When we were offered the chance to catch up with the lovely Shakira before her live show on Yas Island this weekend, we just couldn’t say no!

Here’s what the dancing diva had to say about why she loves Abu Dhabi, and what her fans can expect from her performance:

Will you be performing any new material in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, since my last time in Abu Dhabi in 2008, I’ve released two albums, one in English and one in Spanish – so there is a lot of new material from those records.

What are you most looking forward to about performing with Amr?
I’m a big fan of Amr’s music so I am looking forward to catching his show.

What are you most looking forward to about performing in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is the first stop on the next leg of my tour, and I think it’s a great place to start because the crowds there are so lively and have so much energy – it will be a great kick-off show to the rest of the tour.

And how are you hoping to top the last performance here?
I am happy that I am able to add so much new material to the show this time around, and I think the fans will enjoy getting to hear the songs that have come out over the last two years live. The show also includes a lot of my older, classic songs, but I aim to do something new and exciting every time I put together a show. I feel like this show allows me to get much closer to my fans and interact with them more than I ever have.

What made you want to come back and perform here again so soon, and what is your favourite thing about Abu Dhabi?
I love visiting and performing in the Middle East because it’s both a huge influence and inspiration to my music. The region is very meaningful to me because my father is Lebanese. Abu Dhabi is a beautiful city, and the people above all are always so welcoming—they treat me like one of their own.

You speak several languages. Which do you most like to perform in? And why?
Cultures and languages fascinate me; I feel as though I identify with several cultures and the things I learn about them inform both my music and my creativity. Obviously Spanish is my mother tongue but in my show there is also English and even a bit in Arabic! I think each language I speak helps me express different parts of myself.

What can the crowds expect from your performance?
Well hopefully it gets them on their feet and dancing!