It's no secret that One Direction attract some crazy fans. Recalling the hysteria of 1960s Beatlemania, in terms of unflinchingly dedicated devotion, diehard Directioners are perhaps the most fervent fans of any contemporary music act, pledging to the band an unshakeable loyalty and allegiance.
The Urban Dictionary website defines a Directioner as "someone who stands by the band One Direction no matter what. Who would be there to support the boys 100 per cent ... Even when the band grows up and goes on with their lives, these girls that call themselves 'Directioners' will NEVER forget the happiness and the joy that [it] brought to them for so many years."
Clearly the words of a convert.
This is why Saturday's sold-out concert at Dubai's Sevens Stadium is much more than merely a musical performance.
For many it's more akin to a spiritual experience - one that the region's 1D fans probably thought they would most likely never have, with the GCC still off the beaten track for many touring acts.
As the 1D excitement and hype builds to fever pitch this weekend, we caught up with four fanatical fans who are flying in from different corners of the region to enjoy a night they will doubtless cherish forever.
Zainab Meerza, 15
The Kuwaiti teenager shared pictures of her huge collection of merchandise before flying into town for the gig.
"I've been dying to go to their concert, mainly because they've been a huge part of my life and I've been waiting for so long," she says.
"I feel like it's time to get real - I don't just want to look back at them from the screens or any device, I'd like to know how it feels, really listening to your idols sing upfront. I think that feeling will be amazing.
"There are honestly no words I can say that would fully explain how much I love One Direction. They mean much more than an ordinary band - their music has helped me through so much. They deserve every bit of success they earn and I'm more than proud of them.
"If my plane was cancelled, I'd go walking across the sea for them, if that were possible. It would be devastating if that happened - I've waited so long for this and I can't believe it's going to happen. I'd have to build myself a flying car.
"I hope the day never comes when they break up - honestly I don't want to see a day as horrible as that. It'd be the most painful thing I'd feel, because they've just given me, as a fan, so many memories to look back on.
"We don't realise as they grow up, we're growing up along with them. They've been with me through my teenage years and I feel like a part of me has grown with them.
"In 10 years time, I'll think back and remember how I spent most of my days just thinking about them. It'll be hilarious, really, but I've had a great time and I regret nothing. I hope I can still be there supporting the boys many years later.
"I can't thank them enough for how much they've helped me. We all have those rough days, but when I just plug in my headphones and listen to their music, everything changes.
"So thank you, boys, for all the memories and laughs you've given me. Thank you for coming after all these years of waiting. Thank you for being you. I'll always support you boys, no matter what, even if I were the last person on Earth.
"All these rumours, nothing matters. The only thing that does is that I chose to love you boys and I'm never giving up on that."
Marwa Ali Hamieh, 18
The Lebanese/Syrian is flying in from Beirut for the concert.
"I love One Direction because they make me laugh, smile and cry with their music. They have a real passion for what they do and their bromance shows that they truly love and care for each other in a brotherly way.
"And they truly care about us - the fans - they never forget to remind us we are beautiful in our own ways.
"It's hard to choose a favourite member because they all have something special, but I have more feelings for Niall [Horan], this little Irish boy. Harry Styles, his perfect smile - when you look at him you forget all your problems. And Liam Payne inspires me and teaches me to never give up in my dream. Oh and Louis [Tomlinson] - he makes me laugh so hard and has the best accent ever.
"In Dubai, I hope they perform What Makes You Beautiful, because it makes me feel confident about myself - they told me I am beautiful and I can't see this.
"If I missed the concert I would probably kill myself, because I have been waiting for this concert for a year. I can't imagine a world where there would be no One Direction any more.
"If I was sending One Direction a message, I would say: '1D, you changed my life. You teach me how much I should be confident around others and accept myself the way I am. You teach me so many important lessons - every time I listen to your songs I feel better and I am thankful because you're here for me every time I need someone.
"'I love you to death and am forever a Directioner."
Afnan Quchari
Flying in from Jeddah to see the band she loves.
"I'm still shocked and sad about Zayn's departure, to be honest - but as long as he's happy then I'm happy. But it saddens me because he wanted to visit Dubai so badly, and now he won't.
"It's hard to chose a favourite member because I really love them all, but if I had to then I would definitely choose Harry Styles because he's just Harry and he's being his awesome self, and I can see that.
"I really want to hear Fool's Gold in Dubai, but I don't think it's in the set list. Their voices are so angelic on it and the lyrics touch my heart every time I listen to it.
"I have a lot of 1D merchandise - bracelets, their first book, all four albums, their Our Moment perfume, bedsheets, pillowcases, more than 45 posters, phone covers, two T-shirts and two sweaters - I have literally lost count of how much stuff I have. If they split up, I definitely would be sad - but happy at the same time because they will finally live their lives and settle down after years of hard work.
"So thank you for your hard work, One Direction. Keep it up please. I love you more than anything - literally anything.
"I'll always fight for a chance to meet them, I'll always be there for them, I'll always love them and I'll make sure my grandkids are Directioners too."
Hebatalla Basheer, 17
Flying from Bahrain with her dad to experience the biggest gig of her life.
"To me, this concert is a big deal. How big? How big can it get? Like, really big.
"I love everything about One Direction - their clothes, their personalities, their songs. They are inspirational, they're awesome, they connect to so many people.
"There have been a lot of big changes in the band. They started when they were very young, just 16 or 17 years old, and now they're all in their 20s - their voices are changing, getting better, and so is the music.
"I remember the first time I heard One Direction - it was 2011 and I saw their video for One Thing. I immediately fell in love.
"I never thought they would come to the Middle East - I always dreamed of going somewhere else to see them, such as the UK. I remember when I heard they were coming. I was so happy I wanted to cry."
rgarratt@thenational.ae
Hard-core Directioners share story of their lives ahead of Dubai gig
We get to know the die-hard devotional "Directioners" flying in from across the region.
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