The scheduling and successful organization of the upcoming Intervision Song Contest in Saudi Arabia remain heavily dependent on the geopolitical and security situation in the Middle East, according to statements from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Arab League Ambassador Walid Hamid Shiltagh.
The competition faces an uncertain timeline as officials monitor regional stability.
Lavrov Hopes Middle East Volatility Will Not Disrupt Intervision Plans
Speaking at a press conference in Moscow following bilateral negotiations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Equatorial Guinea, Simeon Oyono Esono Angue, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that the exact dates for the next competition have not yet been finalized.
"Intervision was born precisely in the context of an alliance of traditional art from the countries belonging to the BRICS association," Lavrov stated. "Following the results of the inaugural Intervision, which took place last September in Moscow, our Saudi colleagues announced that they are inviting the next contest to their country in 2026. The dates have not yet been determined."
The Foreign Minister expressed concern over how international conflicts in the region might affect the event, but remained hopeful that preparations would move forward. "I very much hope that the consequences of the aggression unleashed in the Persian Gulf by the Americans together with Israel will not affect the plans for holding this contest, its second stage, this current year," Lavrov added.
Arab League Walid Hamid Shiltagh Envoy Ties Contest Feasibility to a Peaceful Environment
Lavrov’s caution aligns closely with remarks made days earlier by the Ambassador of the League of Arab States (LAS) to Moscow, Walid Hamid Shiltagh. Speaking to TASS on the sidelines of the "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum" international economic summit in Kazan, Shiltagh emphasized that regional peace is a strict prerequisite for hosting the event.
"It all depends on the situation, as I said," Ambassador Shiltagh remarked when asked about the feasibility of staging Intervision in Saudi Arabia in 2026. "When the situation improves, and peace comes to the world, everything can be done—cultural events, student events, and tourism initiatives."
The diplomat made it clear that establishing a secure environment is paramount before any high-profile international cultural gathering can take place, concluding, "When the security situation is good, we will get everything done."
Possible Reschedule
Even before the onset of the latest regional warfare, planners behind the scenes were actively considering a late autumn release window to stage the event. However, with active military hostilities still gripping the Middle East, a push to 2027 has become increasingly probable. The situation on the ground remains deeply volatile, highlighted by the ongoing February-initiated Iran war, intense brinkmanship surrounding a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and recent drone strikes targeting key infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates. Coupled with a dangerous spike in regional tensions that recently brought the United States to the brink of launching a large-scale assault against Iranian targets, these severe security developments have heavily disrupted international logistics. As a result, organizers and diplomats are openly acknowledging that the peaceful, stable environment required to host an international music gathering simply does not exist right now, making a delay into 2027 a realistic path forward.
Written by Manios Themis
Intervision Song Contest specialist. Combines a Computer Science background with exhaustive knowledge of every edition (1965 Golden Clef, 1977–1980 Sopot era, 2025 revival, and Saudi Arabia 2026). Author and curator of the most complete independent Intervision archive online.
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