(REUTERS) - Singer Zayn Malik, who devastated One Direction fans when he left the chart-topping boy band, has cancelled a concert in Dubai, saying anxiety issues did not make him confident enough to perform a major solo show.

The 23-year-old was due to appear at a show in Dubai on Oct 7 but concert organisers 117 Live said in a statement on their website that it had been cancelled and ticket holders would be refunded.

Malik posted a message to fans on his website saying: 'I have been working over the last three months to overcome my extreme anxiety around major live solo performances I feel I am making progress. But I have today acknowledged that I do not feel sufficiently confident to move forward with the planned show in Dubai in October ... I am truly sorry to disappoint you.'

The singer announced he was leaving the hugely successful band in March 2015 after five years, saying he wanted to lead a normal life.

The remaining four members of the group are currently on a break.