The sweltering outdoor temperatures are finally starting to let up (thank God), meaning it’s officially festival season in the Middle East and North Africa. Each year, our region plays host to a plethora of music festivals and concerts that draw in music lovers from all over to enjoy live performances from some of the world’s best artists. From Green Day’s debut performance in the Middle East to the laid-back, nomadic vibes of Dahab’s Chill O’posite Festival, the calendar is packed with an array of music experiences. Whether you’re looking to soak in the sounds or explore new talents, below, the festivals you shouldn’t miss.
Runman Festival— Tripoli, Lebanon
Sept. 5-7
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The Rumman Music Festival (RMF) is the only independent music festival in Tripoli, North Lebanon, and returns from Sept. 5-7 for its third edition. This annual festival showcases homegrown, regional, and international musical talents— this year’s lineup features Moroccan-French rock band Bab L’Bluz, Sudanese rap icon TooDope, Egyptian electro-shaabi producer El Waili, Palestine’s Soot Gilgamesh, and Algeria’s DJ La Louuve. The festival also highlights Lebanese favorites like Police Voleur, Ziad Naboulsi, Al Dowar, Hadi, and Tarabeat. Additionally, France’s pop-rock band Nana Koura will also be performing.
Beyond the music, RMF will feature a variety of activities, arts activations, a marketplace, and local food vendors, making it a comprehensive cultural experience. Tickets are available for purchase on Rumman’s official website. In a show of solidarity, RMF is offering a special support ticket option dedicated to aiding fellow musicians in Gaza.
Festival L’Boulevard— Casablanca, Morocco
Sept.12-15
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One of Morocco’s most anticipated urban music festivals, Festival L’Boulevard, returns for its 22nd edition on Sept. 12 with a massive regional lineup. Since its inception in 1999, L’Boulevard has played a pivotal role in promoting Morocco’s buzzing alternative music scene. Held at the R.U.C Rugby Stadium in Casablanca, this year’s festival features an eclectic roster including Dada, Small X, Mehdi Nassouli, Tarwa N-Tiniri, Suicidal Tendencies, Aita Mon Amour, Nab Fake, Nayra, Guiss Guiss Bou Bess, Fehd Benchemsi & The Lallas, and Sarah & Ismael. Additionally, the festival’s annual ‘Tremplin’ competition offers young artists from across the MENA region a platform to transition from amateurs to full-fledged professionals.
Azimuth Festival— AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Sept. 19-21
Kicking off the Saudi National Day celebrations is AlUla’s annual Azimuth Festival. Returning for its fourth edition, the three-day event, themed “Until the Sun Comes Up,” is known for its diverse lineup of local, regional, and international artists, who perform against the stunning backdrop of AlUla’s rock formations and cliffs.
Enrique Iglesias— Dubai, UAE
Sept. 13
Following his beachside gig in Dubai in 2022, Enrique Iglesias is returning to the UAE for a full concert at the Coca-Cola Arena. Fans can expect a setlist packed with his crowd-pleasing hits, including Hero and Bailamos.
Carla Bruni— Dubai, UAE
Sept. 27
Italian-French singer-songwriter Carla Bruni will make her UAE debut at the Dubai Opera on Sept. 27. Known for her subtle melodies and soft voice, Bruni has charmed music lovers worldwide since the late ’90s. This intimate performance promises to be a highlight for fans of the singer.
Chill O’posite Festival Dahab, Egypt
Oct. 4-6
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This three-day-long music festival is set to unfold against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Dahab’s beaches and mountaintops from Oct. 4-6. This year’s edition will feature 35 local and international acts, including Norwegian DJ Unders, German musical duo Super Flu, and local artists Derwish, Hot Oasis, and Abu Sawar.
Sole DXB— Dubai, UAE
Dec. 13-15
Dubai’s highly anticipated streetwear and culture festival, Sole DXB, will return for its 12th edition from Dec. 13-15. While this year’s theme and lineup remain under wraps, last year’s event was a spectacular celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. Attendees were treated to performances by hip-hop icons like Big Daddy Kane, Joey Bada$$, and Jadakiss, alongside regional talents such as Egyptian-Palestinian rapper Ma-Beyn and Sudanese rapper Soulja.
MDL Beast Soundstorm— Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Dec. 12-14
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MDL Beast Soundstorm, the region’s premier music festival, is gearing up for another stellar edition in December. While the full lineup is still under wraps, hip-hop legend Eminem has been confirmed to perform. With previous headliners like J Balvin, Adriatique, WizKid, and Soulja, expectations are high for yet another unforgettable event.
Maroon 5— Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dec. 6
American pop group Maroon 5 will perform at Etihad Park on Dec. 6 as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix F1 After-Race concert series. Known for hits like This Love and Moves Like Jagger, Maroon 5’s setlist promises a blend of funk, rock, and pop.
Eminem— Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dec. 7
Also headlining the Abu Dhabi F1 After-Race concert series is Eminem. The rapper will take to the stage at Etihad Park on Dec. 7. Expected to perform tracks from his latest album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace), hip-hop fans don’t want to miss this concert.
Bryan Adams— Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dec. 19
Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams returns to the UAE as part of his “So Happy It Hurts” world tour, following a sold-out show at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena last year. Fans can look forward to classic hits like, Summer of ’69 and Heaven.
Green Day and The Offspring— Dubai, UAE
Jan. 27
American punk-rock bands Green Day and The Offspring will make their Middle East debut on Jan. 27 at Expo City Dubai. With a catalog of hits spanning three decades, including Green Day’s Boulevard of Broken Dreams and The Offspring’s Pretty Fly (For a White Guy), this concert is set to be a high-energy kickoff to 2024.
