The Untold Festival, a renowned dance music event that has been celebrated in Europe since 2015, made its debut in the United Arab Emirates in 2024, marking a significant milestone in Dubai’s cultural and entertainment landscape. This event, which has been a staple in Europe, attracting big-name performers and earning accolades such as the Best Major Festival by the European Festival Awards 2015, expanded its reach to the Middle East, showcasing its global appeal and influence.
The festival’s journey to Dubai began with its initial launch in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, where it quickly established itself as one of the most vibrant dance music festivals in Europe. Over the years, it hosted a lineup of international stars, including Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Steve Aoki, and Imagine Dragons, among others. This success led to the decision to expand the festival to new territories, with Dubai being chosen as the Middle Eastern destination.
The Untold Festival in Dubai was a four-day event that featured global stars such as Ellie Goulding and Bebe Rexha, showcasing the festival’s commitment to bringing the best of international dance music to the region. The festival’s co-founder, Edy Chereji, expressed the honor and excitement of bringing the festival to Dubai, a city known for its diversity and as a hub for international travelers. This move was seen as a strategic expansion for the festival, aiming to offer a new reason for people from around the world to visit Dubai.
The festival’s programming in Dubai was designed to cater to a wide audience, featuring artists across various genres and appealing to different communities within the city. The event aimed to include artists that resonate with the commercial side of dance music, such as electro and DJs, alongside live acts. It also made efforts to include artists that cater to specific communities within Dubai, such as the Indian and Pakistani community with Badshah and the Asian community with PSY, known for his hit “Gangnam Style.” This inclusive approach was part of the festival’s strategy to appeal to the diverse nationalities living in Dubai.
The Untold Festival in Dubai was not just about music; it was also about creating a lasting impact on the city’s cultural and entertainment scene. The organizers aimed to create a new icon for Dubai, similar to the worldwide icons created by the city’s architectural marvels, such as the Burj Al Arab and the Burj Khalifa. This ambition reflects the festival’s desire to contribute to Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for innovation and cultural exchange.
Also Read: Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli Withdraws From Brazil National Squad
The Untold Festival’s debut in Dubai represents a significant step forward in the city’s cultural landscape. By bringing this internationally acclaimed dance music festival to the Middle East, Dubai has not only welcomed a new form of entertainment but also demonstrated its commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive cultural scene. The festival’s success in Europe and its adaptation to the Dubai context highlights the global appeal of dance music and the city’s ability to attract and host world-class events.
Who were some of the international stars that performed at the festival?
At the Untold Festival in Dubai, a variety of international stars performed, showcasing the festival’s global appeal and its ability to attract top-tier talent. Some of the notable international stars that performed at the festival include:
- Ellie Goulding: A British singer-songwriter known for her pop and electronic music, Ellie Goulding returned to Dubai with fresh tunes to perform at the Untold festival.
- Bebe Rexha: An American singer and songwriter, Bebe Rexha was among the global stars featured in the festival, contributing to its vibrant lineup.
- Imagine Dragons: An American rock band, Imagine Dragons made a significant appearance at the festival, marking their return to Untold after a notable absence.
- Ava Max: A Dutch-American singer and songwriter, Ava Max was part of the main headliners at the festival, showcasing her pop and dance music talents.
- Swedish House Mafia: A supergroup consisting of Axwell, Steve Angello, and Sebastian Ingrosso, Swedish House Mafia was one of the first major acts announced for the festival, highlighting their influence in the electronic music scene.
- Sam Smith: A British singer-songwriter, Sam Smith was another major act announced for the festival, adding to its star-studded lineup.
These artists, along with others, contributed to the festival’s success in Dubai, demonstrating the festival’s ability to attract and host international talent. The lineup showcased a wide range of genres, including dance music, hip-hop, Afro-pop, and K-pop, catering to a diverse audience and ensuring the festival’s appeal across different music preferences.
Also Read | Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry Resigns Amid Gang Crisis
