Justin Bieber suspends world tour for health reasons

On May 4, 2013, Canadian singer Justin Bieber beat the sweltering heat to perform for fans at Sevens Stadium in Dubai. Sarah Dea/The National

In May 2013, fans of Justin Bieber at Sevens Stadium in Dubai gave the Canadian star a huge UAE welcome. Sarah Dea/The National

Justin Bieber takes the stage in Dubai in May 2013. Sarah Dea/The National

After a two-hour wait for their hero, fans in Dubai quickly forgave Justin Bieber's tardiness and turned up the volume to welcome him to the UAE. Sarah Dea/The National

Fans of Canadian singer Justin Bieber mask up at Sevens Stadium in Dubai in May 2013. Sarah Dea/The National

In May 2017, Justin Bieber was back in Dubai, starting his gig with 'Mark My Words' from his 2015 album 'Purpose'. Chris Whiteoak for The National

Canadian star Justin Bieber appeared at the Autism Rocks Arena in Dubai during his 2017 tour. Chris Whiteoak for The National

Justin Bieber performed before a forgiving crowd in Dubai in 2013 when he was two hours late onstage. In May 2017, he stuck to his schedule and the music began on time. Chris Whiteoak for The National

Fans sang along to their favourite Justin Bieber songs at the Autism Rocks Arena in Dubai in May 2017. Chris Whiteoak for The National

Justin Bieber performs in concert on Saturday, May. 06, 2017, at the Autism Rocks Arena in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak for The National

Bright lights and big screens as Justin Bieber performs at the Autism Rocks Arena in Dubai in May 2017. Chris Whiteoak for The National

Justin Bieber performs at the Autism Rocks Arena in Dubai in May 2017. Chris Whiteoak for The National

Dubai was the only Middle East stop for Canadian star Justin Bieber on his 2017 tour. Chris Whiteoak for The National

Justin Bieber performs at the Autism Rocks Arena in Dubai in May 2017, when his 2015 album 'Purpose' and the singles from it had charted in more than 100 countries. Chris Whiteoak for The National

Bieber cancelled his Coca-Cola Arena concert in Dubai in October 2022 owing to ill health. Chris Whiteoak for The National

Singer Justin Bieber said on Tuesday that he needs to “take a break from touring for the time being” after experiencing health issues on and off the road, effectively suspending the rest of his global tour.

The performer came to his decision after six live shows in Europe and a music festival appearance in Brazil “took a real toll” on him.

In an Instagram Story, 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,” he said after the Rock in Rio event.

The star has been battling Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, which has left half of his face paralysed.

“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 shared news of his diagnosis in early June and his intention to postpone US dates for his Justice tour.

“Earlier this year, I went public about my battle with Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome, where my face was partly paralysed,” he said in his post on Monday.

“As the result of this illness, I was not able to complete the North America leg of the Justice Tour.”

His tour had been snarled by delays and adjustments due to the Covid-19 pandemic and his health battle.

A promoter behind his two shows scheduled for October in Dubai, however, was “confident” they would go on.

“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,” Thomas Ovesen told The National.

“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.”