Justin Bieber in Dubai: What happened last time

Justin Bieber’s first performance in the Middle East, in May 2013, was eventful in more ways than one. Ahead of his return with the Purpose World Tour on May 6 at the Autism Rocks Arena, we take a look back at the pop star’s short but drama-filled time in the UAE:

1. He appeared late on stage for both nights of his concert

In 2013, Justin Bieber performed in Dubai for his Believe Tour on May 4 and 5. The second show was added later, due to an overwhelming demand and rapid sell-out. He arrived approximately two hours late to both of the shows. The singer, who was 19 years old at the time, took to the stage at roughly 10pm on the first night. He did it again, despite criticisms, on the second night. Many parents who had accompanied their young fans to the concert slammed him for being disrespectful and inconsiderate. But his tardiness was expected by many, since he was well-known for showing up late to a number of his concerts.

2. Physically attacked by a fan

Mid-concert on May 5 2013, his second show in Dubai, an overenthusiastic fan jumped onto the stage and grabbed Bieber from behind, as he was performing the song, Believe, on the piano. Security rushed to tackle the man from behind, as Bieber freed himself and moved to the side of the stage, where he continued to perform. In all the chaos, the piano was knocked over by the fan, and could not be used for the rest of the show. The singer was shaken, but determined to not let the unfortunate incident stop the show, and even tweeted later, “Dubai. Nothing stops the show. 2 more to go. #BELIEVEtour”

3. Six speeding tickets issued against him

Following his stay in the city, Dubai Police later confirmed that Bieber had racked up six speeding fines, setting off radars down Shaikh Zayed Road as he raced along the highway in a Lamborghini Avendator. The 19-year-old singing star drove the supercar — worth around Dh1.5million — to his concert on Sunday and picked up fines along the way. The Lamborghini Aventador is the Italian brand’s flagship model and has a top speed of 350kph and 691 horsepower. Police said that the luxury sports car driven by Bieber was caught by radar cameras several times on Shaikh Zayed Road and he was driving recklessly. The Lamborghini was spotted by police patrols exceeding the road speed limit and police tried to make the driver stop, added a police source, and several radar fines were issued against the Lamborghini. A typical speeding fine in Dubai is Dh600, meaning Bieber would have to pay at least Dh3,600, although it’s unclear how the fines will be collected. Fines can be higher for higher speeds.

A UAE-based Lamborghini sales agent told Gulf News that it is possible for a driver as young as Bieber to get insured for a Lamborghini. Bieber is known for his collection of fast cars, and used to own, among others, a chrome Fisker Karma and a white Ferrari.

4. Jumped onto a car roof

The Canadian pop star was allowed entry into nightclubs Movida Dubai and People by Crystal, which are usually restricted to those below 21 years of age. He was denied alcohol, due to the legal drinking age in Dubai. Sources told Gulf News tabloid! that Bieber was seen surfing out on the top of a moving SUV after he was refused alcohol. He was spotted in a garage with friends and fans, where he jumped onto the roof a white Range Rover.

5. Didn’t perform ‘One Less Lonely Girl’

Justin Bieber withdrew the song, One Less Lonely Girl, from his concert set-list in Dubai. During the song, he usually chooses one of his female fans to go up on stage and be his ‘one less lonely girl’, as he playfully flirts with her. However, he decided not to perform it in Dubai as he didn’t want to offend anyone, according to reports.

Don’t miss it!

Justin Bieber performs on May 6 at the Autism Rocks Arena Dubai. Ticket prices start at Dh335.

— Saanya Lulla is an intern at Gulf News.