The international pop-sensation British boy band One Direction is scheduled to perform at the Dubai Sevens Stadium on April 4 for their first ever Middle Eastern concert, but potentially without core band member Zayn Malik.
In the midst of an international tour, Zayn has stepped away from the limelight, at least temporarily, sighting stress as the problem. He has made the decision to fly back to the United Kingdom, his home country, in order to recuperate.
Directioners shouldn't request a refund for their tickets just yet though, as for now the band plans to move forward with their upcoming shows, although performing without Zayn seems kind of like The Beatles performing with Paul McCartney or John Lenon, as Zayn is seen as the most prominent member of the group, along with Harry Styles.
It seems the issue started when some unfortunate photos of Zayn getting cozy with a previously unknown female while in Thailand surfaced on social media. This wouldn't be a problem for a young international pop star, except that Zayn is currently engaged to Perrie Edwards of British female pop group Little Mix .
Following the circulation of the photos, Zayn made his decision to temporarily depart from the tour and tweeted, “I’m 22 years old ... I love a girl named Perrie Edwards. And there’s a lot of jealous [people] in this world. I’m sorry for what it looks like.”
Not only is One Direction's concert already sold out, it is set to be the largest concert ever organized in the United Arab Emirates. The concert sold out in just 22 days, with tickets first going on sale last May.
Understandably, Directioners throughout the UAE are holding their breath to see how this drama plays out. With such a large event hinging on Zayn's relationship stress, organizers are likely concerned as well.
It remains unclear whether Zayn will be fully recuperated from stress in time for the Dubai concert, taking place in just two weeks. According to Zayn's sister Waliya's social media post, “Zayn is going to be OK very soon."
For now, all we can say to all the Directioners with ticket's to the Dubai show is Inshallah.