Legendary Cirque du Soleil to debut in Qatar with the Signature Production, Saltimbanco

Color, music and magic to wash over Doha in one breathtaking, larger than life performance Performances from July 4th 7th, 2012 at Aspire Dome - Tickets on sale now
Doha, May 15th, 2012: Cirque du Soleil, the world famous, Montreal Canada based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment, will launch its vibrant signature production, Saltimbanco, in Qatar for the first time this summer. The colorful, action-packed performance is scheduled to run from July 4th 7th, 2012 at Aspire Dome in Doha. The first of seven shows, which include 50 high calibre artists from 20 different countries will kick-start at 8:00pm on Wednesday July 4th, 2012. Tickets will be available starting this Thursday, May 17th, through Virgin Megastores (Landmark and Villaggio Mall locations) and online at www.cirquedusoleil.qa. A vivid portrayal of the diversity that defines a metropolis, Saltimbanco is Cirque du Soleils longest running touring show and has performed since 1992 to sell-out audiences across the world, enticing over 11.5 million enthusiastic fans. Saltimbanco from the Italian saltare in banco, which literally means to jump on a benchexplores the urban experience in all its countless forms: the people who live there, their idiosyncrasies and likenesses, families and groups, the hustle and bustle of the street and the towering heights of skyscrapers. A signature show, it is inspired by the urban fabric of the metropolis and its colourful inhabitants. Decidedly baroque in its visual vocabulary, the shows eclectic cast of characters draws spectators into a fanciful, dreamlike world, an imaginary city where diversity is a cause for hope. Classic Cirque du Soleil at its best, Saltimbanco portrays a thrilling and kaleidoscopic celebration of awe-inspiring artistry and agility. With a cast of 50 high-caliber artists hailing from 20 different countries, Saltimbanco ties synchronized acrobatics and athleticism into

artistic expression. Solo spotlights and epic ensembles breathe life into each performance, turning each act into story of its own. President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Daniel Lamarre said, Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to be performing for the first time ever in Qatar. Our live touring show Saltimbanco will present excitement and artistry through our unique fusion of acrobatics and circus arts in a live theatrical experience. Saltimbanco has wowed audiences around the globe and we are looking forward to performances in Doha.

Additional Information:
About Cirque du Soleil: From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil evolved into a major Qubec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has 5,000 employees, including more than 1,300 artists from more than 50 different countries. Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in more than 300 cities in over forty countries on six continents. Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters are in Montreal, Canada. For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com. Partners: Cirque du Soleil gratefully acknowledges the St. Regis as their official hotel partner. SHOW INFORMATION: VENUE: Aspire Dome Show Schedule (July 4 - 7, 2012): Wednesday, July 4 at 8:00pm Thursday, July 5 at 8:00pm Friday, July 6 at 4:00pm and 8:00om Saturday, July 7 at 4:00pm and 8:00om

TICKETS (Prices in QAR): VVIP VIP I VIP II Platinum 1100 750 650 575 Gold Silver Regular I Regular II 350 250 175 130

For show and ticket information, please visit www.cirquedusoleil.qa _________________________________________________________________ FOR FURTHER MEDIA INFORMATION AND IMAGES PLEASE CONTACT: Omar Zabian Business Development Manager Phone: +974 3385 6089 Email: Ozabian@sdimarketing.com Myriam Chandna Account Executive Phone: +974 3319 2066 Email: Myriam.Chandna@hkstrategies.com