THREE TO SEE AT THE AD DIRIYAH FORMULA E GRAND PRIX
The Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix is widely accredited for pioneering the afterrace concert concept.
Ever since the race debuted in 2009 with the then burgeoning solo star Beyonce as headliner, more cities, such as Singapore and Baku, adopted the format for their motoring events. The latest destination to host a concert series on the back of a sporting event is Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh. From Thursday to Saturday, up to six global pop stars will perform at Ad Diriyah, a heritage site north-west of Riyadh, as part of the Formula E Grand Prix.
Since it is the first such race to be held in the Middle East, organisers expect an international audience. Hence the eclectic array of concerts arranged for the racing weekend. Here is what in store.
Access to the shows are complimentary for Formula E ticket holders. Tickets for December 13 and 14 start from SAR295 (Dh289); tickets for race day on December 15 start at SAR395 (Dh387); three-day tickets start at SAR950 (Dh930). For more information on shows, tickets and visas go to www.ad-diriyah-eprix.com They may be playing separate gigs in Dubai a day later – Iglesias at The Pointe, on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah and Derulo (pictured above) at Global Village in the same emirate – but in Riyadh, the pop and RnB singers come as a packaged deal. It is an ideal pairing, as each artist has a string of cross-over pop singles. Iglesias will deliver that international flair and Latin charm he is known for with tracks such as Bailando and Duele el Corazon, while Derulo will bring his own charttopping hits such as Whatcha Say, Wiggle and Ridin’ Solo. The Black Eyes Peas have appeared in major sporting events from the Superbowl half-time show in 2011 to the Australian Football League Grand Final in September, and their brand of high-energy hip-hop and club sounds can keep a crowd of all ages moving. As for Amr Diab (pictured above), there is nothing more to say if you are a casual follower of Arabic pop music. One of the scene’s biggest and enduring stars, his appearance in Riyadh is part of a series of gigs that will conclude with a grand New Year’s Eve concert at Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island. The big after-race concert will have the French super-star DJ teaming up with soft rockers One Republic. When it comes to the former, the Frenchman has an established fan base in the Gulf. His Riyadh show should serve as a thank you to his Saudi fans who cross the border whenever Guetta plays a gig in the UAE. When it comes to One Republic, the American group also know how to work a large sporting crowd after their great performance as part of last year’s Singapore F1. Expect all the hits to be played, such as Apologise and Stop and Stare.