When it comes to chart-topping years, 2019 swoops in to steal first place. Maroon 5, Camila Cabello and Macklemore – this year's music roll call has invited the world's most sought-after artists to the stage. This live jukebox of a city is a gift that keeps on giving, so clear out your calendars for Dubai’s most anticipated concerts this year.
October
Rita Ora and Disclosure
Join English superstars Rita Ora and Disclosure as they cut the ribbon for W Hotel’s debut Wake Up Call music fest. Set against a shimmering backdrop of the sea, this poolside bash will feature two stages with upbeat music for three days. This high-energy, dance-heavy music line-up will include performances by Australia’s alternative dance trio, RÜFÜS DU SOL, and a selection of promising stars. Members of Marriott’s loyalty programme, Marriott Bonvoy, get special access to VIP perks including a private party and DJ Set with Disclosure or an exclusive yoga session with Rita Ora.
When: 10-12 October
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Lina Sleibi
Iolanda Cristina Gigliotti, known to the world as Dalida, was born in Egypt to Italian parents and went on to become a prolific actress and singer in France. Her career reflected much of that vibrant tapestry with songs in Arabic, French, Italian and English. Few can revive the grace and agility of Dalida’s immense talent except, perhaps, Palestinian sensation Lina Sleibi. Join the young star cover the late artist’s timeless tracks including ‘Helwa Ya Baladi’, ‘Le Temps Des Fleurs’ and ‘Bambino’ at Dubai Opera on 10 October.
When: 10 October
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Leningrad
Iconic band Leningrad has written and expanded much of Russia’s rock landscape with a distinct gyspy-like philosophy since the late 1990s. Their music is expressive and raw, birthed from the creative talent of 14 artists. Leningrad was rarely shackled by polite mannerisms and sensitivity, instead opting for a frank openness that continues to leave a lasting impact on Russian rock culture. See them in action on their final world tour at this year’s PaRUS Music Festival on 31 October.
When: 31 October
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November
Mica Paris
When it comes to Mica Paris, soul isn’t just a music genre. An astonishing talent, this UK-born singer is among a very small pool of artists who can do justice to Aretha Franklin’s legendary vocal prowess and intensity. Hear the undisputed Queen of Soul’s culture-defining discography brought to life with Paris at Dubai Opera on 14 November, including all-time favourites ‘Say A Little Prayer’ and ‘You Make Me Feel’.
When: 14 November
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AR Rahman
Two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, six National Filmfare Awards, a Golden Globe Award, 15 Filmfare Awards and 17 Filmfare Awards South – there’s no surprise that AR Rahman dominates the Indian music industry. His music producing career has proven to be limitless, from creating successful soundtracks in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu to producing the world renowned song, ‘Jai Ho’ from Slumdog Millionaire. Catch him perform his top hits live at Coca-Cola Arena this November.
When: 15 November
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One Africa Music Fest
Wizkid, Burna Boy, Teni, Tekno, 2Face and 12 other brilliant artists are returning with the second edition of One Africa Music Fest in Dubai. Afrobeats abound during this evening of back-to-back powerhouse performances at Festival Arena in Dubai Festival City. Visitors can expect a night of resounding beats, rich melodies and fast tracks.
When: 15 November
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Passenger
Beginning as a five-piece rock group before disbanding in 2009, Michael Rosenberg now honours the legacy of Passenger with his solo career. He’s best known for ‘Let Her Go’, a doleful folk-rock melody that was nominated for a Brit award after its release in 2014. Rosenberg’s acoustic-led performances are at once romantic, emotional and encapsulating, with a singalong quality that makes his live performances deeply immersive. He is taking over Dubai Opera’s acoustically-flawless venue on 20 November.
When: 20 November
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Guy Manoukian
From soul to afro-beats to an elegant piano concert, November is a month of musical exploration. Lebanese-Armenian pianist Guy Manoukian is performing a show at Dubai Opera to swing people into the festive period. Manoukian has mastered his own style of pan-geographical artistry, blending oriental melodies with modern arrangements for compositions that speak multiple languages. He has been playing since he was four and now, at the age of 43, he’s lightning on the keys.
When: 28 November
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December
Sole DXB
Street cultures of the world interlace at Sole DXB, Dubai’s largest street culture celebration. Once simply a meeting point for sneaker-lovers, this gathering has mushroomed into an all-encompassing weekend of art, fashion, music and sports. Last year’s edition saw performances by hip-hop icons Nas, Roxanne Shante and more, along with multi-story pop-ups by top brands like Adidas and Nike. Games, food trucks, brand activations and live entertainment – Sole DXB is three days of immeasurable excitement. Performers are yet to be announced for the 2019 edition, but you can bet it’s worth staying in the know.
When: 5-7 December
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Kylie Minogue
You can thank the original Princess of Pop, Kylie Minogue, for ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Head’, which is still one of the catchiest songs to date. And that’s not the only tune she released that plays on loop in your mind: think ‘Love at First Sight’ and ‘The Locomotion’. Step back in time with the Grammy-winner as she headlines this year’s Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens to celebrate the event’s 50th anniversary with all kinds of razzle-dazzle.
When: 6 December
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Dido
British pop celebrity Dido was one of the early masters of diary-pulled lyrics on love and heartbreak. Rather than angsty and vengeful singles, Dido’s songs explored relationships from a nuanced perspective and unpacked experiences from a matured, retrospective gaze with tunes like ‘White Flag’ and ‘Thank You’. She’s stepping back into the limelight with a brand new album Still On My Mind and her first tour in 15 years, which includes her very first performance in the region at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre.
When: 13 December
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
Traditional Qawaali (a reverential form of Sufi-style music) with a cosmopolitan touch – the only person you can trust with this risky recipe is world-renowned Qawwal and ghazal maestro Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. The star whose scroll of popular songs could fill a Hall of Fame, is performing an all-new, three-part fusion concept, ‘Me, Myself and I’ on 27 December. Not only can fans watch Khan take the stage with promising stars of the future, but they can enjoy his top Bollywood singles and classical Qawwalis during this concert at Coca-Cola Arena.
When: 27 December
Book your tickets now to avoid missing out
For the latest live concerts and events, stay tuned to Dubai Calendar or download the Dubai Calendar app today.
