Zara Larsson says she will not perform at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December, after fans urged the Swedish singer to reconsider her Yasalam appearance over concerns about the United Arab Emirates’ alleged involvement in the war in Sudan.
Larsson was scheduled to perform alongside Lewis Capaldi at the Yasalam After-Race Concerts at Etihad Live on Thursday 3 December 2026. However, after a fan asked her on Instagram to read about the UAE’s role in Sudan and cancel the show, Larsson replied: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.”
The original Instagram comments were later deleted, but screenshots circulated online. Larsson subsequently gave a fuller explanation, saying she had spent time thinking about the decision and that there were several personal reasons behind it.
Zara Larsson explains her Abu Dhabi decision
Larsson initially stressed that she still wants to perform for audiences around the world and does not believe individual people should be equated with their governments.
“I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government,” she wrote. “I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart.”
She later acknowledged that her first response may have appeared impulsive, but said she had considered the decision before choosing not to perform.
“Maybe it came off as a impulsive response to a comment, but I have spent some time thinking about everything and decided that to not do the show aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
Larsson also indicated that she may issue a more formal statement explaining her decision.
The comments are significant because Larsson had been publicly scheduled for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for months, with her performance forming part of the Yasalam After-Race Concerts programme alongside Capaldi.
Why fans called on Larsson to cancel
The pressure surrounding the performance focused on the UAE’s alleged relationship with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, during Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
The conflict between the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces began in April 2023 and has created a major humanitarian crisis. The UAE has been accused of providing support to the RSF, allegations that the Emirati government has denied.
Larsson’s decision therefore comes amid a wider debate over whether artists should perform at major international events in countries whose governments face criticism over foreign policy or human rights issues.
Importantly, Larsson herself said her decision was based on “many different personal reasons beyond politics”. She did not state that her withdrawal was solely a political protest against the UAE.
Has Zara Larsson officially cancelled her Abu Dhabi show?
There is an important distinction between Larsson saying she will not perform and the concert organisers formally removing her from the event.
At the time of reporting, Larsson’s 3 December 2026 appearance was still listed on ticketing and Yasalam event pages alongside Lewis Capaldi. That means the official event information had not yet caught up with Larsson’s announcement.
Her own comments, however, were clear that she had decided not to perform.
That leaves the status of the December 3 concert in transition, with organisers yet to confirm how the line-up will be changed or whether a replacement performer will be announced.
Who else is performing at Yasalam 2026?
Larsson’s scheduled performance was part of a larger Yasalam After-Race Concerts programme taking place during Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.
The announced line-up includes:
- Thursday 3 December: Lewis Capaldi and Zara Larsson
- Friday 4 December: Alex Warren, with another headline act still to be announced
- Saturday 5 December: Imagine Dragons
- Sunday 6 December: The Chainsmokers and The Script
Larsson’s withdrawal, if formally confirmed by organisers, would leave Capaldi as the currently announced Thursday headline act unless another artist is added.
The wider Abu Dhabi Grand Prix entertainment programme also includes Andrea Bocelli at Etihad Arena on December 2 and Anyma at the official after-party at Yas Gateway Park on December 4.
Larsson’s decision follows a wider conversation among artists
The situation arrives at a time when musicians are facing increasing scrutiny over performances at major international events.
Artists can view a concert as an opportunity to perform for local audiences, while fans and campaigners can view participation in a high-profile international event as a decision with wider political and cultural implications.
Larsson’s own comments underline that tension. She said she wants to perform for people regardless of where they live, while ultimately deciding that withdrawing from the Abu Dhabi performance was the choice that aligned with her personally.
For now, the clearest distinction is between the singer’s position and the event’s official status: Larsson says she will not perform, but Yasalam’s formal line-up had not yet been updated when she made the announcement.
The final status of the 3 December concert will depend on confirmation from Larsson, Yasalam or the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix organisers.
