British singer-songwriter Robbie Williams certainly entertained his fans in Dubai this weekend. The star, who first rose to fame in 1990s boy band Take That, performed a solo concert at The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah on Friday night, as part of Dubai Shopping Festival celebrations. It is the first time he's performed in the UAE since 2015.
"Hi everybody, Robbie Williams here. I am in Dubai and I am loving it," the star said in a video he posted to his own Twitter account on Thursday, inviting people to the concert. "Can't wait to see you there. Peace."
Can’t wait to see you all tomorrow at The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah x https://t.co/gKYC20IXbg@DSFsocial @ThePointePalm @Dubai_Calendar pic.twitter.com/2rBvGlUyGs
— Robbie Williams (@robbiewilliams) January 23, 2020
Following the release of a new festive album and more solo material, Williams performed a set of old classics and fresh tunes to a captivated crowd of thousands. They were treated to renditions of favourites such as Angels, Let Me Entertain You and Rock DJ.
Dubai mum Kat Lebrasse was particularly impressed. “I don’t ‘fangirl’ over many people, but meeting Robbie Williams, followed by his epic live performance was one for the books!” she wrote in a post on Instagram, with a picture of her and the singer together. “I can’t remember the last time I had a smile on my face for this many hours in a row. @robbiewilliams, you are a true rockstar! You brought the 15-year-old me back to life last night.”
“The guy has still got it!” wrote one Twitter user. “Robbie Williams just fantastic in his Dubai concert at the Pointe. Amazing stuff.”
The National's Jason Von Berg was also there. He had seen Williams once before in South Africa 14 years ago, and he wasn't disappointed the second time around. "He is still good-old, confident, cocky and funny Robbie Williams," he says. "Despite a bout of bronchitis, the Angels singer belted out the big notes and sang all his crowd-pleasing hits. One of the most special highlights (there were several) was him performing Sweet Caroline with his father, Peter."
In between songs, Williams shared some hilarious anecdotes and thanked his wife for being his "rock" and giving him a feeling of wholeness the previously troubled singer once strove for.
Williams is taking a break in Dubai with his family, which includes his three children. Amid his set, he also raved about the desert safari they all went on together.
"All in all, he’s still one of the most incredible, energetic and charismatic entertainers of our time," Von Berg said. "We let him entertain us and we are here for more."
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