Review: Katy Perry wraps up Lifetimes Tour in Abu Dhabi at F1 weekend

The production of the show was impressive, featuring intricate light designs and long-form choreography as well as a live band. (Supplied)
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Updated 08 December 2025
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Review: Katy Perry wraps up Lifetimes Tour in Abu Dhabi at F1 weekend

ABU DHABI: Katy Perry wrapped up her Lifetimes Tour in Abu Dhabi on Sunday as the finale of the four-day Formula One race weekend, celebrating McLaren’s championship win, which sealed their title earlier that day at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The singer delivered a stellar show, performing some of her greatest hits, including “Teenage Dream,” “Firework,” and “Roar.” She also brought to the stage some of her new music from her latest album “143,” including “Woman’s World,” “Lifetimes,” and “Nirvana.”

She dedicated her emotional ballad “Unconditionally” to the audience, saying she would always love them unconditionally.




Katy Perry’s show featured strong visuals and multiple set changes. (Supplied)

Perry’s show featured strong visuals and multiple set changes that incorporated flight elements, LED lights, and more. The theme of the show centered around her journey through an intergalactic dimension that Perry is tasked with saving.

The production of the show was impressive, featuring intricate light designs and long-form choreography as well as a live band. The singer had multiple set and costume changes, which kept the audience engaged and helped set the tone for each segment of the show.

One major letdown, however, was the lack of fireworks during her song “Firework.” Although fireworks were set off after Perry left the stage, I was expecting them to go off during the song. Instead, confetti showered the audience.

Perry’s show in Abu Dhabi comes as the top-selling artist makes international headlines for posting a picture on Instagram with Justin Trudeau, making her rumored relationship with the former Canadian prime minister official.

Perry posted a carousel of photos on Saturday, featuring herself and Trudeau posing cheek-to-cheek while visiting Japan as part of her world tour.


India Mahdavi named jury head for Design Doha Prize 2026

Updated 08 December 2025
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India Mahdavi named jury head for Design Doha Prize 2026

DUBAI: Renowned French architect and designer India Mahdavi has been appointed as the head of the jury for the Design Doha Prize 2026.

Born in Iran, the designer’s work includes projects at Hotel du Cloitre in Arles, the Coburg Bar at London’s Connaught Hotel, Monte Carlo Beach in Monaco, the Rivington Hotel in Manhattan, and the Townhouse Hotel in Miami.

As the head of the jury, Mahdavi will convene and lead a panel of regional and international experts to identify achievements in contemporary design at the biennial showcase for design that covers Qatar, as well as the broader Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Mahdavi also previously released a collection with Swedish retailer H&M, in addition to her own furniture objects.

“Her work transcends geography, transforming emotion, color, and form into a universal language of beauty and belonging. India’s vision — rooted in diversity, joy, and purpose — will guide us in recognizing designers who redefine what it means to create from this region, for the world,” Fahad Al Obaidly, acting director of Design Doha, said in a released statement.

“This region, one of my cultural homes, resonates deeply with me. I am awed to witness its design landscape grow and evolve,” Mahdavi added.

The Design Doha Prize will be awarded on April 14, 2026. It will honor innovation and craftsmanship in four categories: Craft, Product Design, Furniture Design, and Emerging Talent, with each winner taking home just under $55,000.