Beyoncé performed for the first time in four year in Dubai on Saturday (January 22, 2023) as part of a weekend of events celebrating the unofficial opening of Atlantis the Royal, a luxury hotel.
The 41-year-old performer made a red carpet appearance in a gold lame gown by Dolce & Gabbanna paired with a Marzook clutch and custom Messika earrings, a look styled by KJ Moody.
Celebrities attending the event included Kendall Jenner, Rebel Wilson, Chlöe and Halle Bailey, Nia Long and Ellen Pompeo among others.
In addition to the hotel’s guest list, members of the press were invited to attend an all-expenses-paid luxury weekend on the property where “you and a guest are invited for epicurean feasts, beachside indulgences, and special reveal experiences including business class airfare, first-class ground transportation, and first-class accommodations at Atlantis the Royal.”
Backed by a full orchestral band, Beyoncé performed 17 songs broken up into two three sets. Highlights included “Drunk in Love,” Beautiful Liar,” Countdown” and “Brown Skin Girl,” which she performed with Blue Ivy for the first time live. Putting to rest speculation the concert could be viewed as a preview of a tour in support of Renaissance, the 41-year-old entertainer didnt peform any songs from the album.
Beyoncé made three costume changes for each set, opening with a yellow gown by Atelier Zuhra, a Dubai-based label. For her second set, she wore a striking red gown designed by Lebanese designer Nicolas Jebran. Beyoncé wore a custom sequin and silk, hot pink slip dress and kick pants by Frolov, coordinated with thigh-high stockings for her third and final set. She closed out the performance with “Drunk in Love.”
While not confirmed, there were rumors Beyoncé was recovering from foot surgery prior to the event, forcing her to reign in choreography for the performance. As well, National News alleged Beyoncé was paid $24 million to perform, however, that figure hasn’t been confirmed either.
Blue and Beyoncé on stage 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 pic.twitter.com/e3O5XgBe4Z
— drake (@beygency) January 21, 2023
Bey Mother 🔥 pic.twitter.com/liMKfijMhA
— BEYONCÉ NEWS (@BeyonceHiveNews) January 21, 2023
Beyoncé performing Crazy in Love pic.twitter.com/t64M5dcPh9
— BEYONCÉ NEWS (@BeyonceHiveNews) January 21, 2023
New angle of @Beyonce’s Drunk In Love performance pic.twitter.com/C2u0HKQdiE
— Beyoncé Press. | Fan Account (@beyoncepress) January 21, 2023
This choreography 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CQYN3aYfzw
— BEYONCÉ NEWS (@BeyonceHiveNews) January 21, 2023
🚨 Setlist do show da Beyoncé revelada! pic.twitter.com/tYhhcurUnY
— Beyoncé Brasil (@beyoncebrasil) January 21, 2023