View of part of the Fujairah Corniche and the Hajar Mountains in the Background

Monday, September 8, 2008

Abu Dhabi under Entertainment Spotlight with Christina Aguilera

Abu Dhabi is targeting the entertainment sphere in which to excel with the projected concert starring Christina Aguilera on 24 October at the opulent Emirates Palace.

She follows in the footsteps of other notables such as Bon Jovi and Justin Timberlake who have performed in the UAE capital.

For Aguilera, American songwriter, singer and Grammy Award winner, the Abu Dhabi gig will be her first performance in the Middle East.

Christina Aguilera is admired for her powerful voice, vocal range and her propensity to reinvent her image which, has led her at times to venture into risqué performances and raunchiness.

Have any restrictions been placed on her for the Abu Dhabi performance? Has Christina been asked to tone down her sexually provocative image because of the cultural values of the UAE? Will Emirati modesty mean that Aguilera chooses to dress and perform more conservatively in deference to local customs? What image is Abu Dhabi seeking to project to the world?

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Christina Aguilera. (Photo courtesy of Sydney Morning Herald)