Alicia Keys to return to AlUla for second show in Saudi Arabia

Singer-songwriter will perform at Maraya during ancient city's arts festival

Alicia Keys performed at Maraya Concert Hall, AlUla, last year. Photo: Al Ula Moments

Alicia Keys is set to return to AlUla, Saudi Arabia, for a performance this month.

The 15-time Grammy winner will take the stage at the mirrored venue Maraya Concert Hall in the kingdom’s ancient city as part of the AlUla Arts Festival, which starts on Thursday and runs until February 28.

Keys, who will perform on February 24, will also host the second instalment of the Women to Women discussion at Madrasat Addeera the following day, where she will highlight inspiring and innovating women across the region.

Keys marked her first concert in Saudi Arabia with a sold-out show at Maraya last year. She went on to join Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, the first female Saudi ambassador to the US, on stage for a conversation at the first Women to Women talk.

She also attended Desert X AlUla 2022, the international open-air art exhibition where she was filmed with her husband, Swizz Beatz, exploring the outdoor installations in the desert.

"There is no denying the beauty and enchantment of AlUla, I have always been an explorer and I adore discovering ancient places and what has been left behind of times long gone," Keys told Harper's Bazaar Arabia last year.

"But there is something more. I met women business owners here that had a powerful sense of creating meaningful experiences. I visited a women’s music school in the old town and got to see first-hand the continuation of the timeless artisan traditions here.”

Her show this year coincides with the country's first Andy Warhol exhibition, which is also launching at Maraya during the festival and will be displayed until May 16.

Tickets for the concert are yet to go on sale. More information is available at www.experiencealula.com

Alica Keys live at Expo 2020 Dubai - in pictures

US singer-songwriter Alicia Keys performs at Al Wasl Plaza, Expo 2020 Dubai, where she launched her eighth album, ‘Keys’. AFP

Keys demonstrated her versatility during the performance. AFP

The show was billed as 'Live in 360’ because people around the world were able to watch it on streaming platforms. AFP

Keys held the limelight, whether playing the piano or moving across the stage. AFP

Al Wasl Dome made for a dramatic backdrop. AFP

The gentle sound of a string quartet provided Keys with an understated entrance, as she swept past the audience in a flowing gown by Dubai designer Furne One of Amato Couture. AFP

Keys ran through her hits and new songs. AFP

She was accompanied by a small orchestra. AFP

Emirati singer Balqees Fathi joins Keys onstage. AFP

Those streaming the show from home could explore the venue from the comfort of their own living rooms. AP

The hits came thick and fast. AP

A dance troupe kept a low profile around the circular stage. AP

Keys also visited the UAE in 2013 and 2019. AP

The setting of the show at Expo 2020 was breathtaking. AP

Keys wore an embroidered gold catsuit and an intricately patterned tulle cape, both studded with Swarovski crystals. Reuters