“Is it still Christmas? Is it already New Year's Eve?” Robbie Williams playfully asked the audience, capturing the hazy, in-between spirit of the holiday season as he launched into his electrifying concert in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Kick-starting the second season of Saadiyat Nights, the British pop star delivered a quintessential showman's performance, brimming with energy, humour and a generous dose of classic hits and timeless covers.
Dressed in a casual white suit and vest, with bright white sunglasses, Williams opened with the explosive Let Me Entertain You, immediately setting the tone for what would be an interactive and high-energy evening. He seamlessly transitioned into a dynamic rendition of American R&B singer Chris Kenner's Land of 1000 Dances, showcasing his effortless stage presence and engaging the crowd with energetic choreography in time with a bevvy of female dancers dressed in black.
Throughout the two-hour set, Williams blended his chart-toppers with a selection of classic covers, including Dean Martin's Ain't That a Kick in the Head and a poignant rendition of Oasis's Don't Look Back in Anger, performed a la Liam Gallagher – with his hands pinned behind his back.
He regaled the audience with captivating anecdotes from his long career, speaking about his dramatic departure from boy band Take That and delving into the highs and lows of his solo journey, leaning into the spirit of the season with pantomime-style audience interaction encouraged via good natured “boos” and sympathetic “awws”.
Williams' signature charm was on full display, as he playfully engaged with the audience, teasing fans with good-natured ribbing and acknowledging the passage of time with his self-deprecating humour, sympathising with the crowd that “it gets a lot more difficult to hold your hands in the air when your middle aged, doesn't it?”
Amid the light-hearted banter, Williams also shared heartfelt moments, reflecting on his personal growth and expressing gratitude for his family. He dedicated I Love My Life to his wife and children, underscoring the profound impact they have had on him. The crowd sang in unison, creating an emotional crescendo that peaked when a flurry of blue and yellow streamers cascaded on to the crowd.
At one point, Williams produced a large black bin onstage. With theatrical flair, he prompted the audience to chant, “What's in the bin, Robbie?”, before gleefully revealing that it contained T-shirts for the most enthusiastic dancers.
This announcement sent a wave of excitement through the crowd, with fans scrambling towards the stage and climbing on to their seats to increase their chances of being spotted. Amid the frenzy, I locked eyes with Williams and, to my surprise, he launched a tightly-wrapped black parcel directly towards me. With a bit of luck and a fortuitous elevation above the crowd, I managed to catch it between my knees. An unexpected and much appreciated addition to what was already a highly entertaining evening.
“He's a good showman. An excellent showman,” I overhear the man behind me say to his wife as Williams scouted the audience, looking for more T-shirt recipients. And that's exactly what William is. A true showman whose charisma, and seemingly effortless ability to command a crowd without being in any way authoritative, is impossible to fault.
The concert culminated in a spectacular finale, with Williams performing a powerful rendition of Angels, the song that catapulted him to global stardom.
The star's work in the UAE isn't over. On Sunday, he's heading to Dubai to walk the red carpet for the regional premiere of his new biopic Better Man, in which he's played by a CGI monkey.
The star gave the film, which also stars Jonno Davies and Kate Mulvany, a quick plug during his set, telling the crowd, “I really hope you go and see it,” before launching into a rendition of his 2000 single of the same name. He also performed Forbidden Road, the first single from the soundtrack to the film and a definite grower.
Everything you need to know about Saadiyat Nights Season 2
The intimate Saadiyat Nights series of concerts will run until mid-February, taking place at a beautifully illuminated amphitheatre on Jacques Chirac Street on Saadiyat Island.
Purpose-built for the occasion, the 5,000 seat venue is open air with levelled seating for diamond, platinum and gold ticket holders, and tiered bleacher-style seating for other ticket categories.
A spacious concourse greets concert goers on arrival, offering menus for fans who arrived early, with the likes of Pitfire Pizza, Aptitude and Lila Taqueria. Doors for most of the concerts open at 5pm or 6pm, but if the remainder of the calendar runs in a similar fashion to last season and Williams' show opener this year, then the actual performances won't start until at least 8.30pm.
Temperatures dip dramatically after dark, so be sure to bring a jacket and, if your seats are wet with condensation when you arrive, keep your eyes peeled for the helpful staff wandering around with towels and tissues to make everyone more comfortable.
There's plenty of parking, with assigned free sections depending on your level of ticket. Paid parking spaces are also available nearby at Mamsha Al Saadiyat, where there’s a host of bars and restaurants ideal for concertgoers seeking a pre-gig meetup.
What’s still to come at Saadiyat Nights in 2025
January 4: Ebi
Iranian pop star Ebi will take the stage to perform some of the best hits from his illustrious 50-year career. Tickets start from Dh200.
January 16: Michael Buble
Fresh from another season of Christmas crooning, Michael Buble is expected to leave his festive hits behind when he takes the stage in Abu Dhabi on January 16. Only premium tickets remain.
January 24: Leningrad
Russian rock group Leningrad are playing in the UAE capital for the first time in a high energy gig that will see Sergey Shnurov and the rest of the 14-strong group perform their best-known hits. Tickets start from Dh200.
January 25: Boyz II Men
Old-school crooners Boyz II Men will take the stage on January 25 for a night of nostalgia. Fans can expect an entirely soulful evening from the R&B harmony group. Tickets start from Dh175.
February 1: Omar Khairat
Egypt’s Omar Khairat is heading to Saadiyat Nights in February where he’ll perform a collection of his enchanting and original symphonies. Tickets start from Dh250.
February 15: Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera will bring the open-air concert series to a close when she takes to the stage on February 15. The American singer is returning to the UAE capital for the first time in 17 years. Tickets are sold out.
