As the new year kicks in, we find ourselves with an exciting 12-month journey ahead, brimming with the finest cultural entertainment that the UAE has to offer. Making an upgrade from last year, 2024 is promising an even better and enriching experience. Here’s our rundown of the most eagerly anticipated and promising festivals of the year so far.
MUSIC
UNTOLD Dubai
When: February 15th to February 18th
Where: Expo City, Dubai
What to expect: Romania’s largest electronic music festival steps outside of its borders for the first time, landing at the majestic Expo City Dubai in February. The biggest music sensations from the likes of Armin Van Buuren, Hardwell, Major Lazer Sound System, Don Diablo to G-Eazy, Bebe Rexha will grace the stage with power-packed performances huddled by outwardly stage designs, abstract visuals, and lights. With family-friendly daytime experiences, music from your favorite artists live, and vibrant stages that light up the sky at night; UNTOLD Dubai will be the perfect punch to energize your 2024.
Who can go: Ages 18 and above.
How much: Tickets start from AED 300.
Here’s a glimpse of the event:
InClassica International Music Festival
When: February 1st to February 15th
Where: Dubai Opera
What to expect: The InClassica International Music Festival 2024 brings together devoted and passionate musicians with audiences Relive a diverse array of musical presentations live, spanning from the gentle melodies of a pianist to the grandeur of orchestral performances. For 15 days, classical music enthusiasts can enjoy a fantastic array of live shows, promising a delightful and varied experience for all. Rooted in a dedication to music, the event embodies shared ideals of friendship and international cooperation at the core of global culture and the arts.
Who can go: Ages 6 and above.
How much: Tickets start from AED 199.
Here’s a glimpse of the event:
REWIND
When: March 1st to March 2nd
Where: Bla Bla, Dubai
What to expect: This year, Rewind is back with an outstanding lineup of artists ready to reel you back to the 80’s and 90’s. REWIND is well-known for packing high-energy vibes, loads of activities, bars, mouth-watering food, and performances from legendary musicians that keep giving first-timers and seasoned visitors an all-time high.
You can look forward to witnessing the musical awesomeness of legendary artists such as Wet Wet Wet, Odyssey, Disco Inferno, Heather Small, and more.
Who can go: Ages 21 and above.
How much: Tickets start from AED 399.
Here’s a glimpse of the event:
Wireless Middle East
When: 2nd March
Where: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
What to expect: Renowned as Europe’s largest celebration of urban music and pop culture, Wireless Festival has expanded to the Middle East with its super-hit 2023 inaugural on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. The event featured exclusive performances from global stars across various genres like hip-hop, urban, rap, R&B, grime, and dance. With two stages, 19 live performances including Travis Scott, Central Cee, Wegz, M.I.A., and Roddy Ricch, the event scored significant success with 25,000 attendees, offering a mix of music, food and beverage options, and engaging activations.
The lineup for the 2024 festival will be announced soon.
Who can go: Ages 16 and above. Under 16-year-olds need a guardian who is 16 and above.
How much: Tickets for Wireless Fest Middle East 2024 will be on sale soon. Stay tuned for updates!
Here’s a glimpse of the event:
elrow XXL
When: April 13th
Where: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
What to expect: Following the massive success of its sell-out show in 2023 with 18,000 attendees, elrow XXL Festival is set to return for its second year, promising an even grander experience. Featuring elrow’s largest stage debut, a major DJ announcement, and a substantial support lineup, the event is expected to accommodate over 12,000 people.
Known for its extravagant decorations, vibrant visuals, confetti bursts, and stunning costumes, elrow XXL Festival on Saturday, April 13, will be a one-day extravaganza, and high demand is anticipated, considering the brand’s history of sell-out shows worldwide.
Who can go: Ages 18 and above.
How much: Tickets start from AED 350.
Here’s a glimpse of the event:
FOOD
Taste Of Dubai Festival
When: 23rd to 25th February
Where: SkyDive Dubai, Dubai Marina
What to expect: Delight in three days of unparalleled festival energy featuring a multitude of bands and DJs. Experience exclusive workshops with celebrity chefs and explore pop-ups from 18 of the city’s finest restaurants. Whether you’ve got an itch to learn some cooking tricks from top chefs, experiment with your recipes, or pick up some new grilling techniques, a variety of foodie workshops await you.
This festival can be yours when it comes to food options but you also get to choose the vibe.
Whether you like pumping it up on the most trending beats or simply prefer relaxing with some calming acoustics, Taste of Dubai will feature music all day long in three separate zones that cast their own vibe. Plus you can fancy yourself some drinks from five licensed outlets too. Take a stroll around the Taste Artisan Village and get free samples, artisanal goodies, and more!
