Beyoncé, the queen is back after a four-year sabbatical, making the ultimate comeback all the way in the heart of Dubai for the grand opening of the Atlantis The Royal Resort hotel. On Saturday night, in what can only be described as a theatrical production, the highly anticipated performance began among exclusive VIP guests from across the globe.
In entered the violinists, flaunting their metallic gold headpieces and large red skirts followed by the backup dancers and a slew of other musicians. Set along a backdrop of a re-imagining of Raphael’s very own painting “The School Of Athens”, it was time for the star to make her appearance. In mere seconds, all across the hall a thunderous clap and vivacious cheer erupted as Beyoncé slowly emerged onto the stage and stood in front of an intimate crowd of over 1000 attendees.
There she was, Queen Bey, standing tall, donned in a bright yellow sequenced gown with a looming feathered cape and her signature long golden locks. The entire custom gown was delicately designed by Dubai-based boutique Atelier Zuhra who included beautiful touches including a bodice with sheer panels and a slit skirt. Opening with a cover of Etta James’s “At Last”, the pop star took the audience on a nostalgic journey of her all-time classic ballads, belting out her biggest hits from “Halo” to “Crazy In Love” in a 90-minute extravaganza.
Throughout the show, her backup dancers would switch between sequenced suits and Victorian-style petticoats while the singer herself made many wardrobe changes including her show-stopping bright red gown teamed with a silver sunburst headpiece. Beyond the costumes and Beyoncé’s dazzling performance, the night was teeming with surprises.
Joining the star on the stage, not once but multiple times were Lebanon’s very own exceptionally talented dance troupe, The Mayyas who created stunning visuals in accompaniment to several of her performances including the instant crowd-pleaser 2006 hit “Beautiful Liar.” The star paid homage to the region in other exciting ways by including songs in her performance by the likes of Warda, Fairuz, Batwanness Beek and Li Beirut.
An even more exciting collab was the heartwarming moment when Blue Ivy joined her mother on stage to perform with her for the first time ever. Proving to be a star in the making, the 11-year-old brought the sass factor as she strutted along the stage in a red sequenced jumpsuit, flipped her braids then went into a full-fledged dance number as her mum belted out “Brown Skin Girl.”
A smashing show headlined by Beyoncé is one that has to end on an unforgettable note. A shower of rain doused the entire stage as the singer and her dancers grooved to “Naughty Girl.” For the penultimate exit, Beyoncé was lifted off the stage as a spectacular fireworks display speckled the sky.
The entire extravaganza brought together some of the biggest global stars including the likes of Halle Barry, Kendell Jenner and Rebel Wilson who got to dance it out during the after-party that was headlined by Swedish House Mafia. The entire spectacle from the star-studded performance and the unexpected surprises to the powerful guest list made it a night to remember and acted as the ultimate launchpad to gear everyone for Beyoncé’s expected appearance at the upcoming Grammys. If the night’s festivities were anything to go by, fans are truly in for a ride.
