Beats on The Beach is packed with some of the biggest international and regional names. Here are a few acts not to miss this weekend
Thursday
Juicy J
The younger set may recognise Juicy J as the rapper on last year's Katy Perry hit Dark Horse, but old school hip-hop fans know him as a dope MC, having led the former hip-hop collective Three Six Mafia. The 39-year-old has not been resting on his laurels, since Dark Horse he released his solid comeback album Still Trippy featuring Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz and Nicki Minaj. With a new album out early next year, his Abu Dhabi stop could be a good place to drop some new tunes.
Shatha Hassoun
The Moroccan-Iraqi singer and actress remains a popular live drawcard after being the first woman to win the talent show Star Academy in 2007. Since then, she has gone from strength to strength, starring in TV dramas and releasing her well-received first album Wajh Thani back in 2011.
Friday
Miguel
After years of generating heat on the underground R&B scene, the 29-year-old American singer is finally seeing the fruits of his labour. His second album, last year's acclaimed Kaleidoscope Dream, did well sales-wise and he also featured in Mariah Carey's hit single Beautiful. His music is laid-back, sensual and rather quirky. In other words, perfect for the beach.
Jason Derulo
The 25-year old singer and acrobatic dancer seriously hurt his neck during tour rehearsals back in 2012 but steadily made a comeback – he was electric in Dubai last year as a supporting act to Alicia Keys. His Abu Dhabi debut will cap off a stellar 2014 that saw him release three chart-topping singles: the ubiquitous Wiggle, Talk Dirty and Trumpets.
Saturday
Rita Ora
This is a riskier proposition – Ora can be a hit or miss affair when it comes to live performances. She delivered a solid showing in the Sandance New Year's Eve bash back in 2012, only to return this March to give a lacklustre set at the inaugural RedfestDxb. Let's hope she is on point on Saturday. With tunes such as How We Party, R.I.P and her Iggy Azalea collaboration Black Widow, she certainly has the material to deliver a ripper set.
Ragheb Alama
After a rather horrid 2013 that saw him gaining headlines for locking horns with his fellow Arab Idol judge, the Emirati diva Ahlam, the Lebanese singer left the programme at the end of last season to focus on what he does best – performing live.
Details of performance times will be announced soon on the Yasalam website. Doors open at 6.30pm, first act starts at 7.30pm. The last artist is set to perform at 1am. Visit
