DUBAI: Emirati-Yemeni singer Balqees Fathi has become Madame Tussaud’s first Middle Eastern wax figure. This week, the hitmaker took the opportunity to pose with the statue at the world-famous wax museum, set to open in Caesars Palace Dubai, Bluewaters Island later this year.
Fathi, who rose to fame in 2013, will be among the 60 waxworks to feature in the new attraction, alongside international and Arab superstars such as Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo, beauty mogul Kylie Jenner, British supermodel Cara Delevigne, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and many more.
“I feel privileged to be the first Arab artist to stand side-by-side with my wax figure at the iconic Madame Tussauds Dubai,” said the 32-year-old. “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.”
The likeness is uncanny. Wearing a black off-the-shoulder gown from Dubai-based label Taller Marmo and her hair pulled back, Fathi posed alongside her waxwork carbon copy, practically demanding a double take.
Fathi’s wax counterpart was three months in the making. A team of Madame Tussauds’ sculptors traveled to Dubai to document the singer’s precise measurements, before heading back to London to sculpt the figure by hand, meticulously inserting real hair, one strand at a time.
“We are thrilled to announce our first Middle East wax figure,” said Madame Tussauds Dubai.
The statement added: “The Emirati-Yemeni music sensation and women’s rights champion Balqees Fathi is the latest personality to be immortalized into a Madame Tussauds wax figure.
“When Madame Tussauds Dubai opens its doors later this year at @bluewatersdubai you will be able to strike a pose with Balqees in our exciting Party Room!”
