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SCORES of CŽline Dion's fans from Bahrain will be flying to Dubai to watch the Canadian songbird perform at the Four Seasons Golf Club.
The singer started her world tour on Valentine's Day in South Africa and is scheduled to arrive in the region in the next few days.
Having spent the past five years in Las Vegas's Caesar's Palace, CŽline says she is glad to be touring the world and meeting fans across the globe.
Accompanying CŽline on her visit to the Middle East are her mother, husband RenŽ AngŽlil and son RenŽ-Charles.
The family is not new to Arab culture since RenŽ is of Middle Eastern ancestry.
The couple made headlines across the world when they married in 1994 - 13 years after RenŽ started managing her. What was considered controversial about this was the fact that he was 26 years older than CŽline.
The couple had their first child, Rene-Charles, in 2001 through in vitro fertilisation after years of trying.
RenŽ also has three other children from previous marriages, the oldest of whom is the same age as CŽline.
He suffered from throat cancer, resulting in CŽline temporarily halting her career to be with him, but has recovered.
When asked whether RenŽ-Charles will be following in his mother's footsteps and taking to the stage, CŽline replied: "He is very interested in music, and I will surely back him up and support any decision he makes when the time comes."
CŽline seems very excited to be visiting an Arab country, having many friends from the region, she has heard a lot about Dubai in particular.
"I have heard that Dubai is a beautiful, new and very fast growing city that has become a worldwide attraction with its new wonders - a 'must see' destination - a new Vegas," commented CŽline in Johannesburg earlier this week.
Fans are also anticipating CŽline's concert in return, it's "the" music event they have all been looking forward to, not only will she be singing her latest album Taking Chances but also her oldies such as the world-wide hit and theme of the Titanic movie My Heart Will Go On And On.
Transpersonal psychologist Laurie Bzdel, from Tubli, said: "As a Canadian I have to say she is a real icon that I respect for her humanitarian work with children even more than I do for her singing talent.
"I can remember back in the early to mid-eighties, before she even spoke much English, she used to sing for the lunchtime crowd at a restaurant in Edmonton, Alberta.
"She had a great voice even back then but her accent was really strong. I think her manager and husband deserves a lot of credit for helping her become so successful - helping her move on and up from singing in restaurants. Of course, she had to have the talent in the first place too.
"She seemed to fill a music niche that no one at the time was filling and she found the right formula that worked for her.
"I think she's lasted as long as she has by being professional and always looking so great. She genuinely seems like a really nice person too."
Radio Bahrain DJ, Mohammed Janahi, said: "I can understand why she has remained so popular for such a long time. I think her talent really comes from her incredible voice. CŽline acts like a woman with class and respect for herself and her talent."
Earlier this week, Forbes ranked CŽline as one of the most powerful and highest-paid music artistes in the world.
When asked if she had ever imagined she would achieve the commercial success she has today, CŽline said: "Well, I love singing so much and I do my best to communicate all my feelings through my songs. I don't think of awards or to be the best-selling artist, I just think of giving my audience an unforgettable experience and do my very best to achieve this."
The star, coming to town with her entourage of dancers and band members, is known to put on a spectacular show.
Celine said: "I love performing, every time I get on to stage is special for me, each time has its own charm. I look forward to performing in front of an Arab-dominated audience for the very first time".
CŽline will be performing in Dubai Festival City on March 5. Tickets cost from Dh660-980. For further details visit www.showbizme.com of call the booking hotline on 009714 3662277.
