Shakira's Abu Dhabi Concert Canceled as Offlimits Music Festival Calls Off November Event

Abu Dhabi’s Offlimits Music Festival, which was set to feature headliners Shakira alongside the Jonas Brothers, Ne-Yo, and Biffy Clyro, has officially been canceled.

Initially planned for April 4, the festival was previously delayed to November 21 at Etihad Park on Yas Island. Organizers announced on the festival website that all tickets purchased through the original ticketing platform will be automatically refunded, with the support team assisting holders throughout the process.

Despite the setback, organizers hinted at a potential return, stating they hope to reunite the Offlimits community in 2027. This cancellation halts the second iteration of the festival, which debuted last April at Etihad Park with a lineup led by Ed Sheeran, OneRepublic, Faithless, Kaiser Chiefs, and Artbat.

For Shakira, the cancellation impacts her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour in the region, though she is still scheduled to perform at Stadium 974 in Doha on November 18 and at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on November 28. Meanwhile, her concert in Ayla in Aqaba, Jordan, originally set for March 28, has also been postponed without a rescheduled date.

The aborted Abu Dhabi performance would have marked Shakira's first concert in the UAE since her 2011 appearance at the venue formerly known as du Arena. Organizers have not yet confirmed if a stand-alone UAE concert will replace the festival appearance.