With less than two weeks to go, 2025 BRED Abu Dhabi will soon be cutting the proverbial ribbon on its third edition. Taking place on Yas Island between April 23-27, the five-day-long celebration of all things culture will bring together some of the region’s (and world’s) most esteemed brands, artists, and food stalls to the heart of the UAE’s capital for an unforgettable experience packed with music, fashion, and everything in between.
With a string of performances and satellite activations to keep on tabs once on the ground, we’ve gone ahead and compiled your ultimate checklist of the performances, pop-ups, and bites that’ll make BRED 2025 one for the books. Read on for MILLE’s curated guide on who to see, what to shop, and where to eat.
Who to see?
Arguably the main creative pillar on which the festival was mapped out, the live music lineup is packed with heavy-hitters from across the region and beyond. To help you cut through the noise, below, we’ve rounded up the acts you, or at least we, don’t want to miss — whether it’s for the beats, the bars or just the vibe.
The Synaptik — April 23
Nationality: Palestinian/
Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop
To hit play before the show: DARI, BELA AHDAF, JOWA BEITI
Asayel — April 23
Nationality: Saudi
Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop
To hit play before the show: ASLIYAH, MISKEEN, CALL ME
Nayra — April 25
Nationality: French/Moroccan/Egyptian
Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop
To hit play before the show: : BABOUR LOU7, MA MALADIE, FAT LI FETE
Blu Fiefer — April 25
Nationality: Lebanese
Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop
To hit play before the show: SINT EL EW, NAZELE BIG CHAMPAGNE, DAB7
Afroto — April 27
Nationality: Egyptian
Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop/Mahraganat
To hit play before the show: WADINI, MONW3AT 2019, MATLOOB
Lella Fadda — April 27
Nationality: Egyptian
Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop
To hit play before the show: FOKAK MENI, TARAT TARATA TATA, 7OB BAS EH
Marwan Moussa — April 27
Nationality: Egyptian
Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop
To hit play before the show: KALAMANTINA, MOZZA, YA SALAM (El WAILI REMIX)
Where to Shop?
Those who still haven’t figured out what they’ll be rocking at BRED will be pleased to know that they can shop from an array of local and international brands on-ground. Keep scrolling for a rundown of some of the coolest brands worth checking out.
5IVEPILLARS
The brand that’ll keep you clean and on your deen. Expect graphic tees, comfy hoodies, and meaningful mottos.
ATLAL FROM GALBI
Drawing inspiration from North African culture — especially Algerian — Lilia Yasmin’s ATLAL FROM GALBI blends traditional motifs with modern streetwear cuts and silhouettes for a look that feels both grounded and fresh.
DAILY PAPER
Born in 2012 from a blog that championed music, culture, and art through the lens of its founders—Hussein, Jefferson, and Abderrahmane—the label has grown into a full-blown lifestyle movement. With deep roots in both African heritage and contemporary streetwear, the brand has become a go-to for those who want their wardrobes to speak volumes.
GIBRALTAR BRAND
The hoodie. Cop the black hoodie, and thank us later. Heavy, cozy, and perfect for when temperatures drop by a little squiggle in the evening, trust us when we tell you it’s a solid piece from a brand that knows where it’s from — and shows it.
PIECES UNIQUES
Paris-based Edmond Luu’s 2024 Pierre Bergé Prize-winning brand will make its UAE debut at BRED. Inspired by the heroes of mangas, sci-fi movies, and video games, you can expect cropped varsity jackets, pearl-embellished denim, and fitted thermal tanktops.
Where to Eat?
With plenty of catering options to pick and choose from, BRED’s got your snack situation sorted with a slew of spots dedicated to fueling you with bites so good, they might just distract you from the dread of your bank balance post-Visa swipe #17.
CHOUKRAN
The Paris-based Moroccan hotspot is coming to Abu Dhabi for the first time, exclusively at BRED, bringing its signature couscous, “bledwich,” and delicious tagines with it.
L’INDUSTRIE PIZZERIA
Craving classic NYC pizza? Brooklyn’s L’Industrie Pizzeria is setting up shop at BRED this year so you can enjoy a mouth-watering slice—no plane ticket required.
LILA TAQUERIA
You can truly never go wrong with Mexican food. We suggest the wood-grilled Dibba Bay oysters served with green chimi to start, paired with the spit-roasted lamb tacos, and Mirzam chocolate-covered churros for dessert.
POLLINE
The pasta atelier is known for serving up delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as Wagyu Beef Cecina, Lobster Fazzoletti, and handmade Pici Genovese.