Excitement is building for the opening of Madame Tussauds Dubai later this year, and the UAE franchise of the world-famous wax attraction gave a tantalising glimpse of what visitors can look forward to when it held its first official side-by-side unveiling. During the special ceremony singing sensation Balqees Fathi was revealed as the first Middle East Figure of the first ever Madame Tussauds experience in the GCC, located within the popular island destination Bluewaters.
In what has been described as a magical moment, the much-loved Emirati-Yemeni music star and beauty entrepreneur met her wax figure for the very first time during the event, which was held in partnership with Madame Tussauds at Caesars Palace Dubai, also in Bluewaters Island.
“I feel privileged to be the first Arab artist to stand side by side 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,” the Dubai-based Fathi said. “I cannot wait for people to visit Madame Tussauds and to finally be able to enjoy this unique experience in the Arab world."
Dressed in an exquisite, fittingly opulent gown and with her trademark glowing smile, Fathi’s wax figure will be among waxworks of 60 global stars, including 16 brand new figures from the Middle East. It cleverly captures the star’s looks and personality, while the accolade itself cements her position as a member of Arab music royalty.
A huge amount of effort went into crafting Fathi’s incredibly lifelike 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, spending three months crafting the figure by hand and even inserting real hair, strand by strand.
Fathi’s 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. Guests will be able to pose with the 32-year-old songstress before hitting the jewel of the room, the interactive dance floor, and show off their best moves while the DJ plays the latest hits.
“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,” Sanaz Kollsrud, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Dubai, said.
With her unique combination of talent, beauty, glamour, strong work ethic and dedication to championing women’s rights, Fathi is an apt and much-deserved addition to the iconic Madame Tussauds attraction. Since rising to fame in 2013 she 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. What sets her apart further though, and makes her recognition here all the more deserving, is her pioneering commitment to gender equality and supporting women.
About Madame Tussauds Dubai
Set to open its doors later this year in Bluewaters Island, Madame Tussauds Dubai will provide a unique interactive experience, giving visitors the unique opportunity to rub shoulders with their favourite celebrities. They will be able to experience a taste of fame and take photographs with global stars and the new figures from the Middle East. Whether those that visit are tourists or residents, fans of sport, movies, music, history buffs or political experts, the family-orientated attraction will offer something for everyone, not to mention the ultimate selfie opportunity.
Madame Tussauds Dubai will be located next to Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel and will further enhance the area’s reputation as one of Dubai’s most attractive and vibrant spots. With over 24 attractions in the world’s top destination cities, Madame Tussauds has been inviting people to walk the red carpet and get closer to the revered – and feared – for over 250 years. The attraction is dedicated to giving millions of visitors the opportunity to mingle with the world’s most famous figures.
