ABU DHABI // Thousands of fans flocked to the du Arena for the Abu Dhabi leg of Rihanna’s Diamonds World Tour.
The Bajan superstar took to the stage just before 10pm and delivered a slick yet engaging set that catered to the eyes as much as the ears.
Swaggering on stage to the hip-hop dance mash-up Phresh Off The Runway, RiRi’s song choices focused on her latest album, Unapologetic, as well as her major hits.
The singer – who visited Yas Waterworld ahead of her performance – attracted fans from across the region to her Middle East show.
Abdulrahman Ali, 22, from Saudi Arabia, incorporated the concert into his week-long UAE holiday.
“I really love music and I listen to it a lot in the car,” said the student.
“The fact she was coming here made it a golden opportunity for me. It is a great holiday so far.”
Also enjoying the experience was the support act, the Miami house duo GTA.
Speaking before their performance, Julio Mejia said the Rihanna juggernaut was relentless.
“The tour can be very fun and also tiring at times,” he said.
“Travelling can get pretty tiring, but getting to play for at least 20,000 people in arenas or stadiums every night is very awesome. It’s really just an amazing life experience.”
sasaeed@thenational.ae
