01 December 2008 Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Stadium: Zayed Sports City Stadium
Opening Act: Alicia Keys
Main Set: Waiting, Fastlove, I'm Your Man, Father Figure, Everything She Wants, One More Try, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Too Funky, Star People - interval - Faith, Spinning The Wheel, Feeling Good, Roxanne, Kissing A Fool, Amazing, Flawless, Outside
Encore: Careless Whisper, Freedom '90
Comment: The media in the United Arab Emirates claimed George Michael had pegged the Abu Dhabi show as the finale of his 25Live world tour. George Michael was first approached a year ago to come to Abu Dhabi, and it has taken months of negotiation to secure the right package. The official George Michael website announced the Abu Dhabi concert as a one off special outdoor show which George Michael was to headline. Probably due to the fact George Michael had already played 'The Final Two' and 'The Final One', both billed as the final 25Live concerts.
Alicia Keys opened the show for George, and at around 11 pm George started his performance with 'Waiting (Reprise)' from behind the stage. He then entered the stage from the side to sing 'Fastlove'. George didn't bring his famous 'ski slope' LED video screen but he did have pretty much the same stage setting as on the 25Live tour, with a huge video screen behind him to project the visuals and graphics. There was a two-tier platform on either side of the video screen which accommodated the musicians. Abu Dhabi saw a 25Live show as we've seen in 2008, with the same setlist, speeches, outfits and visuals.
The media in the UAE has quoted George saying "Abu Dhabi is one of those cities that has grabbed the world’s attention by fast becoming a must-visit destination - especially with its blossoming arts and culture scene. As someone who’s never been to any of the emirates before, I was so excited to be able to experience the capital first hand and I am thrilled to have played at one of the most impressive venues in the country."
Opening Act: Alicia Keys
Main Set: Waiting, Fastlove, I'm Your Man, Father Figure, Everything She Wants, One More Try, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Too Funky, Star People - interval - Faith, Spinning The Wheel, Feeling Good, Roxanne, Kissing A Fool, Amazing, Flawless, Outside
Encore: Careless Whisper, Freedom '90
Comment: The media in the United Arab Emirates claimed George Michael had pegged the Abu Dhabi show as the finale of his 25Live world tour. George Michael was first approached a year ago to come to Abu Dhabi, and it has taken months of negotiation to secure the right package. The official George Michael website announced the Abu Dhabi concert as a one off special outdoor show which George Michael was to headline. Probably due to the fact George Michael had already played 'The Final Two' and 'The Final One', both billed as the final 25Live concerts.
George Michael performed at the Zayed Sports City stadium in Abu Dhabi, entertaining around 30000 fans, in what was one of the biggest concerts the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has ever seen. His performance helped launch National Day celebrations.
The media in the UAE has quoted George saying "Abu Dhabi is one of those cities that has grabbed the world’s attention by fast becoming a must-visit destination - especially with its blossoming arts and culture scene. As someone who’s never been to any of the emirates before, I was so excited to be able to experience the capital first hand and I am thrilled to have played at one of the most impressive venues in the country."