T11 Entertainment Bolsters Leadership: Industry Veteran Rob Hallett Named President of International Music and Festivals

Abu Dhabi-based Theory 11 Entertainment (T11) has officially announced the appointment of music industry titan Rob Hallett as the new President of Global Music and Festivals. This strategic move highlights T11’s commitment to solidifying its influence within the rapidly expanding live entertainment landscape of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The addition of such a high-profile executive is expected to accelerate the company's growth in the region's competitive commercial sector and enhance its ability to deliver world-class experiences.

Hallett brings over four decades of high-level experience to the role, standing as one of the most respected figures in the global touring circuit. In 2005, he established the international operations for AEG Live, where he managed landmark projects such as Prince’s legendary 21-night sold-out residency at London’s O2 Arena and the inception of the BST Hyde Park series, which is now considered one of the premier annual concert events in the United Kingdom. Throughout his illustrious career, he has collaborated with iconic artists including Michael Jackson, Prince, The Rolling Stones, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Drake, Burna Boy, and Jay-Z, orchestrating massive tours across arenas and stadiums in Europe, North America, and Asia.

In his new capacity, Hallett will spearhead T11’s worldwide music and festival strategy, focusing on securing artist partnerships, managing international logistics, and developing large-scale musical events designed to drive tourism. T11, which launched in 2023 under the leadership of CEO Sia Farrah, has quickly emerged as a significant private entity in the commercial entertainment sector of the UAE and the broader GCC. Hallett’s journey to T11 follows his 2014 departure from AEG to launch Robomagic, which later entered into a successful partnership with Live Nation, further cementing his reputation as a visionary leader.

The timing of this appointment aligns with the preparations for the second edition of the Offlimits Music Festival, scheduled for April 4, 2026, at Etihad Park on Yas Island. Global superstar Shakira is set to headline the event, joined by the Jonas Brothers—a pop trio with over 20 million global album sales—and triple Grammy-winning artist NE-YO, who has surpassed 23 billion career streams. The diverse lineup also includes the acclaimed Scottish rock group Biffy Clyro and the Icelandic band KALEO. This follows the success of the inaugural Offlimits festival, which featured Ed Sheeran and established the ambitious foundation for the event's current scale.

Abu Dhabi's musical calendar for April 2026 continues to expand with other high-profile performances, including Jon Batiste at Emirates Palace on April 12 and Tarkan at the Etihad Arena on April 17. Hallett’s leadership signals a clear intention by T11 to set new benchmarks for quality within the regional entertainment industry for audiences and partners alike. He noted that the GCC is rapidly transforming into one of the most vibrant and energetic markets for live performances globally, offering unprecedented opportunities for artists to connect with a passionate international audience.

Ultimately, while the structures surrounding music—such as market regulations, visas, logistics, and stage formats—constantly shift, the core essence of the art form remains unchanged. As these barriers are lowered, it becomes evident that audiences everywhere are searching for the same rhythmic connection and shared experience. The boundaries of sound are fading, leaving behind the fundamental human desire to gather and witness the power of a live voice in a shared space, proving that music is a constant force in an ever-changing world.