Dubai concert promoter Thomas Ovesen, of Top Entertainment, confirmed to The National that tickets for Justin Bieber's two Dubai concerts next month were still on sale, despite the singer announcing on Tuesday he was postponing his world tour for health reasons.
Ovesen says he is awaiting information from Bieber's camp regarding the resumption of the tour and whether the October 8 and 9 shows at Coca-Cola Arena would need to be pushed back.
“We all wish Justin a speedy recovery and admire his decision to put his health first,” he said.
“We can’t wait to see him back on the road and we’re standing by for further updates, which we will share with you as the Dubai show dates approaches.”
Bieber's last performance was in Brazil's Rock in Rio festival on Sunday and the postponement immediately affects the remainder of the South American leg of the tour, including Wednesday's scheduled concert in Chile.
In a statement released on social media, the pop star said he was only "taking a break from touring for the time being” after experiencing health struggles on the road.
In an Instagram post uploaded after the Rock in Rio event, Bieber said he “gave everything I have to the people in Brazil”.
“After getting offstage, the exhaustion overtook me and I realised that I need to make my health the priority right now.”
Bieber also referred to his experience with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, a condition which left half of his face paralysed and forced him to cancel a number of North American concerts.
Bieber said overcoming the condition affected his physical health when returning to the stage in July.
“After resting and consulting with my doctors, family and team, I went to Europe in an effort to continue the tour. I performed six live shows, but it really took a real toll on me,” the statement reads.
“So I’m going to take a break from touring for the time being … I’m going to be OK, but I need time to rest and get better.”
Bieber is not the only young pop star to be affected by the rigours of the road.
In July, singer Shawn Mendes, 23, cancelled the rest of his world tour to look after his mental health.
The Treat You Better singer said he will return to live performance "as soon as I have taken the time to heal."
Ovesen, who brought Bieber and One Direction to Dubai on previous tours, says he sympathises with young artists taking on the commitment to go on a world tour.
"They are significant undertakings and some tours can take multiple years to complete, during which artists and crew might only get home occasionally and for very short stints, and the rest of the time they move from show stop to show stop, time zone to time zone, winter to summer,” he says.
“I think it’s hard to imagine what that means for those involved and for sure it affects people differently too. It can be exciting, no doubt, but really gruelling at the same time."
30 concerts and events coming to Dubai, from The Script to Hardwell
-
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
