Zara Larsson has said she will not perform at the scheduled Abu Dhabi show during Formula 1 weekend, after a fan urged her to cancel the concert over the United Arab Emirates’ alleged support for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces. Her comments were later deleted, and the December 3 performance remains listed on Ticketmaster, leaving the status of the concert officially unresolved.
Zara Larsson initially responded directly to a fan on Instagram who wrote: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” The Swedish pop star replied, “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi,” accompanied by a heart emoji. Both comments were subsequently removed from Instagram.
Your daily dose of music news, trends, and fresh drops.
InMusic Newsletter
She later returned to the discussion with a longer explanation, acknowledging that her first response may have appeared impulsive. Zara Larsson said she wants to perform for people around the world because “no single person is their government,” but added that she had spent time considering the situation and decided that not doing the show aligned with her “the most right now,” citing “many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
The concert is currently scheduled for December 3 at Etihad Live on Yas Island as part of the Yasalam After Race Concert series during Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. Lewis Capaldi is also listed on the bill. As of September 19, Ticketmaster continues to list both Larsson and Capaldi for the event, meaning there has not yet been a formal cancellation announcement from the promoter or Larsson’s team.
The controversy surrounding the performance centers on the war in Sudan, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The United Nations says nearly 34 million people in Sudan require humanitarian assistance, while more than 4.5 million have fled the country and famine has taken hold in parts of the country.
The UAE’s alleged relationship with the RSF has been the subject of investigations and human-rights reporting. Human Rights Watch has cited evidence it says indicates UAE support for the RSF, including weapons and other military assistance, while the UAE government has repeatedly denied providing military support to either side in the conflict.
Zara Larsson has previously used her platform to address political and social issues. Her decision regarding Abu Dhabi follows earlier public positions on Palestine, abortion access and immigration.
Leave a Reply