Why the regional debut of this mega music festival is just the beginning.
It’s official: UNTOLD Dubai has set the stage for what could be an incredible transformation in the regional event landscape. And with its inception, the city’s first ‘mega festival’ brings the promise of a new era for live music and entertainment.
Having experienced more than 150 music festivals over the years, I’ve encountered the best and worst of what they have to offer. The unparalleled atmosphere among festivalgoers is irreplaceable, as are the unforgettable live performances. There’s just something special about seeing your favourite artists alongside others you have the opportunity to discover for the first time. As for the hassles of navigating through a muddy field at 2am, the less-than-savoury state of porta-loos, and the sting of overpriced food? All elements that I certainly don’t miss.
With UNTOLD Dubai, I admit that I was a little sceptical initially. As a seasoned festival lover, I’ve cherished some of the best moments of my life at festivals. Could this event be the one that really leaves a mark in the region? The venue at Expo City Dubai certainly evoked a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the days wandering the grounds during Expo 2020, albeit with a daunting step count ahead.
Arriving early, around 4:30pm, we managed to bypass the initial queues — a lesson learned from past events of this scale. The ticketing process, though somewhat long with the necessity of the UNTOLD app or registration, streamlined entry and purchases once set up. It was a one-time chore for a seamless experience thereafter.
Expo City Dubai’s expansive site, underutilised since its moment under the global spotlight, was partially transformed by UNTOLD. The festival occupied several areas including Al Wasl Dome, Jubilee Park, and an adapted section of what seemed like a parking area for the main stage. The surroundings that once hosted international pavilions were now lined with food stalls, bars, and activations featuring local favourites like Pickl and High Joint.
It was also great to see free water points, a much-appreciated amenity that aligns with practices of some progressive European festivals, and a drive of the UAE’s own Dubai Can campaign. Al Wasl Dome was as visually impressive as I remember from the Expo days, adorned with UNTOLD’s stunning projections and only enhancing the overall grandeur of the event.
The main stage looked amazing, on par with those at some of the best European festivals, complemented by exciting pyrotechnics and fireworks. The festival’s nearly 100 acts spanned genres ranging from dance music to K-pop, featured EDM powerhouses like Major Lazer, Tiesto and Armin Van Buuren, and drew crowds with more commercial names such as Ellie Goulding and G-Eazy. It was also nice to see a handful of local acts on the line-up — what an incredible opportunity for them.
Like the crowd it drew – it wasn’t just UAE residents in attendance – UNTOLD Dubai delivered a diverse line-up, although a ‘mega festival’ might benefit from a few more marquee names in the future. Its trouble-free atmosphere, meanwhile, was a testament to both the organisers and Dubai’s capability to host major events. And it certainly sets the precedent for future events, showcasing Expo City Dubai’s potential with its excellent facilities.
UNTOLD Dubai has laid a solid foundation for what could become the region’s leading festival, promising even bigger and bolder editions ahead. The success of the first event is just a glimpse of the potential that lies ahead, and I eagerly anticipate its evolution into a benchmark for the region’s cultural calendar.
DSCVR: UNTOLD Festival Dubai, Expo City Dubai. @untoldfestivaldubai
