The Unfortunate Reason Drake Didn't Show Up to His Abu Dhabi Gig

On Saturday night many people showed up to VIP Room's pop-up venue at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, especially to see their special guest performer Drake, but apparently it was too many people. Despite clubbers buying expensive tables at the gig (taking place inside the usual venue for Cipriani restaurant on Yas Island) the rapper failed to show, and the reason is pretty unfortunate.

The PR for the club confirmed to POPSUGAR Middle East that the Canadian star was just too popular and his security team decided the appearance was not safe, as too many people were at the venue. According to the Daily Mirror newspaper, guests waited until 5am but he never made it to the stage.

I was lucky enough to bump into him the night before as he took the elevator up to the same venue where Luciano and Paris Hilton were performing, presumably to enjoy a meal in the restaurant. A few of us trying to get upstairs were ordered to wait so Drake – surrounded by about 7-10 people – could go ahead without being bothered.

While waiting for the elevator to arrive the most hassle he got from us was a "Hi, Drake" to which he responded with a nod in our direction. It was a all a rather calm experience! Although I, nor one of the organizers of the whole thing made it into the venue on Saturday due to fussy security, I did hear from people inside that it was pretty unorganized, with people constantly being moved from table to table.

I enjoy Drake's music and have seen him live in the UAE before (last year) but I really feel bad for his biggest fans who traveled all the way to the capital city to see him. It's not exactly clear who's to blame (Drake? His entourage? The venue?) but if it's true he was paid up to $309,863 in advance to be there, the operation definitely could've been slicker.

Thankfully, he did show the following night to carry out the commitments he had to host the closing Formula One bash but I'm not sure it means people who spent a lot of money on Saturday's arrangements were grateful. For now, those planning on attending his appearance at BOA Dubai had better hope everyone's learned from this experience! Check out the pictures in our gallery.