Russell Peters Explains Why He Didn’t Cancel His Abu Dhabi Show In Solidarity With Gaza Despite Cutting Tour Short

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Despite Russell Peters’ decision to cancel the remainder of his Middle East and South Africa tour, his event in Abu Dhabi is scheduled to take place on November 23 at Etihad Arena.

The Canadian comedian discussed “the optics” of touring the area with his performance “while so many are suffering in Gaza” in an Instagram video in which he was seen wearing a keffiyeh.

He did, however, affirm that the Act Your Age special will be filmed for the Etihad Arena concert and that it will proceed.

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“I will still be in Abu Dhabi on November 23 at Etihad Arena shooting my new special,” he said. “And I’m aware of the optics on this one and I pulled the rest of my Middle Eastern tour for now. Let me be honest with you, I have struggled with this as well … but ultimately I feel like the one thing we need in that region is some smiles, love and laughter and I hope to be that guy to provide some of that relief for you.”

Peters, a frequent performer in the United Arab Emirates, last appeared at the Etihad Arena in 2021.

In 2019, the acclaimed comedian brought his Deported World Tour to the indoor arena at City Walk, where he had the pleasure of being the first act to perform at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena.

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