It is reported that this weekend Beyonce invited a number of journalists and influencers to Dubai to celebrate the launch of a new luxury hotel.
The invitation also promises a “once-in-a-lifetime performance,” and many assume that Beyonce will perform live for the first time since the release of “Renaissance” last year.
The luxury trip with all expenses paid will take place this weekend (January 20-22), and the performance will take place tonight (January 21).
The invitation reads (via Pitchfork): “Beyonce invites you to a weekend where your dreams will become your destination. You and the guest are invited to Epicurean feasts, beach pleasures and special experiences, including business class flights, first-class ground transportation and first-class rooms at Atlantis the Royal.”
At the end of the live performance, a “grand opening” is also promised.
what do you think will be the “grand reveal” tonight at Beyoncé’s private performance in dubai tonight ? pic.twitter.com/6qDyivOlYG
— pure endless summer vacation 🌴🐝🫀 (@purethiquekj) January 21, 2023
Earlier this week, fans in Dubai reported that they could hear Beyonce checking the sound of several of her songs, including “Halo”, “Drunk In Love” and “Spirit”, but there was no official announcement about a possible Beyonce concert.
why aren’t y’all talking about how Beyoncé’s Dubai performance is in collaboration with IAM Entertainment which is a live event focused organization founded and run by Middle Eastern Women??
— virgo’s grooviest. (@virgosgrooviest) January 20, 2023
In any case, some fans are unhappy that Beyonce is promoting Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, given that homosexuality remains a crime punishable by death in the country.
WATCH:
Beyoncé appears to be sound-checking “Freedom” for her performance in Dubai this Saturday.
Stay tuned for updates on her upcoming #RENAISSANCEWorldTour! 🐝 🪩 pic.twitter.com/vOBfntGzbS
— RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR (@RenaissanceWT) January 18, 2023
“There is nothing iconic about Beyonce being paid an ungodly amount of money to promote a country that so blatantly violates human rights,” one fan wrote on Reddit.
“Beyonce performing these Rennie songs for the first time, supposedly glorifying black queer culture, in front of an exceptional crowd of billionaires in Dubai, is incredibly annoying,” another fan wrote on Twitter.
“Beyonce, who is conducting a paid press tour in Dubai, does not suit me, especially considering that the “Renaissance” was influenced by queer ball culture. Being gay in Dubai is illegal and a death sentence,” wrote a third.
However, some fans have noted that Beyonce is reportedly working on a show with IAM Entertainment, a live performance-focused organization founded and run by Middle Eastern women.
In 2019, Nicki Minaj canceled a concert in Saudi Arabia due to a negative reaction. “I think it’s important for me to clearly state that I support women’s rights, the LGBTQ community and freedom of expression,” the statement said.
Elsewhere at the recent FIFA 2023 World Cup in Qatar, people like Dua Lipa, Joe Lycett and Sports Team criticized various human rights violations in the country.
Last year, Beyonce seemed to confirm her 2023 world tour in support of the new album “Renaissance” through an auction. It was also reported that her team, dancers and band will have to undergo a background check before going on the road. However, the dates of the concerts have not been confirmed at the moment.
