Only 3 months after US-resident Jamal Khashoggi’s murder and dismemberment, and despite international calls to reject MBS’ invitation, Mariah performed at King Abdullah Economic City in January of 2019.

In the summer of 2015, Shakira accepted a personal invitation from Saudi Crown Prince MBS to perform on a privately-rented island in the Maldives. MBS spent a reported $50-million to host a party on the island.

In 2019, Akon performed some of his biggest hits at Dammam’s Life Park as part of the Sharqia Season. In February of 2020, Akon returned to the Kingdom to perform at the JTTX Music Festival.

In 2020, Enrique Iglesias performed in the Kingdom, taking center stage in Al-Ula Province as part of the Winter at Tantora festival.

A well-known CNN anchor, Erin Burnett participated in Saudi Crown Prince MBS’ Future Investment Initiative, interviewing participants at “Davos in the Desert.”

In 2019, less than one year after US-resident Jamal Khashoggi’s brutal murder and dismemberment, Marshmello performed at the Jeddah World Fest in King Abdullah Sport City.