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by Dara Morgan

The Most Anticipated Music Events In the UAE Of 2024

19 Sept 2024

Photo: Getty Images

Here are the top events of the next three months, giving you plenty to brag about when it is time to wrap up 2024. From classic rock to your favourite pop hits, the music will keep playing all fall long. Get your calendars ready, and don’t forget to bring the crew.

Kasabian

When: October 13

Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai

British rock royalty, Kasabian, is ready to set the Coca-Cola Arena on fire. Prepare for a night of anthems like "Fire" and "Club Foot", and remember to stay hydrated — the music will have you on your feet from start to finish.

Mixtape Festival

When: November 2

Where: Bla Bla, Dubai

Things will never be the same again. Or will they? Mixtape Festival is a must-attend for fans of throwback jams. Gather your crew for a night of pure ‘90s and ‘00s nostalgia, featuring full performances from S Club, Melanie C, Peter Andre, and Gareth Gates. Highly recommended if you believe that music was better back then.

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Butterfly Carnival

When: November 9

Where: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre

Dubai’s first-ever carnival music fest is on the way. The Butterfly Carnival brings the wild energy of Rio, the vibes of Notting Hill, and the beats of Trinidad straight to the UAE. Think Afrobeats, dancehall, funk, reggaeton, and more. Why fly to Brazil when the carnival is already here?

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Defected Dubai

When: November 9–10

Where: Soul Beach, Dubai

Calling all house music heads. Defected Dubai returns for a second time, and this year it has become bigger and bolder. Expect beach vibes, sun-kissed beats, and headliners like Folamour, Sam Divine, and Eliza Rose to keep the good vibes flowing. With a pool party on Sunday to wrap it all up, this is the weekend you won't want to miss.

Wireless Festival

When: November 23

Where: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

The much-anticipated Wireless Festival is dropping into Abu Dhabi, and the lineup rocks. On November 23, Etihad Park will transform into a playground of epic tunes with headliners like SZA, 21 Savage, and Yeat. Is it the festival you have been waiting for? We bet!

Wiz Khalifa

When: November 16

Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai

Swifties may not be coming to Dubai this year, but Taylors definitely are, as their idol Wiz Khalifa is back. The hip-hop heavyweight will light up the stage with a mix of timeless classics and fresh tracks. From “Black and Yellow” to “See You Again,” he is set to deliver a true hip-hop experience.

Thirty Seconds to Mars

When: December 12

Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai

Jared Leto doesn’t age, and neither does his music. With Thirty Seconds to Mars coming to Dubai, comes a night of soaring vocals, rock anthems, and the emotional intensity the band is known for. If you are a fan of their hits like “Stuck” and “Life Is Beautiful,” prepare to be blown away.

Sole DXB

When: December 13–15

Where: Dubai Design District

Mark your calendars — Sole DXB is back. This incredible festival celebrating youth and contemporary culture will once again light up the d3 Design District from December 13 to 15. Expect three nights of killer music, DJ sets, fashion, film screenings, and talks from industry leaders. Add in workshops, sports tournaments, and youth clinics, and you have got one unmissable weekend. Stay tuned for the lineup.

Ricky Martin

When: December 14

Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai

Feel the groove in your hips — they don’t lie. Wait, is that a different song? No matter, get ready for a Latin night with the king of pop! Ricky Martin is bringing his world tour to Dubai, and "Livin' La Vida Loca" will have you dancing all night long. Let the fiesta begin!

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