The organizers of the Off Limits music festival in Abu Dhabi have announced the cancellation of the 2026 edition, which was scheduled to take place on Yas Island in November.
The decision also means that global superstar Shakira will not perform at the festival as originally planned.
Shakira was scheduled to headline a concert on November 21, 2026, as part of the festival program.
Off Limits Festival 2026 Canceled in Abu Dhabi
The festival organizers said the decision to cancel the 2026 edition was made due to what they described as regional instability.
They stressed that the safety of the audience and everyone involved in the event remains their highest priority.
The canceled edition was expected to feature several major musical performances, including Shakira's highly anticipated concert.
Shakira Concert Postponed to 2027
Following the cancellation of the 2026 festival, Shakira's scheduled performance will not take place on November 21 as originally planned.
The organizers said the festival is expected to return in 2027, with Shakira's concert to be rescheduled for a new date.
Further details about the 2027 edition and its lineup will be announced at a later stage.
Full Ticket Refunds Announced
Off Limits organizers also confirmed that ticket holders will receive a full refund automatically.
Fans will not need to take any additional steps to receive the value of their tickets.
Shakira Vows to Help Rebuild Schools in Colombia
Meanwhile, Shakira has pledged to help build at least 10 new schools in Colombia's western Chocó region following a devastating earthquake that caused hundreds of casualties and widespread damage.
The Colombian superstar made the announcement during a surprise visit to Quibdó, the capital of Chocó.
During her visit, she inspected several schools damaged by the earthquake and met with students.
Shakira Highlights the Importance of Education
Shakira emphasized that rebuilding schools is one of her priorities, stressing that children should not lose access to education because of the disaster.
She told reporters that her biggest concern was that schools might not be rebuilt once the emergency situation ends.
The singer stressed that every day children are unable to attend school represents another day in which they lose opportunities for their future.
Shakira Foundation Joins School Reconstruction Project
Shakira was accompanied during the visit by Howard Buffett, son of American businessman and billionaire Warren Buffett.
The Howard G. Buffett Foundation is expected to cooperate with Shakira's Fundación Pies Descalzos, also known as the Barefoot Foundation, on the school reconstruction project.
The initiative aims to support children and communities affected by the earthquake and help restore educational opportunities in the region.
Why was the Off Limits Festival 2026 canceled?
The organizers cited regional instability and said the safety of the audience and participants was the main priority.
When was Shakira scheduled to perform?
Shakira was scheduled to perform on November 21, 2026, on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
When will Off Limits return?
The festival is expected to return in 2027.
What will happen to festival tickets?
Organizers said ticket holders will receive a full automatic refund.
What did Shakira announce in Colombia?
She pledged to help build at least 10 new schools in the earthquake-affected Chocó region.
