What’s On has news that Zayn Malik quits One Direction and the impact it could have on the One Direction Dubai concert at Sevens, April 4.

The One Direction Dubai concert WILL go ahead as planned despite the stunning news that Zayn Malik has quit the group.

The 22-year-old announced on Wednesday that he was walking away from 1D after five years. The bombshell comes just 10 days before the boys are due to host the biggest ever concert in the UAE, on April 4 at Sevens Stadium.

But in a statement, One Direction insist there would be no deviation from the current plan.

“The four of us will now continue,” it said. “We’re looking forward to recording the new album and seeing all the fans on the next stage of the world tour.”

Those sentiments were echoed by organisers in Dubai, who spoke exclusively to What’s On following Zayn’s announcement.

“For the past week the guys have performed as a four piece,” Thomas Ovesen, COO of Done Events said. “We have heard from those shows that it is still fantastic, and following the news today, it is reassuring they will continue to perform and record the new album.

“We want to say that the April 4 concert is still very much on. We understand some fans will be devastated their favourite member of the group has left, but they will appreciate he is in a better place for doing that.”

Earlier Zayn had released the news to the British media.

“My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined,” he said. “But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I’d like to apologise to the fans if I’ve let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart.

“I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22 year old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight. I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world.”

Simon Cowell, the X Factor mogul who helped shape the group, said: “I would like to say thank you to Zayn for everything he has done for One Direction.

“Since I first met Zayn in 2010, I have grown very, very fond – and immensely proud – of him. I have seen him grow in confidence and I am truly sorry to see him leave.

“As for One Direction, fans can rest assured that ‎Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis are hugely excited about the future of the band.”