Balqees Fathi with her wax figure
Madame Tussauds reveals first Middle East wax figure
DUBAI, August 17, 2021
Madame Tussauds Dubai has offered a 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.
With her 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.
Located within the popular island destination Bluewaters, Madame Tussauds Dubai is one of the most talked about attractions to come to the UAE that will open its doors later this year.
The music star met her wax figure for the first time at a special ‘side by side’ unveiling held in partnership with Madame Tussauds at the luxury lifestyle resort, Caesars Palace Dubai, which is at the heart of Bluewaters Island.
Fathi said: “I feel privileged to be the first Arab artist to stand beside my wax figure at the 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 detail that captures my personality.
"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 opulent gown and with her trademark glowing smile, Fathi's wax figure captures both her looks and personality, while the accolade cements her position as a member of Arab music royalty.
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.
Madame Tussauds Dubai General Manager Sanaz Kollsrud said: “We are thrilled to reveal our first side-by-side and offer a glimpse into the magic that is Madame Tussauds. Fathi 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.”
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 being touted as ‘the’ song for summer 2021 in the Arab world.
What sets Fathi apart further and makes her recognition here all the more deserving, is her pioneering commitment to gender equality and supporting women.
A great amount of effort went into crafting Fathi's wax figure with a team of Madame Tussauds’ sculptors travelling to Dubai to document 500 of her measurements, before setting to work back in London, spending three months crafting the figure by hand and even inserting real hair, strand by strand.
It will be located next to Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel.-TradeArabia News Service
