Zara Larsson cancels Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concert

Swedish pop singer Zara Larsson has canceled her scheduled performance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 3. Larsson was set to headline the Yasalam After Race Concerts at Etihad Live on Yas Island alongside Lewis Capaldi.

The decision follows social media pressure from fans regarding the United Arab Emirates’ alleged involvement in the conflict in Sudan. Critics have accused the UAE of providing support to the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group involved in the ongoing civil war and humanitarian crisis. The Emirati government has denied providing military support to the group.

Larsson stated that while the decision was influenced by these circumstances, it also involved “many different personal reasons beyond politics.” She emphasized her desire to perform for people rather than governments, noting, “no single person is their government.”