Veteran Saudi singer Mohammed Abdu, widely regarded as the Artist of the Arabs, will significantly reduce his concert schedule going forward as he continues treatment for cancer, his office has confirmed. The announcement, made in February 2026, follows the artist s own disclosure that he had been diagnosed with the disease and was undergoing treatment in Paris.
According to Saudi Gazette, the singer s office said Abdu will scale back his musical engagements in the coming period in line with his health and personal circumstances, while maintaining his commitment to participating in national events in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The statement signals a pivot away from the heavy touring calendar that has defined the 76-year-old s career.
Abdu first revealed his diagnosis in a public message to fans.Saudi Gazette reported that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and was receiving care in Paris, and Ammon News cited his statement that initial tests were positive and that the cancer enzyme had decreased significantly after early rounds of treatment.Harper s Bazaar Arabia reported that well wishes poured in across the region from fellow artists, officials and fans after the disclosure.
Born in 1949 in Jazan, Abdu is among the most decorated figures in Khaliji music, with a catalogue spanning more than six decades. He was honored during the 2023 Riyadh Season, when Royal Court Advisor Turki Al al-Sheikh presented him with a record of pure gold to mark his Diamond Jubilee, per Saudi Gazette coverage of the ceremony.
For UAE audiences, who have followed Abdu through years of concerts in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the new touring posture means appearances will be rarer and tied to occasions of national significance, including Saudi Founding Day and National Day. His team has not ruled out additional shows but has asked the public to respect the artist s privacy as treatment continues. A follow-up message from Abdu to his fans, reported by Roya TV, struck an upbeat tone, with the singer thanking supporters and signaling that he intends to keep performing within the limits his doctors set.
