THE CURTAIN WILL have just come down on another brilliant Formula One show and, once again, the du Arena will be opening its doors for another gold-standard concert. This New Year's Eve Abu Dhabi extravaganza on Yas Island will star none-other than Katy Perry. That's right, the Firework singer is returning to the UAE to see in 2018 in style. Katy released her fourth studio album, Witness, this year and, as we all know, it debuted at number one in America. The lead single, Chained To The Rhythm, set the record for the biggest first day Spotify streams by a female artist, and is now certified platinum, with over one billion streams worldwide. We're sure she's going to be pumping out hits from this record, but why else should you celebrate the occasion on Sunday, December 31 with the star? Here are a few bits and pieces to whet your appetite.
What the UAE has to say about the show: Are you 'Perry' excited?
Alistair Rego
For sure! I'd love to see what she's like on stage after watching her movie-like videos - needless to say that's what I enjoy the most besides her catchy tunes. I'll be back from my holidays on the 31st and a concert with 'fireworks' sounds about right and I'll be ready to 'roar' with the rest of the crowd.
Ankita Pinto
Yes and yes. I like Katy Perry's songs because they are extremely powerful. Her videos are extremely creative and ahead of their time. The power in her voice totally gets my attention.
Gabrielle Reese
Yes, I'm very excited and hope my mummy will take me for the concert. She has an amazing voice and my favourite songs are Roar, California Gurls and Firework. I love her makeup and costumes in her videos.
Lucario Quinny
Katy Perry has her own distinctive music style. She is one of the few female artists to have mashups of pop, rock and disco. She has collaborated with many other artists like Calvin Harris, Pharrell and Snoop Dogg. In her songs she mainly describes everyday life, relationships and self reflection. She is one of the most successful women in the world.
Topping the charts
After Katy's breakthrough debut in 2008 with One of the Boys, she secured her global star status with Teenage Dream in 2010.
With singles including Roar, Firework and Dark Horse, each surpassing the 10 million threshold in both sales and streams, Katy is the only artist to earn three RIAA Digital Single Diamond Awards. She is also the most-followed person globally on Twitter with over 100 million followers.
Top Katy facts 
. Both Katy's parents are pastors and, whilst in high school, she released a gospel album. 
. Katy has written songs for Kelly Clarkson and Selena Gomez.
. Her real name is Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson and she is 33 years old. 
. She appeared as a guest judge on Simon Cowell's The X Factor and played Honey in the series six How I Met Your Mother episode, Oh Honey. 
. Katy has a fragrance out called Purr and it comes in a cat-shaped bottle. 
. Her 2012 documentary feature film, Katy Perry: Part of Me has a 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
. Despite the song New York, New York being made famous by a man from New Jersey and England's Kim Wilde extolling the virtues of Kids in America, Katy Perry is a native California Gurl.
Katy's top tweets
Being the most popular person on Twitter in the world must mean she's got a lot to say in 140 characters. Here are some of our favourites. 
. Who needs a lighter when ya thighs so thick they rub together n' make fire #holidays
. When you feelin yo self all night & then see that you've had quinoa in your teeth the whole time
. "My diet starts tomorrow!" -says no one today
. My intention for today is to be more kind & not always right because I can't (& am not) always right but...I can always be kind. What's urs?

Get your tickets this week
Tickets for the New Year's show will go on sale at 12pm on Wednesday and will be available at www.ticketmaster.ae and Virgin Megastores across the UAE.