Image courtesy of Hyku
Award-winning singer Ciara jetted into Dubai to perform some of her greatest hits at the inaugural Ball of Arabia – but she made sure that her native English wasn’t the only language she spoke while in the region. While on the black carpet, the American R&B artist revealed to The Insider Arabia that it wasn’t her first trip to the Emirates. “I love going to the desert and being able to see the camels,” Ciara said. “It’s a unique sight. There are a lot of cool, cultural, fun things to do here.”
While admitting she hadn’t picked up any Arabic during her time in the region, the Grammy winner gamely asked to be taught a little on the night, requesting to learn the phrase, “I love to dance”.
Watch the video below to see Ciara try her hand at Arabic:
Indeed, dancing is the artist’s passion, as she revealed her latest song, Level Up, was created to “make the world move”. “It’s just been incredible to see the fans reach and dance,” Ciara added. “My goal for this project is to… inject love into the world, and so it’s been cool to get that love back.”
The singer, who treated guests to a medley of songs at the charitable gala on December 7, made a sartorial statement as she arrived at the benefit, donning an eggshell-blue design by Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad.
The Ball of Arabia, held at the Burj Al Arab in partnership with Tiffany & Co., was designed to raise funds for the Girls Education and Empowerment Program in the MENA region. Ciara revealed female empowerment is a cause she also tries to champion through her work and home life, particularly as a mother. “I have a daughter and I want to see her be her best self, and I’ll do whatever takes to make sure she has the best opportunities in life,” the Goodies singer stated. “I also want for her to know that no dream is too big and you’re not limited by your gender. You can be whatever you want to be if you simply believe in yourself.”
During her performance, Ciara paid tribute to the evening’s worthy cause, with funds raised towards courses teaching technical training, innovation, technology, communication, life skills and entrepreneurship to vulnerable girls and young women in Jordan. “It means so much to me to be here,” the star told partygoers in between songs. “It’s one thing to get on the stage and sing and dance and do all that fun stuff, but to know that at the end of it all we’re making an impact on kids’ lives, and girls’ lives means so much to me, especially as a mom.”
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