The promoter behind Justin Bieber’s two concerts in Dubai is confident they will go ahead as planned.
Speaking to The National ahead of the Canadian singer’s arrival, with two dates at the Coca-Cola Arena planned for October 8 and 9, chief executive of Top Entertainment Thomas Ovesen says he is not worried about a cancellation.
Dubai’s position in the tour calendar provides enough time for Bieber to make it through his current bout with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, he hopes.
"We do understand that he is getting the best treatment available and that he is responding really well and it's only a matter of time until he is successfully recovered," he says.
"While there are some shows that have been postponed and rescheduled because he can't play them right now, the Dubai show comes off the back of his European leg.
“I am sure that he is going to be back on the road well before that. So I am not at all worried about the Coca-Cola Arena concerts not going ahead as planned.”
Ovesen also confirmed both shows will feature a supporting act, which will be announced soon.
"We just want Justin to get well enough to announce the resumption of the tour and then we will be sharing a lot more information with the fans about the two shows in Dubai and what they entail, including support talents,” he said.
Supporting Bieber on the North American leg of the Justice World Tour were Jaden Smith (son of actor Will Smith), Australian singer-songwriter Eddie Benjamin, Colombian singer Teo and US artist Harry Hudson.
Bieber announced his diagnosis and the pause of his Justice World Tour on June 10.
This came on the back of Bieber cancelling two shows at Toronto's Scotiabank Arena on June 7, citing ill health.
According to wife Hailey Bieber, the pop-star is "getting better every single day".
"He’s feeling a lot better and, obviously, it was just a very scary and random situation to happen, but he’s going to be totally OK, and I’m just grateful that he’s fine,” she said during her appearance on US television show Good Morning America on Wednesday.
What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome?
The condition is described as a complication of shingles that occurs when an outbreak affects the facial nerve near one ear.
It can cause hearing loss in addition to facial paralysis.
When revealing the condition in an Instagram video on June 11, Bieber said he was suffering from a partial facial paralysis.
Bieber has cancelled a run of North American shows, including two dates at New York City's Madison Square Garden, until July 3.
The tour is set to resume on July 31 at Lucca, Italy.
According to the Coca-Cola Arena website, the only tickets available for both Bieber concerts are under the Fanpit Standing (Dh1,349) and Fanpit Seated (Dh 1,649) categories.
Similar to Bieber's previous Dubai shows in 2013 and 2017, Ovesen expects all tickets to be snapped well before the singer arrives in the UAE.
"We do have a few more left, but they are not many and they will sell out," he says.
"If you want to attend the show but leave it until late, the chances are you wont find any available tickets for both concerts."
More information is available at coca-cola-arena.com
10 concerts and events coming to Dubai, from Justin Bieber to 'Romeo & Juliet' — in pictures
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The trio Hooverphonic, led by singer Geike Arnaert, will perform in Dubai in December. Getty Images -
Egyptian actress Yousra will appear in the stage production 'King Farouk' at Dubai Opera. AFP -
Le Trio Joubran, from left, Samir, Wissam and Adnan Joubran. Courtesy: Youness Hamiddine -
Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler in the 2021 film adaptation of the musical 'West Side Story'. The stage show will be performed in Dubai Opera in April. AP -
The Gipsy Kings shot to fame back in the 1980s with their eponymous album. Courtesy Dubai Opera -
Martin Garrix has been named 2022'S world's number one DJ by industry publication 'DJ Mag'. AFP -
Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will perform his hits at the Coca-Cola Arena. Courtesy Coca-Cola Arena -
Iraqi singer Kadim Al Sahir will perform an intimate show at Dubai Opera. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Canadian DJ deadmau5 will play at the Coca-Cola Arena in December. Getty Images -
Singer Ne-Yo returns to Dubai in December. AFP -
Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren is one EDM's most celebrated artists. AFP -
Nigerian singer Wizkid is one of a new generation of African artists making inroads into the western charts. Getty Images -
Mohamed Ramadan will perform post-match concerts as part of the inaugural World Tennis League tournament. AFP -
Tiesto will bring his hits to the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. AFP -
Jackson Wang will perform on February 4 in Dubai as part of his Magic Man world tour. AP -
Irish comedienne Joanne McNally performs on April 29 at The Agenda. Photo: GME Events -
The Nutcracker ballet is an annual Christmas favourite. Photo: Andy Ross -
Hungarian pianist and composer Balazs Havasi will play at Dubai Opera in 2023. EPA -
The Australian singer Kylie Minogue will ring in the new year in Dubai. Reuters -
Tomorrowland's Terra Sollis features VIP rooms with sun decks, resort views and a private plunge pool. Photo: Terra Solis -
Peter Bence, the former Guinness World Record holder for fastest piano player, performs at Dubai Opera on November 11. Getty Images -
See French crooner Enrico Macias on November 12 at Coca-Cola Arena. Photo: Wikicommons -
Spanish opera star Placido Domingo will headline the lavish Dresden Opera Ball gala evening at Dubai Opera. Getty Images -
Croation classic group 2Cellos are coming to Dubai in November. Courtesy: MBC -
Watch British singer-songwriter Calum Scott live at Hard Rock Cafe in November. Getty Images -
Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi is returning to the UAE for a concert at the Coca-Cola Arena on November 24. EPA -
Illusionist Rob Lake is performing 'The Magic of Rob Lake' at Dubai Opera from November 25 to 27. Photo: FilmMagic -
Music and street culture festival Sole DXB is back for 2022 in December. Photo: Sole DXB -
The Dubai Shopping Festival, starting in December, features concerts, family activities and plenty of shopping deals. Photo: Dubai Shopping Festival -
Pakistani singer Abida Parveen returns to Dubai at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 9. Photo: Catherine de Clippel
