Shakira concert 'will go ahead' - Emirates Palace

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STAR ARRIVAL: Shakira arriving at Abu Dhabi airport a few days prior to her planned concert on Wednesday night. (Supplied)

The Shakira concert in Abu Dhabi is going ahead on Wednesday night, quashing rumours it would be cancelled along with other New Year’s Eve celebrations in Dubai.

Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum ordered the cancellation of all festivities to show support for Palestinians embroiled in the Gaza strip conflict.

The ruling led to speculation that the Shakira concert at Emirates Palace would be called off. But a spokeswoman for the hotel confirmed to Arabian Business that the Columbian-Lebanese singer will perform in Abu Dhabi.

“All events in Abu Dhabi, including the Shakira concert at Emirates Palace, are going ahead,” the spokesperson said.

On arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Sunday, Columbian-Lebanese singer Shakira declared herself as much an Arab as a Latina.

Shakira added she was excited about performing in the region where her Lebanese father originates from.

Radio 1 DJs including Enzoo are scheduled to play at the concert venue before Shakira’s performance.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Sheikh Mohammad NY
Posted by fhr, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Sunday 4 January 2009 at 07:28 UAE time


Well done Sheikh Mohammad. You showed that you are a real Human. You care about business but you are not a greedy businessman.

NYE cancellations
Posted by Michael Park on Thursday 1 January 2009 at 03:36 UAE time


I think Al Maktoum made the wrong decision to dictate and threaten to fine those who go ahead with parties and celebrations that were planned many months in advance.

New year celebrations are great money spinners for the tourism/service industry which is going through hard times at the moment.

The Palestinian people will NOT benefit in any way by Dubai banning it's NYE celebrations. I think it should have been left to individual venues to decipher if they want to continue with celebrations or not. Neither residents nor businesses are happy with this being forced upon them with the threats of being fined.

celebrate such events
Posted by Paul, sharjah, United Arab Emirates on Wednesday 31 December 2008 at 22:14 UAE time


Yes Arab it is not in our heritage to celebrate such events and besides we have already celebrated our New Year this month. In keeping with our heritage all such events should be henceforth banned totally.

I disagree
Posted by MD, Dubai on Wednesday 31 December 2008 at 21:56 UAE time


It's not about money. Gulf states have recently handed over billions to UK, so it's obvious money is not an issue for UAE. This is about solidarity. It isa powerful message sent by Sheikh Mohammed which should have been followed by others in the region.

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