6 things to expect from Beyoncé’s Atlantis The Royal concert

Dubai is jumpin’, jumpin’, as the American superstar is in town for the hotel’s grand opening.

Are you crazy in love with Beyoncé? Well, you’ll be thrilled to hear that the singing sensation is in Dubai, as she is scheduled to perform at the grand opening of the luxury hotel, Atlantis The Royal. The concert takes place on Saturday, 21 January, and is set to be a showstopper. 

Beyoncé’s Atlantis The Royal concert is a strictly invite-only show, which will be watched by VIPs and media (including the Editor-in-Chief at FACT). The countdown is on, as the last time Beyoncé played live was in 2018. Plus, the show comes ahead of her Renaissance world tour, which has been announced for summer 2023. 

Dubai is buzzing with excitement, with entry-level fans who know the moves to Single Ladies, and the BeyHive, who know their Girl’s Tyme (Destiny’s Child’s original moniker) from their Sasha Fierce (her other moniker), desperate to get their hands on tickets. So, if you’re not on the guest list, fear not – follow FACT’s Instagram account on the night. Here’s what to expect from Beyoncé’s Atlantis The Royal concert. 

Black activism  

As Beyoncé blossomed from Destiny’s Child front woman into a solo superstar, she has never been afraid to bring her activism to the stage. She paid homage to the Black Panthers in her 2013 Super Bowl XLVII half time show, and female empowerment by sharing writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adihie’s words in her 2014 MTV VMA performance. Formation’s lyrics celebrate blackness: “I like my baby heir, with baby hair and afros, I like my negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils”. Plus, she directed Disney+’s Black is King, a Lion King-inspired visual album, which showcased black artists. 

Celebrity guests 

The grand opening of Atlantis The Royal is expected to attract the world’s biggest A listers. Rumour has it that there’ll be stars ranging from reality TV royalty to actual royalty. We’re expecting the front row seats to be reserved for the Carter’s three children (and nepo babies in the making) – Blue Ivy, Sir and Rumour. 

Classic solo hits  

Thanks to The Palm’s residents who heard Beyoncé’s Atlantis The Royal sound check, we have a good idea of what songs to expect from the upcoming concert. In a video that has been doing the rounds on social media, she can be heard singing Crazy in Love and Drunk in Love. Residents also reported hearing Halo and Naughty Girl. History in the making, people. 

Destiny’s Child medley 

If Beyoncé’s 2013 Super Bowl XLVII half time show and 2011 Glastonbury performances are anything to go, we’re hoping that she pulls out a Destiny’s Child medley. The group released their first single No, No, No in 1997, and went on to sell more than 60 million records. Their biggest hits include Bills, Bills, Bills, Bootylicious, Independent Woman and Say My Name. 

Jay-Z guest appearance

We know that the power couple – aka Mr and Mrs Carter – are in town together. Never one to shy away from a collab, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that Jigga joins the stage. The two have collaborated on so many songs, from Bonnie & Clyde to Déjà Vu. Plus, they were recently signed up by Tiffany & Co, and gave the jewellery brand a millennial edge. Check out Queen B’s rendition of Moon River for some #relationshipgoals. Just don’t mention Becky with the good hair. 

New songs 

Beyoncé’s album, Renaissance, was released in summer 2022. We’re expecting a rendition of her latest hits including Break my Soul. Beyonce said: “Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world. It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving. My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom.” We agree with Michelle Obama, who declared: “Queen Beyonce, you’ve done it again”. Long live the Queen. 

GO: Visit https://www.atlantis.com/atlantis-the-royal for more information.