Billed as the Middle East’s biggest music festival, UNTOLD Dubai just wrapped its second edition at Dubai Parks & Resorts. According to a press release, 190,000 attendees from 120 nationalities descended on the venue, leading to a massive sophomore outing that proved last year’s debut was no fluke.
The mainstage stretched over 120 meters wide and reached 28 meters into the Dubai sky, occupying space equivalent to a full football field, while the entire festival footprint covered 267,793 square meters. The four-day festival spanned performances across EDM, hip-hop, pop, reggaeton and more.
The festival’s opening night set the tone with trance music legend Armin van Buuren, who had the crowd transfixed with his inimitable blend of soaring melodies and visceral beats.
Credit: Alive CoverageDutch electronic music superstar Martin Garrix delivered one of the weekend’s standout performances the following night, debuting new tracks and spinning a slew of his global hits. Those included his beloved collaboration with Dua Lipa, “Scared to Be Lonely,” and his generational dance anthem “Animals.”
Saturday night also saw a solo performance from Rae Sremmurd’s Swae Lee, who praised the crowd’s energy and called the festival “epic.”
Credit: PixiumElsewhere, YUNGBLUD’s Middle East debut became even more memorable when he learned of his three Grammy nominations just before taking the stage. His rock-heavy set, complete with a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, provided a welcome contrast to the electronic music dominating most stages.
Over on the Zamna stage, Swedish electronic music icon Eric Prydz commanded the crowd with his signature progressive house sound and stunning vocals.
J Balvin’s first-ever Dubai performance on the final night transformed the mainstage into a reggaeton celebration. The Colombian superstar brought out Daecolm for a rendition of “I Adore You,” with Jason Derulo spotted in the crowd enjoying the show.
Credit: PIXIUMDubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism backed UNTOLD Dubai as strategic partner, and the investment shows. The festival’s organizers have already locked in dates for the third edition, which returns to the same venue November 5-8, 2026.
Given how quickly UNTOLD has established itself as a fixture on the global festival circuit, it seems their Dubai offshoot will only grow. You can find out more about the festival here.
Follow UNTOLD Dubai:
Facebook: facebook.com/untoldfestivaldubai
Instagram: instagram.com/untoldfestivaldubai
TikTok: tiktok.com/@untoldfestival_dubai
The post Inside UNTOLD Dubai 2025: Four Days With Martin Garrix, J Balvin and 190,000 Festival-Goers appeared first on EDM.
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