Major events in our Middle Eastern calendar have been postponed due to current global events. High-profile events typically take center stage this time of the year, but many have put out notices of postponement or cancellation. From concerts, fashion events, film festivals, and more, here are all the 2023 events that have been postponed in the Middle East.
Middle East events postponed from October 2023
Fashion Trust of Arabia Awards, Doha
The 2023 Fashion Trust of Arabia Awards has been postponed. The event was due to take place in Doha, Qatar on Oct. 25. In a statement they said,
“At FTA, our purpose has always been to support the talent of designers in the MENA region. However, we believe that, given the current situation in the region, it would be inconsiderate to proceed with our event,” reported an international media outlet.
Via @fashiontrustarabia on Instagram
Macklemore, Dubai
Coca-Cola Arena has announced the postponement of some upcoming events due to on-going events. Grammy-winning superstar Macklemore was set to take the stage at Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday 28th October. The American “Thrift Shop” rapper’s concert is also postponed, with the arena yet to release information on a new date.
A statement from Coca-Cola Arena reveals,
“Over the coming days we will work closely with authorities, promoters, and artist management to secure a new date. Tickets purchased for the original date will remain valid and further information on ticket transfer policy and refund options will be shared imminently.
All customers who have purchased a ticket will receive an email to their registered account.“
New date TBC. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk. coca-cola-arena.com (0800 22 33 88).
Khalid, Dubai
Another one of the arena’s events postponed is the upcoming Khalid concert. Set to perform at the Coca-Cola Arena on Friday October 27, the concert by the R&B mega-star, Khalid, has been postponed until further notice. Coca-Cola Arena is yet to announce new dates, so be sure to check back for updates.
A statement from Coca-Cola Arena reveals,
“Over the coming days we will work closely with authorities, promoters, and artist management to secure a new date. Tickets purchased for the original date will remain valid and further information on ticket transfer policy and refund options will be shared imminently.
All customers who have purchased a ticket will receive an email to their registered account.“
New date TBC. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk. coca-cola-arena.com (0800 22 33 88).
Via @cocacolaarena on Instagram
El Gouna Film Festival, Egypt
As of October 19th, the already postponed sixth edition of El Gouna Film Festival 2023 has been postponed for the second time this year.
We have no definitive answer as to whether or not El Gouna Film Festival 2023 is officially cancelled. This is the biggest of Egypt’s events postponed so far.
We Design, Beirut
Another one of the events postponed is We Design Beirut. The four-day festival in Beirut has been postponed from October 27 to 30 to new dates of March 4 to 7. The event showcases design and creativity through various showcases, installations, talks, and workshops in Beirut.
Ajyal Film Festival, Doha
It has been announced that the 11th Ajyal Film Festival, set to run from November 8 to 16 is cancelled. The film institute in Qatar announced that,
“At this time, we are grieving alongside the community within our region and are devastated by the staggering daily loss of innocent lives. It is simply not a time for celebration, it is a time for focused and intentional action”.
Emaar community events, Dubai
Emaar has announced that it has cancelled community events and festivities in its Dubai property developments due to “the current global situation.”
In a message sent to Emaar residents, they state:
“Due to the current global situation and the ongoing challenges faced by our global community, we have decided to cancel the upcoming community events until further announcement.
We understand that our community events are cherished occasions for many, especially our younger residents, and this decision was not taken lightly.“
Via @emaarcommunities on Instagram
Keep an eye out for updates of other events postponed or cancelled in the Middle East.