The country’s most talked about hotel property debuted with an exclusive performance by Beyoncé.
In what can only be described as the world’s worst-kept secret, the weekend’s grand reveal of Atlantis The Royal was anchored in an exclusive performance by Beyoncé, introducing a star-studded crowd to the UAE’s most luxurious resort. And in attendance? The likes of Kendall Jenner, Liam Payne, Rebel Wilson, and R&B duo Chloe x Halle. EDM trio Swedish House Mafia, meanwhile, headlined the afterparty following a fireworks and drone extravaganza that lit up the city skyline.
Naturally, the launch of Dubai’s newest icon called for something extravagant, so over one thousand celebrities and special guests gathered to catch Beyoncé’s 60-minute performance – incidentally her first live show since 2018. She opened with a stunning rendition of the Etta James classic “At Last” before treating the audience to some of her biggest hits, “Halo” and “Crazy in Love” included. The superstar was accompanied by Firdaus, a 48-person all-female orchestra that’s mentored by Academy Award-winning composer, A.R. Rahman. Award-winning dance group The Mayyas also took the stage, complete with stunning choreography by Emmy-nominated dancer Fatima Robinson.
Inspired to work with leading entrepreneurial females in the region, Parkwood Entertainment – the entertainment firm founded by Beyoncé – partnered with IAM Entertainment and worked closely with the Managing Director of Atlantis The Royal, Tim Kelly, to pull off this iconic event. It all led up to the closing moment that we’re still talking about. Set against the backdrop of Atlantis The Royal, Queen Bey was raised 16 feet into the air amidst the dramatic Skyblaze fountain for a powerful rendition of “Drunk in Love” surrounded by water and fire. Dressed in a wardrobe designed by Atelier Zuhra from Dubai, Nicolas Jebran of Lebanon, Frolov from Ukraine, and Dolce and Gabbana, she was joined by her parents and husband, Jay-Z.
The epic performance was followed by a fireworks and drone extravaganza, lighting up the property and echoing the 2008 display that introduced Atlantis The Palm to the world. As the fireworks settled, Swedish House Mafia took over to perform hits such as “One” and “Don’t You Worry Child” as guests celebrated until the early hours. The Saturday spectacular is the pinnacle of the resort’s Grand Reveal weekend, which has seen guests dine from the kitchens of the world’s finest chefs including Nobu, Jose Andres, and Heston Blumenthal. The weekend also features the star-studded grand opening events of Nobu and Ling Ling as well as the launch of Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila on the resort’s sky pool, Cloud 22.
Eight years in the making, Atlantis The Royal has been specifically designed to challenge the boundaries of imagination and redefine what ultra-luxury hospitality means. The Grand Reveal Weekend is set to cement Atlantis The Royal as an instant icon in Dubai and around the world. Reservations are now open for stays from 10 February onwards.
DSCVR: Atlantis The Royal, East Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. @atlantistheroyal
