Shakira's Pyramids Concert in Egypt Set to Go Ahead Despite Regional Cancellations

Shakira’s upcoming concert at the Pyramids of Giza on November 28 will proceed as planned, according to promoter Rabih Mokbel. The Egypt date is currently set to be Shakira’s only regional stop on her latest world tour, following the cancellation of her Abu Dhabi performance at the Offlimits Music Festival and her Doha concert at Stadium 974.

Speaking to The National, Mokbel, the founder and chief executive of Venture Lifestyle—the promoter of the Giza show—explained that while flying in Shakira’s crew of 200 people is expensive, the artist specifically wanted to return to the Pyramids, where she previously performed in 2007. The event will be an intimate affair with a capacity of 20,000, and strict production restrictions will be enforced to ensure the ancient monument remains the visual centerpiece.

Mokbel noted that artists are not allowed to use projections or cover the Pyramids, requiring them to find creative ways to make their shows memorable without overshadowing the historic site. He cited Anyma's October 2025 concert, staged by the same company, as an example of effectively utilizing the location.

Staging an event of this magnitude involves a massive logistical operation. For Anyma's show, approximately 1,200 employees worked on-site, including 200 flown in from abroad. For Shakira's concert, a detailed transport plan involving around 600 shuttle buses operating from a meeting and parking point near the Grand Egyptian Museum is being put in place to handle crowds arriving via Ubers, buses, and private cars.

Organizers expect about half of the audience to be international tourists taking advantage of travel packages linking the concert with stays in Luxor, Aswan, and along the Nile. This destination-led tourism approach mirrors similar efforts in the region, bringing an estimated $20 million to $30 million in indirect income to the economy.

Venture Lifestyle is also partnering with Serbia’s Exit Festival to produce Starlight, featuring artists such as Charlotte de Witte, Adriatique, and Michael Bibi. Mokbel emphasized that performing at the Pyramids requires an artist with a clean personal history and deep respect for the sacred location, following in the footsteps of past performers like Frank Sinatra, Sting, Mariah Carey, and Maroon 5.

Tickets for Shakira's performance at the Pyramids of Giza on November 28 begin at EGP 7,055 ($140).