Zara Larsson hints at cancelling Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concert over Sudan war
The Midnight Sun singer's social media was filled with comments asking her not to perform in the region
Swedish pop star Zara Larsson has hinted that she may cancel her upcoming show in Abu Dhabi as part of the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend in December over the war in Sudan.
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The musician made the suggestion to fans in a now-deleted comment after one follower commented on her Instagram post, highlighting the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) role in the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
A fan of Larsson posted on her Instagram to say: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!”
Under that comment, the Midnight Sun singer said: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi” with a heart emoji.
These comments have both been deleted. Her comment section is filled with other messages asking her not to perform in the UAE given the country's involvement in the Sudanese civil war, which has been labelled as the world’s worst humanitarian disaster.
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The UAE has been accused of being involved in the ongoing war in Sudan by funding Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a deadly paramilitary group which has slaughtered thousands of civilians and held cities under siege.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed in the region in the fight between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and millions more have been displaced due to the brutal civil war which shows no sign of stopping.
The RSF has been accused of crimes against humanity. And, according to a Human Rights Watch report, fighters for the RSF are being trained by a security company based in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE government denies the accusations against its involvement with the RSF.
Larsson is known for being outspoken for causes that she cares about. She previously lost a multi-million dollar brand deal after refusing to apologise for making a joke about abortion on TikTok.
The Formula 1 Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on December 3. However, the grand prix may not even take place. Formula 1 had to cancel all Middle Eastern races in the 2025-26 season due to the Iran War. If the war is still waging by December, the status of the race may change.
Formula 1’s governing body is helmed by Emirati Mohammed Ben Sulayem who was previously the President of the Emirates Motorsports Organization.
As of September 19, Ticketmaster has still listed Zara Larsson as an artist for the concert, alongside Scottish singer Lewis Capadi. Capaldi is yet to make a statement on whether he will attend the concert.