Madonna needs no introduction. Hold on for the strongest heat wave this summer when the international music icon ignites the atmosphere with her world-class hits for her Emirati fans at Abu Dhabi's du Arena, Yas Island, on June 3 and 4. Around 50,000 fans are excited to attend the two-day event that will surely be pulsating and loud. Madonna is on her World Tour 2012 to promote her 12th studio album “MDNA”. An all-new stage has been designed and created specifically for her “MDNA Tour” –– the size of which has never been seen before in the region. Mariam Nihal of Saudi Gazette spoke with Mira Sadek, a representative from the FLASH company that is bringing the singing sensation Madonna to the UAE. SG: How has the tour come about at this time? Has FLASH made a conscious decision to bring Madonna to the UAE during this time of the year? Sadek: Madonna is arguably the biggest artist in the world at the moment. Her popularity transcends cultural and generational barriers and her evolution as a performing artist is almost without parallel in the pop world today. Abu Dhabi too has developed significantly in the last few years and has absolutely evolved into one of the region's leading entertainment and leisure destinations. Our role at FLASH Entertainment is to bring these elements together. FLASH is a commercial organization committed to delivering the highest quality, world-class event experiences and bringing Madonna to the region for the first time absolutely validates this commitment. We almost managed to bring her here four years ago for her ‘Sticky and Sweet' Tour but the dates just didn't work out. This time round, we were not going to miss out on the opportunity once Live Nation confirmed an available date for a show in the region. SG: What is essential about this event organized by Flash and how has it been different than other artists who have traveled to the UAE before? Sadek: As a premier live events company – with a proven track record we believe that FLASH brings together the intricately interactive components that world artists expect for a successful show. From planning to implementation and from logistics to communications we bring together experts in all areas from all walks of life to deliver world-class events. Artists know this and we are proud that we have come to attract the icons of the world, such as Madonna. This is a truly regional event and we have done everything possible to give her huge Middle East fan base the chance of seeing the Queen of Pop live. It will be a party the likes of which the region has never seen before. SG: What are your expectations from this tour? Sadek: The tour has sold out all over the world with shows being added in every continent. Madonna always sets new records and we're sure Live Nation – the producers of her World Tour – are expecting this outing to do the same. From our side, this is one of the most highly anticipated concerts we have ever staged and it is a proud moment for Abu Dhabi and the entire region. As for our regional guests, over the past two years, the du Arena (previously the Yas Arena) concerts have attracted guests from the GCC, MENA region, Europe, the US and Australia – a clear indication that our overseas concertgoers have now become accustomed to Abu Dhabi as a concert hot spot. SG: Are the tickets for the the event all sold out and will there be another one in Abu Dhabi? Sadek: There are still tickets remaining in all categories to see Madonna Live in Abu Dhabi. Buy now at www.thinkflash.ae. SG: Will this be Madonna's last tour or can we expect more? Sadek: We cannot comment on the artist's future plans, what we can say is the entire region is excited about concerts in Abu Dhabi and we are looking forward to hosting this superstar. SG: Who are the opening artists/other chosen DJ's expected to play at the event? Sadek: With legendary party DJ Benny Benassi confirmed to support Madonna on both days, fans are set to enjoy a night of Madonna classics and contemporary hits, and some fresh house tunes around. The entire weekend is already planned with after-parties at ALLURE by Cipriani. More details will be announced as the big “Madonna weekend” draws closer. SG: Does FLASH plan on hosting events throughout the Middle East or only in Abu Dhabi in the UAE? If so, why? Sadek: FLASH has worked tirelessly during the last three years to build a more dynamic live events industry here in Abu Dhabi and regardless of future plans, our primary focus will always be the UAE Capital. __
