Already established as one of the most eagerly anticipated openings of 2021, Madame Tussauds Dubai today offered a further tantalising glimpse of what visitors have to look forward to by revealing its first Middle East wax figure, the much-loved Emirati-Yemeni music star, Balqees Fathi.
In what has been described as a magical moment, Balqees met her wax likeness for the very first time at a special ‘side by side’ unveiling held in partnership with Madame Tussauds at the immersive luxury lifestyle resort, Caesars Palace Dubai, which is at the heart of Bluewaters Island.
Pictured side by side with her likeness, Fathi commented: “I feel privileged to be the first Arab artist to stand side by side with my wax figure at the iconic Madame Tussauds, Dubai. I am overwhelmed with the incredible likeness that this wax figure holds to my physical appearance and to the impeccable attention to details that captures my personality. I cannot wait for people to visit Madame Tussauds and finally be able to enjoy this unique experience in the Arab world.”
With her unique combination of talent, beauty, glamour, strong work ethic and dedication to championing women’s rights, Balqees is known best by her first name alone. The musical artist's likeness is an apt and much-deserved addition to the iconic Madame Tussauds attraction. Since rising to fame in 2013, the singer has enjoyed huge musical success, releasing three record-breaking albums and travelling the globe as a member of the UAE NSO Symphony Orchestra. Her latest hit Entaha meanwhile is already being touted as the song for summer 2021 in the Arab world, with already more than 17 million views on YouTube. What sets Balqees apart further though, and makes her recognition all the more deserving, is her pioneering commitment to gender equality and supporting women.
Dressed in an exquisite, fittingly opulent gown and with her trademark glowing smile, Balqees’ wax figure cleverly captures both her looks and personality, while this wax tribute confirms her position as Arab music royalty. Balqees’ figure will be amongst the most famous movie stars and musicians from around the globe in the extravagant, A-list party room, which is styled as a glamorous, desert oasis. Guest can pose with Balqees before hitting the jewel of the room, the interactive dance floor, and show off their best moves while a DJ plays the latest hits.
Sanaz Kollsrud, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Dubai admitted: “We are thrilled to reveal our first side-by-side and offer a glimpse into the magic that is Madame Tussauds. Balqees is a music icon from the region, and we can’t wait for our guests to meet her and feel the fame when they step into the attraction when it opens this year."
Great collaborative efforts went into crafting Balqees’ wax figure and saw a team of expert Madame Tussauds’ sculptors travelling to Dubai to document 500 of her precise measurements, before setting to work back in London. There they spent three months crafting the figure by hand and even inserting real hair, strand by strand. The result is spellbinding and eerily lifelike.
Located within the popular island destination Bluewaters, Madame Tussauds Dubai is the first ever Madame Tussauds experience in the GCC and is one of the most talked about and highly anticipated attractions to come to the UAE. The UAE branch of this world-renowned attraction is set to open its doors later this year and will provide an interactive experience like no other, giving visitors the unique opportunity to rub shoulders with their favourite celebrities, experience a taste of fame and take photographs with 60 global stars, including 16 brand new figures from the Middle East.
Whether one is a tourist or resident, fan of sport, movies, music, history buff or political expert, the family-orientated attraction will offer something for everyone, not to mention the ultimate selfie opportunity.
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