(MENAFN- The Arabian Post)

Dubai is preparing to host one of the region's largest music festivals when the event runs from 6–9 November at the sprawling Dubai Parks and Resorts complex. Organisers expect over 250,000 attendees and plan more than 100 global artists performing across five stages designed to cover genres from EDM and techno to hip-hop and world music.

The move to Dubai Parks and Resorts marks a major expansion for the festival brand. The venue offers access not only to the music stages but also to four themed parks including MOTIONGATETM, LEGOLAND® and Real Madrid World, effectively creating a“festival-theme park” hybrid experience. Early tickets start from AED 475 for general four-day access and VIP passes begin at AED 1,200.

Headlining this year's edition are internationally renowned DJs such as Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren and Steve Aoki. A new stage recently announced in partnership with the Mexican festival brand ZAMNA will feature names including Eric Prydz, Luciano and Hot Since 82, reflecting ambitions to diversify the musical offering beyond mainstream EDM.

Organisers emphasise the festival's spectacle and immersive features: advanced light and drone shows, interactive installations and themed zones intend to deliver a large-scale entertainment experience. The decision to shift to a larger venue follows the festival's inaugural UAE edition in 2024, which was held at Expo City and drew substantial crowds.

From a logistical standpoint, infrastructure upgrades are in place. The venue sits off Sheikh Zayed Road and is served by metro and dedicated shuttle services; parking facilities and ride-share drop-off zones are also being expanded to handle the significant influx of visitors. Accommodations packages have been offered via on-site hotels, with bundled festival tickets and park access.

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Industry analysts see this event as part of the UAE's broader strategy to strengthen its position as an entertainment and tourism hub. By combining a music festival with theme-park access and luxury experiential offerings, the organisers are targeting both domestic and international visitors. On the other hand, some observers caution about challenges: the sheer scale raises questions about crowd-control, sound-bleed between stages and transportation bottlenecks on high-traffic nights.

Statements from the festival's management reinforce the ambition: the co-CEO described the 2025 edition as a“next-level” version that will push production boundaries and create memorable moments for fans. They also pointed to partnerships with global brands and sponsors to elevate the overall environment.

Ticket sales data show strong demand: early-bird passes sold out within hours during presale stages, indicating a high level of interest from both regional and international markets. Additional revenue streams such as VIP upgrades, branded zones and hospitality add-ons reflect an evolving business model where live-music events transform into multi-layered entertainment platforms.

Regional talent is also a focus. While international headliners dominate the marquee, organisers have committed to incorporating talent from the Middle East and North Africa region to broaden the cultural appeal and support local music ecosystems. This aligns with venue and tourism partners' aims to promote cultural-branding and destination attractiveness.

Environmental and operational standards are receiving attention as well. Given the scale and high-energy output of the event, sustainability measures-such as recycling, energy-efficient stage lighting and transport shuttle optimisation-are reportedly being integrated in consultation with venue managers. For attendees, the bundled experience of rides plus music aims to differentiate this festival from conventional ones that focus purely on performance.

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By offering a multi-day, multi-venue environment, the festival is designed to engage beyond just the main stage performances. Branded lounges, interactive installations, and stay-packages for hotel guests aim to increase dwell-time and visitor spend. The combined value-proposition is expected to resonate with younger audiences seeking immersive experiences rather than just concerts.

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