The first edition of UNTOLD Dubai Festival, a globally recognized brand born in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, has just etched its mark on the international festival landscape, attracting over 185,000 music enthusiasts worldwide, with 45,000 attending on the final day.
Over the course of four days and nights, UNTOLD Dubai metamorphosed Expo City Dubai into a vast musical paradise, seamlessly blending tangible reality with boundless creativity. This captivating festival not only delivered on its promise to provide world-class entertainment in Dubai but also firmly established the UAE as a premier destination for festival enthusiasts.
Featuring four stages, over 100 artists, and an endless array of unforgettable moments, UNTOLD Dubai left an indelible mark on the souls of more than 185,000 fans. From electrifying performances by Armin van Buuren, Tiesto, Hardwell, and Don Diablo to mesmerizing sets by Paul Kalkbrenner, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Timmy Trumpet, the festival showcased the finest talents in the industry. With appearances by iconic acts such as PSY, G-Eazy, Ellie Goulding, Masego, Chase & Status, and Andy C, UNTOLD Dubai offered a truly magical experience for the lucky attendees.
The Mainstage, at the heart of the UNTOLD Dubai spectacle, hosted a series of mesmerizing performances by an eclectic array of international superstars. The festival’s closing day featured a stellar lineup, headlined by the K-pop sensation PSY, celebrated globally for his chart-topping hit “Gangnam Style.”
PSY’s electrifying live performance on the fourth day was nothing short of legendary, igniting the Mainstage with unmatched energy, accompanied by mesmerizing dancers, stunning video projections, and a breathtaking fireworks extravaganza. PSY’s dynamic showcase epitomized UNTOLD Dubai‘s capacity to create enduring, unforgettable moments for its audience.
The final night was not short of engaging electronic music either, featuring the iconic Sebastian Ingrosso of Swedish House Mafia, Australian DJ sensation Timmy Trumpet, and Romanian pop superstar INNA. Ingrosso‘s DJ set, featuring the premiere of his collaboration “Skip” with Steve Angello, showcased the Swede’s mastery in creating an electric atmosphere.
Timmy Trumpet, ranked 6th in the Top 100 DJ Mag, captivated the audience with two worldwide premieres, contributing further to the festival’s dynamic energy. At the same time, INNA, a Romanian music icon crafted a unique live show where festival-goers became integral to the performance, singing and dancing in unison.
The journey through UNTOLD Dubai‘s musical Universe unfolded over four extraordinary days, featuring headliners such as Armin van Buuren, Ellie Goulding, Tiesto, Hardwell, Badshah, Major Lazer, G-Eazy, Don Diablo, DJ Bliss, Kris Fade, and many more. Every day of the festival offered its own distinct highlights and emotions, pushing beyond the limits of typical music festivals. During Tiesto‘s electrifying live set, eagerly awaited by trance and progressive house enthusiasts, the Dutch maestro expressed his delight at the enthusiastic response from the audience, further fueling the energy of the moment.
Hardwell, known for his mastery of the big-room house genre, once again set new standards with an electrifying and exclusive show, highlighted by a premiere collaboration with Armin van Buuren. Meanwhile, Major Lazer, the powerhouse trio consisting of Diplo, Jillionaire, and Walshy Fire, delivered an innovative live performance that transformed the audience into active participants. They also unveiled a global premiere collaboration with Don Diablo, adding an extra layer of excitement to their groundbreaking show.
American artist G-Eazy illuminated the stage with an enthralling performance, treating the audience to a selection of songs from his latest album, “These Things Happen Too,” as well as some of his chart-topping hits. Adding to the excitement, Badshah, a multi-award-winning artist at the Punjabi Music Awards, made history as the first Indian performer at the festival. Showcasing his repertoire of rap anthems, guests were delighted with a medley of his hits, including “Let’s Nacho,” “Genda Phool,” and “Gone Girl.”
At every moment of the festival, the Mainstage blossomed into a haven of joy and entertainment. Notably, Kris Fade, one of the most beloved media personalities in the Middle East, curated a special back-to-back session alongside Dean Curtis, creating an unforgettable experience for the audience. Additionally, DJ Bliss, a prominent figure in the UAE’s DJ scene, captivated festival-goers with an enthralling mix, demonstrating his deep passion for electronic music.
At the immersive Galaxy stage within Expo City Dubai, house and techno maestros conjured their enchantment. World-renowned artists such as Luciano, Sven Vath, Hot Since 82, Kasia, Nicole Moudaber, Mahmut Orhan, Cezar, Paax Tulum, Marwan, and more led fans on unforgettable musical odysseys.
Surrounded by mesmerizing mapping and projections in the awe-inspiring architectural setting of Al Was Plaza (named after the Arabic word for “connection”), attendees embarked on unique journeys. The colossal steel trellis dome, soaring 67.5 meters high, enveloped the largest 360-degree projection surface globally, offering an unparalleled experience to all who ventured into this spellbinding stage.
The Alchemy stage hosted Chase & Status, Andy C, and Freddie Gibs, who smashed the stage and uplifted the crowd amongst urban artists such as Masego, Afroto, Knkucks, and more. On the other hand, the unique Time stage, surrounded by fountains with flowing water, was the perfect host for Sara Bluma, Shaun Warner, Scott Forshaw, and more.
Festival-goers indulged in a plethora of activities, games, and delightful experiences, while a vibrant fashion village hosted imaginative designers, makeup artists, and hairstylists, crafting the perfect festival outfits and radiance. With over 40 food vendors conjuring culinary delights and designated areas for alcoholic beverages, guests were treated to a culinary journey. Spanning across 170,000 square meters, the festival adorned Expo City Dubai with enchanting fantasy decorations, creating immersive spaces that captivated all who attended.
Reflecting on the overwhelming success, Edy Chereji, the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of UNTOLD Universe, said:
“UNTOLD Dubai has exceeded our expectations, and the response from attendees has been phenomenal. We are grateful for the support and enthusiasm from fans worldwide and are delighted that everyone shared the joy of this exceptional musical experience.
UNTOLD Dubai was not just a festival but a global celebration of music, connection, and pure emotion. As we bid farewell to 2024, we eagerly anticipate returning in 2025 with even more magic and surprises. See you then!”
UNTOLD Dubai has undoubtedly set a new standard for international music festivals, crafting an unmatched experience that seamlessly mixes entertainment, innovation, and the enchantment of music. This festival has made an enduring impression on Dubai’s cultural scenery, laying the groundwork for forthcoming editions that pledge to be even more remarkable.
As the curtain falls on the inaugural UNTOLD Dubai festival, festival-goers are reminded that unused funds from the festival wristband can be refunded online until February 23rd at 11:59 PM, accessible through the festival app and official website.
Stay tuned for details on the next edition of UNTOLD Dubai, with plans already in place for the return of this mega music festival in 2025. To see all the highlights of UNTOLD Dubai 2024, check out @Untoldfestivaldubai on Instagram.
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