JEDDAH: US group Backstreet Boys returned to Saudi Arabia on Thursday to perform to a packed audience in Jeddah.

AJ McLean, Kevin Richardson, Brian Littrell, Howie Dorough and Nick Carter performed a high-octane show featuring hits “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely,” “Shape of My Heart,” “Everyone” and more.

“It’s good to be back,” said Richardson to his fans. “We love you all. It’s because each and every one of you that showed up tonight that the Backstreet Boys still exist, thank you!”

Richardson tried out his Arabic with a few words to his adoring fans, like “hala,” which translates to “hello.” He also asked the crowd how he could say “I love you” in Arabic. The crowd went wild when he said “’uhibukum.”

McLean thanked the fans in Arabic saying “Shukran.”

The band paid homage to their a cappella beginnings showing off their immaculate vocal harmonies with their new song “Breathe.”

Delayed thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, the boys – now men – had two extra years to finely tune their “DNA World Tour” and it showed – the performance was a polished, high production act that entertained all from new fans getting their first taste of one of America’s finest exports, to their parents who came hoping for a nostalgia trip.

Judging by the expressions on people’s faces as they left – they did not disappoint.

The Saudi show was not the only Middle Eastern country on the group’s international tour.

They also thrilled fans hit stages in Cairo, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi.