Global and local events pause amidst the Israel-Palestine conflict

Here’s a list of all the cancelled or postponed events.

Amidst the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, several events in the region and beyond have been rescheduled or cancelled due to the increasing violence. The following is a list of regional and international events that have been postponed or cancelled in these challenging times.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Gala

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Gala, supposed to take place on 14 October, was postponed due to the ongoing global conflict and the resulting loss of life. The event management decided out of deep respect for the tragic events overseas. They plan to reschedule the gala for a later date.

Ajyal Film Festival

The Doha Film Institute (DFI) announced the cancellation of this year’s Ajyal Film Festival. DFI shared: “It is simply not a time for celebration, it is a time for focused and intentional action.” DFI has advocated for underrepresented voices globally, emphasising balanced narratives and amplifying Palestinian stories has always been integral to their cultural mission. Instead of this year’s festival, DFI will explore new avenues to amplify Palestinian voices worldwide, serving as a conduit for their unfiltered narratives to be heard, acknowledged, and respected.

Amr Diab

The Amr Diab concert in Dubai, initially slated for 20 October at Coca-Cola Arena, was also postponed. The venue assured that it would share comprehensive information regarding the event soon. In this time of adversity, Amr’s team took to Instagram to express their solidarity. “Our hearts go out to the people of Palestine, and we stand with them during these challenging times,” said the post.

Angham

Angham’s concert scheduled for 20 October 20 at Dubai Opera has also been postponed due to the ongoing global conflict. Taking to Instagram, Dubai Opera issued a statement asking people to get in touch for refund processes.

Cairo International Film Festival

Similarly, Egyptian Minister of Culture, Dr. Neven El-Kelany, has decided to postpone the 45th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival which was originally slated for 15 to 24 November. The rescheduled date for the festival will be shared at a later time. 

Carthage Film Festival

In solidarity with the ongoing global conflict, the Tunisian government has officially announced the cancellation of the 34th Carthage Film Festival, Africa’s oldest cinema showcase. Originally scheduled to run from 28 October 28 to 4 November in Tunis, this festival holds a prominent place in the Tunisian cultural calendar. The decision was conveyed in a statement by the Culture Ministry, which cited the critical humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the tragic events in the region as reasons for the cancellation.

Culture Summit Abu Dhabi

This year’s Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, which was originally scheduled to commence on 22 October, has been postponed. The annual event unites global leaders across various disciplines, including arts, design, heritage, media, and public policy, to explore the transformative power of culture in societies. A later date for this event will soon be communicated.

El Gouna Film Festival

Out of deep concern for the distressing conditions in the world, the management of El Gouna Film Festival has taken a thoughtful decision to postpone the upcoming sixth edition of the festival. In a show of solidarity, a generous donation of nearly AED 600,000 has been made to help the people of Gaza.

Fashion Trust Arabia Awards

The Fashion Trust Arabia has made the decision to postpone its annual awards ceremony, originally scheduled for 25 October in Doha as well. In a statement, the organisation emphasised its primary purpose of supporting designers in the MENA region and expressed that proceeding with the event under current circumstances would be inconsiderate. While a new event date has not yet been determined, Fashion Trust Arabia remains dedicated to announcing its 2023 award winners by the year’s end.

Jo Koy

Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy has delayed his world tour stop in Abu Dhabi. The show which was originally scheduled to take place on 28 October at Etihad Arena, is now happening on Sunday, 26 May 2024. The announcement was made via the Etihad Arena Instagram page: ” Due to unforeseen changes in the tour schedule, Jo Koy’s show at the Etihad Arena initially set for this weekend has been postponed to, Sunday, May 26, 2024. Existing tickets remain valid for the new date. If you require a refund, please contact your ticketing provider before Wednesday, November 8. Jo Koy and the entire team are excited about the chance to perform for you on the new date, and we are confident it will be an event to remember. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.”

Khalid

Coca-Cola Arena also announced the postponement of the Khalid concert initially scheduled for 28 October in Dubai. The venue has asked people to get in touch for the refund process.

Macklemore

In solidarity with the innocent lives lost, the Macklemore concert in Dubai, scheduled to take place at Coca-Cola Arena on 28 October has also been postponed. The artist took to Instagram to share his sentiments over the challenging times. He shared: “I stand with all humans. I stand for peace. I stand for love. I stand for freedom. And because of that, I stand for a Free Palestine and an end to the looming genocide of its people.”

META Film Fest

META Film Fest was set to return for its second edition, taking over VOX Cinemas, Wafi City, from 9 to 12 November. The four-day international motion picture gala was expected to be a celebration of world cinema with an impressive line-up of films, a host of special events tailored to film enthusiasts, and an esteemed international jury — the latter would’ve composed of 11 accomplished directors, producers, journalists, professors and critics. The cancellation was announced via an Instagram post: “META Film Fest regrets to announce the cancellation of this year’s event in Dubai due to the ongoing global situation and the challenges faced by communities worldwide. Our hearts go out to all those affected by these trying times.”

MTV Europe Music Awards

In light of the current global conflict the MTV Europe Music Awards, which were to be held in Paris, have been cancelled. The organisation said that this annual celebration of global music, traditionally a time of joy and recognition, is incompatible with the tragic unfolding events in the world, where lives have been lost. 

Sean Paul

Coca-Cola Arena also announced the postponement of the Sean Paul concert initially scheduled for 21 October. While alternative dates are being arranged, people have been advised to get in touch with the management if they wish to get refunds instead.

T.I.

The T.I. concert also initially set for 21 October at Coca-Cola Arena has been postponed. The venue will soon announce new dates and is also willing to provide refunds.

We Design Beirut

Recognising the gravity of the situation in the world and the profound loss of innocent lives, We Design Beirut believes in behaving with a sense of moral responsibility and respect. For that reason, the event has been pushed. They said: “Our values and moral responsibility cannot allow us to celebrate in such dark times in history.” We Design Beirut will now take place from 4 to 7 March, 2024.

Worthy: A Journey with Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith was set to bring her Worthy: A Journey with Jada Pinkett Smith world tour to Coca-Cola Arena on 7 November and to W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island on 6 November. During the two UAE stops for the tour, Jada was expected to share her journey of navigating complicated, false narratives about her marriage, her family, and herself. Sarah Omolewu, the tour’s producer in the region, announced the tour’s postponement on Instagram: “The Middle East Tour for Jada Pinkett Smith’s New York Times bestselling memoir has been postponed,” she wrote.