Björn Again ABBA concert cancelled after venue approval revoked by government

Uber Events, the organiser of the “Björn Again ABBA FOREVER” show scheduled for Thursday evening at the Social Centre, says it has suffered serious financial and administrative losses following the cancellation of the event.

In a statement, Uber Events said it “deeply regrets” the cancellation, which it described as unavoidable and the direct result of a last-minute directive from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness withdrawing venue approval while preparations were underway and the stage was already being constructed.

The company said it felt it necessary to provide full transparency to sponsors, ticket holders and the public regarding the reasons behind the decision. The cancellation was announced after members of Björn Again were already en-route to Maldives.

Uber Events said the decision has caused significant logistical, financial and administrative strain on the organisation, and negatively impacted local artists scheduled to perform, sponsors who supported the event, and fans who had purchased tickets and were awaiting the show.

As a premier event organiser in Maldives, Uber Events said its fundamental obligation is to ensure that every artist it invites “respects and adheres strictly to the laws, regulations, and cultural values of the Maldives” during their stay. It said Björn Again was fully prepared to comply with all local regulations during their performance.

The company apologised to all ticket holders for the disappointment and said full refunds will be processed for all ticket purchases starting this week. It also extended apologies to the members of Björn Again, local supporting artists and operational partners who worked to bring the show to life.

Uber Events said it remains committed to introducing world-class entertainment events to Maldives and will continue to advocate for a fair and predictable regulatory environment for the local events and entertainment industry.

The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness, in a separate statement, said the government had not stopped the show, but had asked for it to be held at a venue other than the Social Centre. The ministry said it had informed the organiser that the indoor hall, including the roof of the Social Centre stage, required urgent major repairs, and assured the organiser it would assist in relocating the event.