Mystery surrounds the proposed Backstreet Boys concert which was expected to take place on March 28 this year.

On January 13, the 90s pop heroes listed the Dubai World Centre on an article announcing a European leg of their latest tour, which includes performances in Britain, Scandinavia, Germany, Turkey, Russia and many more.

Those keen to rekindle their screaming teenage years were looking forward to hearing hits like ‘Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)’, ‘I Want It That Way’ and ‘Quit Playing Games With My Heart’.

However, the Middle East’s Backstreet buzz has had its bubble burst after the band’s official website removed the Dubai leg of their tour from their ticketing page.

The ‘In a World Like This’ tour would have marked almost five years since their last appearance, when they played The Palladium.

None of the events teams in Dubai who were contacted by What’s On would confirm they had been charged with arranging the gig, leaving plenty of unanswered questions. 

The quintet of AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson and Brian Littrell, who burst onto the scene in 1995, two years after forming, are now all in, or on the verge of, their 40s, yet possess all the synchronised moves and vocal harmonies that made them one of the biggest bands of the pop era.

The news came just days after Justin Timberlake confirmed he was bringing his 20/20 Experience tour to the UAE, while mega stars like The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton will also perform in the first half of 2014.

HERE’S WHAT YOU’RE MISSING

I WANT IT THAT WAY

EVERYBODY (BACKSTREET’S BACK)

AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME