Gipsy Kings, Amr Diab, George Benson in Dubai

We’ve realised that UAE residents are really spoilt for choice this year, what with top global acts such as Madonna, The Eagles, Snow Patrol, David Guetta and many more already pencilled in on the social calendar.

But it seems like some of them might be facing stiff competition as telcom company du returns with yet another serving of the World Music Festival, this time with top acts that include the versatile Gipsy Kings, Arab superstar Amr Diab, the 10-time Grammy winning jazz maestro George Benson, sufi singer Rahet Fateh Ali Khan, among others.

The 10-day fest, or 14 performances, runs from March 7 until 16 at Downtown Burj Khalifa, with the festivities kicking off with Pakistan’s award-winning Khan on day one at the Burj Park.

Supported by Samsung as Associate Partner and organised by Sundance Events, the du World Music Festival will be a combination of free and ticketed performances.

Khan’s performance, along with The Gipsy Kings the following evening will be ticketed events, with prices starting at Dh150 and going up to Dh995.

Other ticketed events include the March 9, what promises to be a scintillating performance by Egypt’s super talented Diab, followed by Christian Bautista and Sarah Geronimo on March 10; Omar Khairat and Absolute Indian Ensemble on March 15; and Gabrielle and George Benson at the Burj Park the next day.

But while you are torn over forking out the money, there is also plenty of talent to enjoy with Stanley Clarke on March 8; Pat Martino the next evening; Amit Chatterjee on March 10;            11 March with Salif Keita; the next evening with Trilok Gurtu and Matthew Garrison – Human Element; March 14 with Rotana Stars Night – Assi El Helani; and March 16 with Mansoor Zayed.

The free concerts will be held at the Burj Steps.

There will be plenty of competition opportunities for du customers to win concert tickets and celebrity meet-and-greets in the lead-up to the World Music Festival.

For more information, call: 04 3414 353

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