There’s no business like the show business

There’s no business like the show business

Abu Dhabi entices with its weekend getaways while Dubai banks on a tried and tested formula. But is it too tried and tested, asks Precious de Leon.

March 8, 2011 5:16 by Precious de Leon

It doesn’t help either that there are stipulations in Dubai that see organizers charged a percentage fee for every “expected” ticket sale…or so Kipp has heard. If true, this would undoubtedly mean organizers would prefer the bright lights (read: big bucks) of the capital.

But it’s not really just about the money, either. Need certainly begets innovation in this case as Abu Dhabi launches its latest series of calendar fillers called the Yas Island Show Weekends.

The programme brings a set of artists each weekend that cater to different musical tastes: DJ Tiesto, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder and 30 seconds to Mars.

After that there’s the Yas Rock Factory (a UAE-wide talent show), followed by a Motown-themed event that will have activities running alongside the live performances.
What’s interesting about these packages is that it’s roped in with hotel deals as well as activities around the area. So ticketholders not only get a concert experience but a whole weekend getaway out of it. Hotel packages start from 900AED and include 2 nights stay and 2 tickets, for example.

The ghost town hotels get a boost in business with every ticket sold, and concertgoers, say from Dubai or out of town, have the option of not having to drive back at one o’clock in the morning after a hard night’s jamming.

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Tags: Abu Dhabi, concert, Dubai, Eric Clapton, event management, Events, FLASH Entertainment, Hospitality, hotel, UAE, usher, Yas Island