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Beyoncé Plays Controversial Dubai Show | News

Beyoncé has played a controversial show in Dubai.

The pop icon returns in 2022 with her the mighty full length ‘Renaissance’, named Clash Magazine’s Album Of The Year. She began testing a live performance earlier this week, with her team sending invites to press, celebrities and influencers.

The concert was part of the grand reveal of Atlantis the Royal, a new luxury resort in Dubai. “Beyoncé invites you to a weekend where your dreams will become your destination,” the invite read, teasing a “once in a lifetime performance”.

Attendees were promised “epicurean feasts, beachside indulgences, and special revealing experiences including business class airfare, first-class ground transportation, and first-class accommodations at Atlantis the Royal.”

The performance took place overnight, and marks Beyoncé’s first live performance since 2020; it is her first full concert since 2019.

The set list doesn’t contain material from ‘Renaissance’, but it does focus on a variety of material from different creative iterations in her life. US per TMZBlue Ivy joined Beyoncé for a version of ‘Brown Skin Girl’, while Swedish House Mafia DJ’d the after party.

Attendees included ChloexHalle –

The decision to go ahead with the show wasn’t without controversy. The UAE has restrictive laws on homosexuality, with the death penalty being enshrined in its constitution. In recent years, artists such as The Killers, Stormzy, and more have performed in Dubai – Kylie Minogue performed at a glitzy New Year’s Eve party in the city.

‘Renaissance’ was guided by LGBT culture, and news of Bey’s performance in Dubai did bring criticism online.

TMZ reports that Beyoncé received more than $20 million for the concert; there is no update on a potential Renaissance tour.