DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Hotels in Dubai are scrambling to rework New Year’s plans after the ritzy Mideast tourist spot’s ruler announced the cancellation of all celebrations late Tuesday due to the violence in Gaza.

The manager of the 4-star Arabian Courtyard says there will be no music or dancing to ring in the New Year, though the hotel’s restaurants and bars will stay open.

It’s unclear if other hotels will follow suit. Most say they cannot yet comment on whether the ban will affect the city’s famous champagne dinners and raucous bar bashes.

Organizers also say they don’t know if a widely publicized Shakira concert in Abu Dhabi will go ahead.

Some celebrations have also been canceled in Jordan and Egypt in solidarity with Gaza.

International Herald Tribune