Over the past weekend, two international artists performed in Saudi Arabia and left their audience mesmerized with their breathtaking shows.
The first concert was held on Thursday and Friday and saw the renowned Greek composer and pianist Yanni take center stage in Jeddah. The second concert was a first-ever ladies-only concert performed by the Yemeni-Emirati singer Balqees.
Both concerts were held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, under the supervision of the Saudi General Authority for Entertainment.
In celebration of the UAE's 46th National Day, Balqees' show turned into a complete success with an audience that exceeded 3000 women.
Yanni's concert was just as successful and tickets for both acts sold out with each being attended by more than 3000 people.
"I never imagined I would stand here in Saudi Arabia one day, as a singer, and at a ladies-only concert, the Saudi audience is indeed special," Balqees told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Speaking to the crowd, Yanni, 63, told his audience that he was "happy to be in Saudi Arabia, it feels like home … it’s just perfect".
As he went on stage with his 12-piece orchestra, the Greek artist was welcomed with a fascinating reception by the Saudi audience.
Shortly after their performances, both artists took to social media...
"What an incredible night in Jeddah!"
"What an incredible night in Jeddah! There can only be one first time and tonight we witnessed and experienced a lot of firsts for KSA! It was beautiful to see! The people stole our hearts with their outpouring of love, enthusiasm, passion, and acceptance…" tweeted Yanni after his performance.
"Thank you to the General Authority for Entertainment..."
"Thank you Authority for Entertainment, first-ever Arab female artist on stage in Saudi Arabia at a ladies concert, thanks to my precious fans everywhere, the best is yet to come!"
Concert attendees expressed their happiness too...
"Full-audience, more than 3000 people at Yanni's concert in Jeddah, and here is some of his beautiful music... what an artist!!
"Historical..."
"A historical concert, unbelievable crowd, great organization, and a princess's appearance; all of that today at Balqees's concert in Jeddah. Balqees was born to be a star and loving her is unconditional."
Take a glimpse of Yanni's performance in Jeddah
As he continues his tour of Saudi Arabia, Yanni will play at the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University auditorium in Riyadh on December 3 and 4, and at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran on December 6 and 7.