Cirque du Soleil rolls out inaugural red carpet in the Middle East

The company, which grew from a small band of street performers to a multi-million dollar entertainment icon, will host its world renowned show, Quidam, as part of Dubai Shopping Festival 2006/ 2007. The jewel of the Nakheel portfolio, The Palm, has been signed as the presenting sponsor.

Cirque du Soleil's arrival in the Gulf underscores the increasing maturity of the region's tourism and entertainment sector. With the season premiering in Dubai 4 January, 2006, Quidam will be the most ambitious single entertainment event ever in the GCC. Organizer Retailcorp are forecasting a total audience in excess of 100,000 assigned seats, sold through retail outlets, online and by phone.

"More than 50 million spectators around the world have seen a Cirque du Soleil performance, with 8 million people attending in 2006 alone. The readiness of the Middle East's tourism infrastructure and the increasing appetite for culture and high-value entertainment in the region, makes this an ideal time to bring Cirque du Soleil to Dubai," said Marvin Shaire, Chief Operating Officer, Retailcorp.

Regional corporates get red carpet ticket access for Middle East's largest-ever entertainment undertaking

Plans are currently in place to enable Dubai to host Cirque du Soleil's 'city within a city'. Quidam's mobile village is completely self sufficient, and travels with the big top with over 2,500 seats, an artistic tent, a box office, kitchen, school, offices, warehouses and more. In addition to preparing the physical space within the grounds of Ibn Battuta mall, a world class ticketing solution has been secured. Australian ticketing experts Showbiz have been appointed to provide a real-time seat assignment system, inclusive of the management and sale of the Tapis Rouge or 'Red Carpet in French' corporate packages. From 12 September, corporate companies within the region will have priority access to Tapis Rouge VIP hospitality packages. General ticket sales will then be available in early November.

"Cirque du Soleil is arriving in the Middle East with an offering that is as appealing to the most discerning executives as it is to families. Thousands of world travellers have already witnessed our performances in cities around the world, but bringing Cirque du Soleil to Dubai underscores the city's readiness to host major performances, the demand for world-class entertainment, and the need for unique corporate hospitality opportunities," said Milan Rokic, marketing director, Cirque du Soleil.

With Nakheel's The Palm confirmed as the presenting sponsor, Manal Shaheen, Director of Marketing at Nakheel said, "We are delighted to be involved in bringing Cirque du Soleil to Dubai as it represents key elements of our vision; imagination, ambition and innovation. This exciting event is particularly relevant at this time when the first residents will be moving into The Palm Jumeirah, Nakheel's signature project, marking the beginning of a new era for the UAE."

Cirque du Soleil's Quidam is also a cornerstone of the Dubai Shopping Festival 2006/2007. "A commitment of this length from a world-class entertainment company like Cirque du Soleil is evidence that Dubai has truly reached the status of a premier travel destination, and DSF as a globally-recognized event," said Saeed Nabouda, CEO, Dubai Shopping Festival.

High-end corporate entertainment is a significant element of Cirque du Soleil's offer in the region. Retailcorp anticipates robust demand for the Tapis Rouge experience, which guarantees the best seats in the house with a limited capacity. Tapis Rouge guests receive access to an intimate suite via an exclusive entrance, VIP parking, and hospitality pre-show and during intermission, creating a new and unique standard for regional businesses to entertain and reward their clients and colleagues.