Katy Perry performs at invite-only Dubai show

More than 500 people gathered at the luxury hotels’ outdoor Asateer Garden Terrace for the exclusive, invite-only gala dinner last night to see Katy Perry take the stage.

Katy Perry performs at the Dubai Airshow gala dinner held at Atlantis, The Palm. Antonie Robertson / The National

DUBAI // The Dubai Airshow reached for the stars in more ways than one on Tuesday night.

American pop star Katy Perry was a guest of the annual industry event with a special performance at Dubai’s Atlantis, The Palm.

More than 1000 guests gathered at the hotel’s outdoor Asateer Garden Terrace for the exclusive, invitation-only gala dinner to see Perry, 31, take to the stage.

Backed by her seven-piece band and half a dozen dancers, Perry was a riot of colours, wearing what appeared to be a glittering superhero costume.

“You have enough wheeling and dealing for the day?” she said when greeting the crowd.

“Now listen, you guys look very successful and blessed but I want to encourage the gentlemen in particular to loosen their ties just a little bit.”

The audience came in formal dinner suits and ballgowns but it didn’t take long for them to warm up to Perry’s brand of energetic pop with a set list full of favourites including Roar, Wide Awake and Teenage Dream.

Earlier she was supported by UK band and Britain’s Got Talent finalists Jack Pack with their smooth – yet less engaging – repertoire of swing covers. Their list included a decent take of The Doors’ 1967 classic Light My Fire.

The Dubai Airshow finishes November 12.