The Grammy-nominated artist The Weeknd is coming to the UAE for the first time. The Canadian singer and producer will take the stage at People by Crystal at Raffles hotel in Dubai on Thursday, June 5, before heading to the brand-new People by Crystal Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island on Friday.
The Weeknd, real name Abel Tesfaye from Scarborough, Ontario, shot to fame in 2011 when his mixtapes caught traction on the internet and his fellow Canadian artist Drake posted them on his blog.
He will be the first artist to perform at People by Crystal Abu Dhabi, which opened its doors on May 15. The launch night was a packed-out event, with queues of revellers waiting to get into the intimate, 350-capacity venue, which is why organisers highly recommend advance table bookings.
The club, which incorporates cutting-edge technology such as LED and MADRIX screens, making for an interactive club experience, was buzzing on launch night, with resident DJ Josiane spinning the tunes while a troupe of dancers in flamboyant angel-type costumes provided entertainment on the central stage — which will play host to guest acts such as The Weeknd.
People by Crystal is the latest addition to Abu Dhabi’s growing clubbing scene. O1NE on Yas Island, which opened over F1 weekend last year, boasts the world’s largest privately owned graffiti wall and regularly hosts after-parties for the likes of Justin Timberlake and The Rolling Stones, and has seen a slew of big-name DJs and artists take to its stage such as 2 Chains, Benny Benassi, Felix Da Housecat, Ludacris and Ciara.
Along in Yas Marina, the chilled-out restaurant, lounge and club Iris is proving to be every bit as popular as its Dubai counterpart.
The Weeknd at People Abu Dhabi by Crystal, The Collection, St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, is on Friday, June 6, from 10pm to 4am. Entry is free. Reservations and table booking are preferred. Call 050 826 9698 for reservations and more information.
