Jay-Z Heading to Abu Dhabi for First Middle East Concert

Rap superstar Jay-Z is preparing to play his first Middle East show.

The 42-year-old hip-hop icon, husband of Beyoncé, will perform tracks off his latest album, Magna Carta Holy Grail, in the United Arab Emirates as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend festivities.

His Yasalam After-Race Concert will take place at Abu Dhabi's Du Arena on November 1.

The Watch the Throne rapper will join a line-up that already includes rock group Muse and English electronic music band Depeche Mode.

Mike Fairburn, vice-president of marketing and communications at gig organisers Flash Entertainment, said: "Jay Z is an icon. We are absolutely delighted to bring an artist of his quality to the UAE - we've worked hard to bring him here, this has been a four year job.

"He's an absolute quality performer, his shows are unbelievable. Hip-hop is probably number one in the UAE."

Fairburn added: "Jay-Z is the biggest rap mogul and music icon on this planet. He was an obvious choice.

"Booking artists of high calibre is important since Abu Dhabi is one of the top circuits in the world," said Flash Entertainment vice-president Mike Fairburn.

Jay-Z recently wrapped up his joint headlining Legends of the Summer tour with Justin Timberlake, which saw the duo playing in New York, San Francisco and Miami.

Ticket holders for the 2013 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be able to attend all four concerts as part of the entry ticket privileges - called Y1 Access.