Mariah Carey performs in Saudi Arabia despite calls for boycott human rights concerns

The star is the first international female artist to perform in the kingdom since restrictions on gender segregation were lifted.

Mariah Carey has performed a headline show in Saudi Arabia - despite activists' concerns over human rights abuses in the kingdom.

The US singer behind hits like Honey and Fantasy performed in a sequinned black dress in front of screaming crowds at the King Abdullah Economic City.DJ Tiesto and dancehall artist Sean Paul are also among those set to perform at the multi-billion dollar mega-city, about two hours drive north of Mecca.

Carey is the first international female artist to perform in Saudi Arabia since restrictions were lifted on gender segregation and entertainment last year.

In December, Enrique Iglesias, The Black Eyed Peas and David Guetta also played at shows in the kingdom following high-profile liberalising reforms by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.