Pop king Michael Jackson will perform at the Royal Concert being held in Dubai in October as part of the Science Technology and Arts Royal Summit (STARS). Madonna and Ringo Starr are also considering playing at the charity event, which aims to raise millions of dollars for underprivileged children worldwide, according to UAE daily Gulf News.
The concert, to be held on the beach next to the Burj Al Arab and broadcast around the world, will also feature Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood and former Who drummer Kenny Jones.
The provisional star line-up was announced at a press conference in London and confirmed by local organizers yesterday.
"Michael Jackson will be performing and there are talks going on with a lot of big stars at the moment," a spokesman said. The concert is being held alongside STARS, which will be attended by world leaders, scientists, economists, academics, artists and industry leaders to celebrate technology and support global educational and humanitarian projects.
Keynote speakers include Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defense Minister Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; former US president Bill Clinton, and actress and humanitarian Mia Farrow.
Clinton said he was expecting "a summit that will bring together governments, artists and other interested people to a single event to celebrate the impact of technology on all our lives over the last 20 years."
A STARS Foundation spokesman said, "The fundamental themes of corporate responsibility, the welfare of children and the role of education will be explored to define a global agenda for the next decade."
The summit also includes the Royal Awards - to be made in 14 categories under the themes of "heart", "soul" and "history" - which recognize outstanding achievements in science, technology and the arts in the two decades since the invention of the personal computer in 1981.
"The Royal Awards represent the first international celebration and recognition of the individuals, companies and innovations that have shaped the digital world over two decades of revolution in technology and those most able to make the difference to our future - children - over the coming decade," the spokesman said.
Organizers hope to raise millions of dollars for Unicef and the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund by broadcasting the all-star concert from Jumairah Beach.
Kenny Jones, whose Small Faces Charitable Trust for handicapped children will also be one of the beneficiaries, told the Times newspaper in London, "I expect I will be doing a few numbers with Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood. But this event isn't about the stars. It's for all these influential people to get together and raise awareness. We are also hoping to raise $100 million from the concert and corporate sponsorship."
The public will not be able to attend STARS 2001, but will be able to watch it on the internet and on satellite television. "Broadcast worldwide, the Royal Concert features the world's largest gathering of celebrities from every area of life - matched by the world's leading vocal artists in concert," the STARS spokesman said – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
