The words ‘luxury’ and ‘festival’ don’t usually go hand-in hand. However, when it comes to Saadiyat Nights – a series of concerts held at a purpose-built temporary venue a stone’s throw away from the beach at Saadiyat Island – there’s no doubt that this is a truly high-end enterprise. Welcoming a variety of A-list artists including Mariah Carey, Googoosh, Andrea Bocelli, Sting, Magida El Roumi, Alicia Keys, Tom Jones, and John Legend over a two- month period, the festival set a new standard for upscale live entertainment in the UAE.
“The festival site is absolutely amazing,” began Jonathan West, Senior Operations and Production Manager for AVANTGARDE, which was tasked by Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi and Miral with producing the festival. “The location is perfect; right by the beach, close to a range of F&B outlets and with plenty of parking nearby.”
TPiMEA got to witness the festival first- hand during Tom Jones’ performance on the penultimate night of the run, which was promoted by Live Nation Middle East. “Bringing Tom Jones back to the region was an absolute pleasure and a highlight for me in this first Saadiyat Nights season,” commented Live Nation Middle East President, James Craven. “This new open-air, purpose-built venue on Saadiyat Island created a truly unique destination and event. As Tom Jones closed off the final weekend of the season, we thoroughly enjoyed creating such an unforgettable experience with a true music legend like Tom.”
Photos: Ashir Ahmed, Protec, AVANTGARDE
www.saadiyatisland.ae/saadiyat-nights
www.avantgarde.net
www.protecevents.com
