International Star Cancels UAE Engagements Over Alleged Support for Gaza and Sudan Violence
In a significant blow to the reputation of the UAE regime and further tarnishing its international image, American rapper and global artist Macklemore has announced the cancellation of his upcoming show in Dubai. Originally scheduled for October 4 at the Coca-Cola Arena, the concert was called off in protest against Abu Dhabi’s alleged support for the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Sudan.
Macklemore cited his commitment to standing in solidarity with the people of Sudan and his decision to boycott businesses in the UAE due to the country’s role in the conflicts and the regional humanitarian crisis.
In a press statement, Macklemore highlighted the dire situation in Sudan, describing the humanitarian crisis as catastrophic, with over ten million people displaced, millions on the brink of famine, and widespread sexual violence affecting vulnerable populations.
“While many external powers are contributing to the Sudanese crisis, the UAE’s role in funding the RSF militias is highlighted as a major factor,” he continued.
He also warned that the plight of the Palestinian people has drawn global attention, emphasizing that the last ten months have not only highlighted the ongoing genocidal war in Gaza but also documented the past 76 years of genocide, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing. In stark contrast, he pointed to Abu Dhabi’s normalization and alliance with Tel Aviv.
McLemore added, “I know that this is likely to jeopardize my future offers in the region, but I will not go there until the UAE stops arming and funding the RSF in Sudan and stops supporting Israel.”
Ticket holders were notified on Friday of the show’s cancellation via Platinum List, which also said all purchases would be automatically refunded within 21 business days. The event has been removed from the Coca-Cola Arena website.
The Grammy-winning artist, who released a Palestinian-themed song called “Hind’s Hall” in May, had scheduled a concert at the venue in October last year.
Macklemore released his third studio album, Ben, last year to moderate success, but the track “Hind’s Hall” has resonated widely, attracting many new fans. This growing support has solidified his position as one of the most prominent voices in the music world advocating for a ceasefire in Israel’s ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.
The song is named after Hind Rajab, the 6-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed in Gaza by Israeli occupation forces after waiting for days for rescue, and includes a musical verse taken from Fairuz’s song “Ana Lahbibi.”
In the song, Macklemore expressed his solidarity with the students protesting on campus in the United States, rejecting their country’s policy of supporting genocide and demanding an end to arms exports to the occupation.
The song, widely regarded as the most prominent anthem calling for peace in the ongoing conflict, has become his most popular track, amassing over 30 million listens on Spotify, according to the platform.
On Instagram, the video has been viewed over 175 million times. Macklemore announced that all proceeds from the song will go to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
It is noteworthy that activists on social media launched a campaign to pressure Macklemore to cancel his concert in the Emirates, pointing to Abu Dhabi’s role in the devastating and bloody conflict in Sudan and its alliance with Israel.
