Beyonce performs with daughter Blue Ivy in glitzy concert in Dubai

Beyonce took to the stage for her first headlining concert since 2018 when she performed at a private hotel launch event in Dubai.

At the grand unveiling of Atlantis The Royal – billed as the world’s most ultra-luxurious resort – the singer was joined by 11-year-old daughter Blue Ivy, the couple who appeared on Brown Skin Girl from 2019’s album The Lion King: The Venom dueted .

Opening her 90-minute set with her cover of Etta James’ At Last, she wowed the 1,500-strong audience with fan-favorites like Crazy In Love, Naughty Girl, Halo and XO – and culminated with a performance of Drunk In Love, accompanied by fireworks lit the sky.

The 41-year-old took the stage in a yellow sequined dress with a sculptural feathered cape and was flanked by a full band, a Middle Eastern orchestra and dancers in red sequined outfits and full skirts.

During a set that relied heavily on songs rarely or never performed live before, the singer chose not to debut any tracks from latest album Renaissance, which is nominated for two Grammys.

“There is a utopia of people from all over the world on this stage and we are so honored to be here to celebrate this night with you,” Beyonce said.

“My parents are here tonight to celebrate – my mum and dad. My beautiful children are here to see me and my beautiful husband perform.”

She later changed into a red and gold trimmed body suit with a voluminous train and completed a third costume change with a red corset mini dress with matching stockings and gloves.

The star was rumored to be paid $24million (£19.4million) for the exclusive concert, which was attended by celebrities including Kendall Jenner, Liam Payne, Ronan Keating, Rochelle and Marvin Humes, as well as British Vogue editor Edward Enninful.

“We gave her creative control. That’s her art – we want her to express her art in her own way,” managing director Tim Kelly told the PA news agency before the performance.

“I cannot express enough the level of professionalism and discipline in the rehearsals.

“Since arriving last week, she has been on stage, rehearsing and performing, developing and curating a performance.

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“She doesn’t take a show out of the box because she doesn’t have a show in the box. You’re going to get full-throttle Beyonce.”

Asked if it was difficult getting the global pop star to launch, Mr Kelly said: “It took a long time but it also came together pretty quickly.

“It’s a circumstance where she chooses what she wants to do. We are honored, we are proud and for them to be here in Dubai this evening is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“We’ve always said this is an iconic building and then to have the most famous artist in the world available today, someone who hasn’t performed in public in over four years, it really is an iconic night. “