That you might not have heard of…
Throughout the cooler winter season there are some truly epic music festivals coming to the UAE, so if you love live music and DJs, read on, and get these in your diary…
NOVEMBER
November 18th – Groove on the Grass
The annual Groove on the Grass will be happening on the 18th at Emirates Golf Club. Unlike some of the other listings this event is homegrown and has been staged in the UAE for 10 years – making this year the 11th, so we have high hopes for their line-up, plus artsy stuff and great offers on food and drink. Tickets are from AED 195.
November 25th – Cele Retro Fest Dubai
If you love old school there’s a brand spanking new festival coming to Emirates Golf Club promising some of your favourite greatest hits. Called Cele Retro Fesr Dubai, it will be on November 25th and featuring performers from the ‘90s to the early noughties, such as German rapper Nana Darkman, UK rapper Ice MC and Swedish singer Dr. Alban. Tickets are from AED 150 and the event opens at 5pm.
DECEMBER
December 8th-10th – Earth Soul Festival
The first ever eco-conscious festival is coming to Dubai Media Amphitheatre from Friday 8th until Sunday 10th November for a weekend of ‘music, art, and sustainability coverage’. Promising a weekend-long event with a variety of performers, and you can get a day pass for AED 158 or a three-day weekend pass for AED 415.
December 8th-9th – SOLE DXB
Super cool event SOLE DXB is another of Dubai’s favourites and was first launched in Al Quoz in 2014. Head down to d3 and catch Busta Rhymes, Joey Bada$$, Omar Offendum, and Jadakiss, as well as a plethora of other artists from the Middle East. Previous years have included performances from Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Jorja Smith, and Stormzy. Get access to all 3 days for AED 349 and AED 695 for a stage front weekend pass.
December 16th – The Ibiza Orchestra Experience
Coming all the way from the White Isle, the Ibiza Orchestra Experience is coming to Dubai on Saturday December 16th (get 50% off tickets by signing up here). While they haven’t yet revealed the location, you’re guaranteed to be in for a treat when you listen to the 26-piece orchestral sound that performs classic anthems from Ibiza. There’s also live performers and a DJ.
December 31st – NYE Beach Festival at Zero Gravity Dubai
It’s not too early to start planning your NYE events, and one of the best listings in the city is the festival at Zero Gravity that will start at 11am and finish at 3am the following day. With live DJs throughout the day into night, there’s also some international acts yet to be announced. Tickets start at AED 195 on Platinum List.
2024
FEBRUARY
15th-18th Feb – UNTOLD Dubai
This massive international festival, it will be the first time UNTOLD has visited the UAE. The event will be hosted in the former EXPO location, and boasts an absolutely banging line-up of international DJing talent, an immersive lighting and production show, plus awe-inspiring decor. You can get early bird tickets when they’re announced on their website.
MARCH
March 1st & 2nd – REWIND Festival
REWIND Festival is hosted at party spot Bla Bla, and next year’s line-up includes’80s icons Bananarama, ABC, Midge Ure, The Real Thing, Heather Small and Chesney Hawkes. The 2023 edition sold out fast and tickets are already available for the 2024 extravaganza, so we recommend getting yours sorted ASAP. Tickets are from AED 399 on March 1st and 2nd.
March 2nd – Wireless Festival Middle East
The Middle Eastern edition of Wireless Festival is returning to our shores in 2024. After their sell-out event in 2023 – featuring Roddy Rich, Travis Scott and M.I.A – the line-up for next year should be equally impressive, with an eclectic mix of musical genres. Head to Yas Island for this event on March 2nd.
