Mumbai, April 17: Even as the war in the Persian Gulf led to the cancellation of the 2026 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah this week, Muslim groups in Mumbai have criticised the earlier plans for a post-race concert by pop superstar Shakira.
Concert plans draw criticism amid regional conflict
The artist was scheduled to perform at the Formula 1 event on April 19 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit following the race’s conclusion. Both the race and the concert were called off due to the ongoing regional conflict and safety concerns.
The Raza Academy, a Mumbai-based organisation, criticised the Saudi Arabian government, expressing deep concern over its willingness to host such an event amid ongoing violence and humanitarian distress in Gaza, Palestine, and Lebanon.
In a statement issued by its founder, Mohammad Saeed Noori, the organisation described the event as “highly inappropriate and condemnable”, particularly given the suffering of Muslims in conflict-affected regions.
The group also expressed dismay that the concert had been planned in Jeddah, the gateway to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, located approximately 80 kilometres from Mecca.
The high-profile event forms part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at establishing the Kingdom as a global entertainment hub. Organisers had expected Shakira’s performance to significantly boost international tourism and race attendance.
Event linked to Vision 2030, raises cultural concerns
While the initiative aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts to relax entertainment restrictions in the traditionally conservative country, religious groups have raised concerns about cultural changes.
“The Saudi Arabian government claims to be the custodian of the shrines in Mecca and Medina. It is haram in Islam for women to dance to song and music. Islam was founded in that land, and yet such an event was planned,” said Noori.
The organisation stated that hosting such programmes during a period of bloodshed reflects a disregard for Islamic values and the sentiments of Muslims worldwide. It added that organising entertainment events near sacred sites risks turning these areas into centres of moral decline, with potentially serious long-term consequences.
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Welcoming the decision to cancel the programme, Mohammad Arif Razvi of the Raza Academy said, “We hope that the Saudi government will continue to consider the sentiments of the Muslim Ummah, Islamic traditions, and the current global situation, and refrain from organising such programmes that may hurt religious sensitivities.”
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