It’s not been a good week for superstar concerts in Dubai – first Selena Gomez announced she was cancelling her UAE gig due to health reasons, and now Zayn Malik has pulled the plug on his October 7 show.
The former One Directioner turned soloist, who was due to perform at the Autism Rocks Arena next month, decided to bow out due to his ongoing struggles with “extreme anxiety”.
“I have been working over the last three months to overcome my extreme anxiety around major live solo performances,” the 23-year-old said in a statement addressed to his fans.
“I feel I am making progress but I have today acknowledged that I do not feel sufficiently confident to move forward with the planned show in Dubai in October.
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“I am truly sorry to disappoint you. I hope to see you all soon. Thank you to all my fans who support me globally. With love and respect always, Zayn.”
Organisers have assured fans who have purchased tickets that their money will be refunded in full.
“Whilst disappointed not to be hosting the planned … concert we appreciate Zayn’s honest apologies and wish him all the best for the future”, said 117Live CEO Thomas Ovesen. “We will be looking forward to sharing more of Zayn’s plans with his Middle East fans when we have such information and will now get the ticket refund process started.”
Those who need a refund should visit the ticketing website where they made their purchase for details, or pop into a Virgin Mega Store.
Despite the cancellation only just being announced, the Pillowtalk singer’s performance has been in doubt for some weeks after he pulled out of a London gig earlier this year.
Malik was due to appear at the Summertime Ball in June – where ex-fiancee Perrie Edwards of girl group Little Mix also performed – but called it off citing his anxiety issues.
“[The] anxiety that has haunted me throughout the last few months around live performances has gotten the better of me… I have suffered the worst anxiety of my career,” he posted on Twitter at the time.
— zayn (@zaynmalik) June 11, 2016
There’s no word yet on if Malik will reschedule his Dubai concert, but we’ll keep you updated.
Images: Supplied
