Current geopolitical tensions mean public life is still on edge. While here in the UAE, things are relatively safe, with officials advising caution when going outside. However, when it comes to full-fledged gatherings, we are not there yet.
This weekend, churches across Abu Dhabi and Dubai announced closures during Easter weekend, offering live-stream masses instead. Similar limitations happened to mosques across the UAE for the Eid al-Fitr prayer, suspending outdoor gatherings. This is all in regard to public safety. The same can be said for the country’s events industry, which is currently recalibrating as they navigate these concerns, shipping delays, as well as talent safety. Most events are choosing to postpone their activities rather than outright cancelling them, hoping that in time, the region will see much-needed de-escalation and stability. If you haven’t been keeping up, here are the events so far that have been rescheduled.
Amr Diab | Coca Cola Arena
The concert scheduled for April 4 has been postponed, with a new date yet to be announced. Organisers have said that the ticket will remain valid once a new date is finalised.
BRED Abu Dhabi
Recently putting out an announcement on Instagram, the neo-cultural festival has been postponed with new dates to be announced. Tickets purchased will be automatically refunded while organisers decide on a new date for the festival.
Christina Aguilera | Etihad Arena
Slotted to perform on April 24, organisers have rescheduled the concert to Friday, September 25. Tickets already purchased will remain valid for the new date, giving fans a second chance to see Aguilera safely.
Svetlana Zakharova – Gabrielle Chanel Ballet | Dubai Opera
A ballet performance combining the art of dance with the art of fashion, the show was initially scheduled for March 8. Organisers recently announced that the show has been postponed to May 17, with tickets still available for the show.
Middle East Film & Comic Con | ADNEC, Abu Dhabi
One of the region’s largest pop culture festivals, it normally takes place in late April. However, with the current conflict, organisers have announced that the festival will be postponed to September 11-13. There will also be further announcements on new talents, performances, and competitions following this change. And, like most events, tickets already purchased will remain valid for the new dates.
OFFLIMITS Music Festival | Etihad Park, Yas Island
Another festival set to start the 2026 social calendar, the open-format music festival headlined by Shakira was initially scheduled on April 4. However, after consideration of the situation, the official channels for OFFLIMITS announced that the festival will be postponed to November 21.
World Art Dubai | Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City
One of the region’s largest contemporary art fairs, the initial programme was scheduled from April 23-26. Now, a revised date and location have been announced, postponing the art fair to November 19-22 while hosting it at the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City, creating a larger space for indoor and outdoor activations.
Yuja Wang | Dubai Opera
Set to make her Dubai debut, the piano recital, scheduled on March 26, has been postponed. While new dates haven’t been announced yet, we can expect to hear a new announcement with updated details soon.
