Organisers confirm Lady Gaga’s Dubai show will be ‘culturally sensitive’

She’s been rumoured to be heading to our shores for many years, but Lady Gaga is finally set to hit the stage in the UAE.

Lady Gaga is aware of the cultural sensitivities of the region, say the organisers bringing the show to Dubai

And organisers of the September 10 gig, which will take place at Meydan racecourse in Dubai, insist the pop icon’s performance will be culturally sensitive for its UAE audience.

Becky Artmonsky, co-founder and CEO of ATW Live, the show’s organisers, said they are working “very closely” with the 28-year-old American singer and her team to “ensure that all cultural sensitivities are managed very well”.

In 2012, Gaga’s concerts in Indonesia – the world’s most populous Muslim country – were cancelled amid security fears after religious groups protested her presence, claiming her outfits and provocative dance moves would corrupt the youth. However, Artmonsky insists Gaga “understands the cultural sensitivities” that play a part in order to perform in Dubai.

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CHECK OUT A GALLERY OF HER CRAZIEST OUTFITS HERE
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“She’s optimistic about the cultural aspect and has been very keen on performing for her fans here,” Artmonsky said. “It is her first time here and she has a lot of little monsters here and a lot of big monsters as well, so that’s the focus for her.” ‘Little Monsters’ is the name given to Gaga fans.

The ‘Bad Romance’ singer will make her debut appearance in Dubai to kick off her ‘artRAVE’ European Tour. After rumours broke on social media about Gaga coming to town, Artmonsky admitted that it was the “worst kept secret in Dubai”. One tweet by a Gaga fan read: “Lady Gaga coming to DXB! Are you as excited as I am right?”

Another fan posted on facebook: “Her shows are fantastic. Can’t wait for this.” Controversy has followed the star during her career. Her most recent incident occurred when she simulated vomiting on stage in Texas. She was accused of “glamourising” eating disorders and becoming the poster girl of bulimia.

Marco Rios, the chairman and CEO of AMI Live – the company that is bringing Gaga to Dubai, said: “The UAE is the perfect place to bring Lady Gaga as she has so many fans here.”

Tickets go on sale on Thursday, May 15 at noon, on ticketmaster.ae, with prices starting at Dhs495 for general admission. Tickets for the ‘Little Monsters’ fan club go on sale on Tuesday. VIP packages start from Dhs2,000.

HOW GAGA PRICES COMPARE WITH OTHER UAE STAR SHOWS
>>Regular: Dhs495, VIP: Dhs2,000

>> Justin Bieber concert on May 4th 2014 – Regular: Dhs350, VIP: Dhs1,000
>> Rolling Stones concert on February 21st 2014 – Regular: Dhs395, VIP: Dhs1,295
>> Madonna concert on June 3, 2012 – Regular: Dhs250, VIP: Dhs2,295
>> Justin Timberlake’s upcoming concert on 23rd May– Regular: Dhs395, VIP: Dhs695

sarwat@7days.ae