more “huge announcement” for the event.
The concerts complete an autumn concert programme from the Dubai based promoters, which will also see former One Direction member Zayn perform at the same venue on October 17.
Inaugural concerts at the new Autism Rocks Arena came from pop-star Nicki Minaj in March, and a double charity bill of rappers Tyga and Flo Rida in April.
Promoters have also promised two big concerts at the same venue in the first half of 2017, on March 3 and March 31. Let the guessing game begin.
Register for presale ticket information for all upcoming concerts at www.117live.com.
