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First Zayn solo show set for Autism Rocks Arena

117 Live's new temporary arena finally has a name as it partners with autism charity Autism Rocks ahead of a show by ex-1D singer Zayn Malik

By IQ on 19 May 2016

Zayn Malik, One Direction, Where We Are tour, Chile, 2014, Javierosh

image © Javierosh/Flickr

Ex-One Direction singer Zayn Malik will play his first concert as a solo artist on 7 October at 117 Live’s new Dubai concert venue, the Autism Rocks Arena.

Veteran promoter Thomas Ovesen, who joined new venture 117 Live from Done Events in December, tells Gulf News he is confident of selling every ticket in the previously unnamed 20,000-capacity greenfield arena. “Were excited that […] we’re the only show in the region with Zayn,” he adds.

The temporary greenfield site will be replaced by a permanent amphitheatre at the Dubai Outlet Mall in spring 2017. The new venue will feature boxes, suites and viewing terraces and is part of a plan by 117 Live owner Al Ahli Holding Group (AAHG) to create a “new regional live entertainment hub”. AAGH, a Dubai-headquartered international conglomerate which employs 9,000 people, also owns the Dubai Outlet Mall.

Malik (pictured), known mononymously as Zayn, hit headlines last week after being racially abused by American rapper Azealia Banks for allegedly plagiarising one of her music videos.

Malik’s former band, One Direction, had the second-highest-grossing tour of 2015.