Kids can have a ball in the mega Kids Zone that’s got bouncy castles, rides, and arts & crafts.
Who can go: Open for all
How much: Tickets start from AED 55. Children under 12 go free!
Here’s a glimpse of the event:
Dubai Food Festival 2024
When: TBD. Stay tuned!
Where: Etisalat by e& Beach Canteen, multiple restaurants across the city.
What to expect: Just like last year, The 11th edition of the Dubai Food Festival is expected to be a spectacular celebration, surpassing previous years in scale and excitement. Get vibey at Etisalat by e& Beach canteen, and surf across several incredible offers and discounts at some of your favorite eateries during Dubai Restaurant Week featuring pop-ups, tasting sessions, and many other unique experiences. Last year, for the first time, consumers could relish dishes from some of Dubai’s top restaurants for a mere sum of AED 10 only. There’s no way one could miss such a delightful few days especially if your middle name is ‘foodie’.
Who can go: Open for all
Here’s a glimpse of the event:
Canteen X
When: TBA. Stay tuned!
Where: TBA. Stay tuned!
What to expect: Canteen X, a highlight of the Dubai Shopping Festival, brings foodies together. Inspired by the popular Beach Canteen, it dominated Mushrif Park last year in December, offering Dubai’s food favorites, coupled with entertainment and activities. Perfect for families, it provides a space to discover soul-touching flavors, spend time with loved ones, and allow the little ones to be entertained. Stay tuned for updates on this year’s edition.
How much: Free entry
Who can go: Open for all
Here’s a glimpse of the event:
ARTS & LITERATURE
Quoz Arts Fest
When: 27th to 28th January
Where: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1
What to expect: The eleventh edition of Alserkal’s Quoz Arts Fest promises the familiar blend of art, culture, and exhilarating entertainment as last time. This annual two-day festival guarantees a delightful mix of incredible food, design, music, workshops, and surprises. Attendees can expect the return of excitement, curiosity, cultural experiences, and overall feel-good vibes.
Who can go: Open for all
How much: AED 63 for two-day pass, free entry for minors and for those who are aged above 60.
Here’s a glimpse of the event:
Sharjah Light Festival
When: 7th to 18th February
Where: Across the entire emirate of Sharjah and east coast towns.
What to expect: In its 13th year, the Sharjah Light Festival welcomes globally acclaimed artists to illuminate beloved landmarks with a captivating blend of lights, colors, and music, celebrating the intersection of science, creativity, and heritage. By utilizing creative and innovative light technology and specifically curated music, the iconic landmarks of the emirate, such as the Sharjah Mosque, the University City Hall, the Al Majaz Waterfront, and many others can be seen in a new light.
The Sharjah Light Festival seamlessly combines beauty, art, culture, education, innovation, and higher thinking into a grand event. Spanning across the emirate and reaching east coast towns like Dibba, Khorfakkan, and Kalba, the festival enhances the experience for visitors and residents alike.
Who can go: Open for all
How much: Free
Here’s a glimpse of the event:
Sikka Art and Design Festival
When: 23rd February to 4th March
Where: Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood
What to expect: The 12th edition of the Sikka Art and Design Festival will be hosted at the Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood. The event will feature a diverse array of outdoor installations, art exhibitions, live performances, film screenings, poetry evenings, workshops, and homegrown F&B concepts. All of these activities will be presented within an inspirational atmosphere, showcasing Dubai’s creative prowess.
Who can go: Open for all
How much: Free
Here’s a glimpse of the event:
Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
When: 31st January to 6th February
Where: InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City & Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
What to expect: The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature annually unites people worldwide in the heart of Dubai, transcending borders and languages. Talented writers engage, inspire, and connect attendees, fostering a rich dialogue of diverse ideas and perspectives. This seven-day literary extravaganza promises a multitude of events, featuring appearances by renowned authors and speakers from across the world. The festival offers a diverse program called LitFest AfterHours, including performances, games, activities, and evening food experiences from the 1st to the 4th of February.
Who can go: Open for all
How much: Tickets start from AED 40, with many tickets free for select events during the festival.
Here’s a glimpse of the event:
With 2024 rising on the horizon, we can expect a spellbinding array of festivals that promise to paint the Emirates in hues of arts, culture, food, music, film, and literature. The forthcoming months are poised to be an exhilarating crescendo of energy, marking the Emirates as a dynamic hub for diverse activities and vibrant experiences.
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