Rihanna is coming back to the UAE to perform on the closing night of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 27.
The singer will bring her Anti world tour to the UAE capital, making it her third performance at the du Arena on Yas Island.
This time, she’s playing the after-race concert series known as Yasalam.
Also performing are UK dance music masters the Chemical Brothers, who perform at the same venue on November 25. Other artists are yet to be announced, but there will be concerts on November 24 and 26.
“It has been challenging [to get Rihanna]... we have been working to secure her for over a year almost to make sure that we secure the artist early in time for the announcement ... Rihanna was doing her world tour so we discussed it with her artist manager, their routing, days and where they were going. We managed to negotiate how to put Abu Dhabi Formula One into that,” said Reeva Bains, vice president, Marketing & Communications at concert organisers Flash Entertainment.
The good news doesn’t end there. While it remains to be seen if Rihanna will bring her risque outfits to the UAE, her material for the show will not be altered.
When tabloid! asked Bains if the show would be tailored keeping in mind the cultural sensibilities of this region, she said: “Generally no. Shows aren’t censored. We always provide guidelines, and the artists are always culturally sensitive. However, the material will be as per the global tours.”
The inclusion of the long-enduring band the Chemical Brothers, who released their album Born In The Echoes last year, was an attempt at attracting all kinds of audiences — young and old — into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix racing fold.
“We wanted to put the electronic dance music night on a Friday as it is a big night for everybody on Friday. They don’t have work the next day and they just want to have fun. [The Chemical Brothers] too are touring and are known for their amazing live shows,” Bains added.
It’s for the first time that the announcements of artists have been made this early.
“We usually do it in October ... This is our eighth Grand Prix and our campaign is getting longer and bigger before each Grand Prix. This year we have a 30 per cent discount to all those who buy tickets before 31st of May,” said Nick McElwee, Sales & Marketing director for Yas Marina Circuit.
“We also have the artists early because we want to make it clear about what to expect ... The momentum is building for the racing weekend.”
Several incentives are also being added this year to boost sales.
“Initiatives such as Formula One ticket holders getting access to Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld,” said Karim Al Guanaini, senior vice president of destination management at Yas Island.
The artist that will perform on Thursday, November 24, is still under discussion. The night is usually reserved for Arabic acts, however changes should be expected this year.
“We are working on some changes and Thursday concert is under discussion. You will get an update soon,” said Bains.
Entry to the concerts is for Grand Prix ticketholders only. Tickets, from Dh695 to Dh4,685, are at yasmarinacircuit.com.
Tickets are on sale now, with a 30 per cent discount until May 31. There are 100 free upgrades to Golden Circle for those buying tickets today from Virgin Megastore.
