Sole DXB festival guide: dates, tickets & headliners

Sole DXB festival returns to The Square, Nad Al Sheba from December 11 to 13 with music, fashion drops and creative activations.

Sole DXB is back for its 14th year and has grown from a sneakerhead meet-up into one of Dubai's signature culture weekends. The festival runs across three days with headline shows, interactive activations across fashion and tech, and exclusive merchandise drops that often sell out quickly. Tickets start from AED 495 for a three-day general admission pass, with VIP Grandstand at AED 775 and Golden Circle at AED 875 for 21-plus attendees.

Planning ahead matters because venue change and limited VIP allocations can affect travel and accommodation choices. The new home, The Square at Nad Al Sheba, offers more open space but also means extra travel time from central Dubai. Keep AED 495 as a baseline when budgeting for the full weekend experience and check official channels for updates and artist set times.

Sole DXB festival is a three-day contemporary culture event in Dubai combining music, fashion drops and creative activations from December 11 to 13. It is advertised as returning for its 14th year at The Square, Nad Al Sheba, with multi-stage performances and curated brand activations.

The festival blends international and regional artists across Main Stage and Stage 2, with ticket prices from AED 495 for a three-day general admission pass, AED 775 for VIP Grandstand and AED 875 for Golden Circle. Expect headline names such as Lola Young and Nia Archives on Saturday, with Sunday featuring Hajaj and international acts including Fatoumata Diawara and Peter Cat Recording Co. The 14th edition language indicates a mature production with recurring partners and curated drops.

The main planning risk is demand: with many exclusive drops and limited VIP inventory, some experiences sell out quickly online. Ticket tiers, particularly Golden Circle at AED 875, offer closer access but fewer spaces. Attendees should budget AED 495 as the baseline and confirm access rules for 21-plus VIP passes to avoid last-minute disappointments.

The Square at Nad Al Sheba is this year’s new Sole DXB venue, selected to accommodate larger activations and open-air stages for the December 11 to 13 weekend. Organisers have moved the festival to provide more space for creative activations, merchandise drops and two-stage programming.

The larger footprint lets Sole DXB expand experiential zones and accommodate both Main Stage and Sole Sound System on Stage 2 with room for crowds. Ticket prices for the three-day pass start at AED 495, with AED 775 VIP Grandstand and AED 875 Golden Circle for adults 21 and over, which reflects a tiered access model for closer viewing and exclusive areas. The Square’s space also supports brand pop-ups and limited edition drops that are central to the festival experience.

The venue change improves capacity but increases transit considerations for central Dubai residents. Nad Al Sheba adds travel time that attendees should budget for when buying AED 495 general admission passes. Confirm transport options and arrival windows in advance to avoid missing headline sets.

Nad Al Sheba is the district hosting The Square venue for Sole DXB, which places the festival slightly outside central Dubai for the December 11 to 13 weekend. The location change aims to give the festival more open-air space and flexibility for activations and stages.

For attendees, this means planning travel time and possibly parking or shuttle use for the three-day event; ticket prices begin at AED 495 for general admission, while AED 775 VIP and AED 875 Golden Circle passes offer premium access. The district’s larger venue footprint supports bigger brand activations and exclusive drops, but it also means public transport options may be less frequent than in central neighbourhoods.

Event-goers should consider ride-share costs and arrival windows when budgeting AED 495 plus travel. Allowing extra time for entry queues and security checks will reduce the risk of missing headline performances and exclusive merchandise releases.

Main Stage headliners include British singer-songwriter Lola Young on Saturday, December 12, and Hajaj on Sunday, December 13, across the three-day Sole DXB festival. These main acts anchor evening programs and are among the highest-profile sets announced for the 14th edition.

The Main Stage schedule provides flagship performances that drive peak attendance; general admission for the weekend is priced from AED 495, with VIP Grandstand at AED 775 and Golden Circle at AED 875 for 21-plus attendees who want closer access. Saturday’s Main Stage also features UK jungle star Nia Archives alongside Lola Young, creating a high-energy bill that attracts both music fans and cultural visitors.

The risk for attendees is crowding during headline slots, especially for Golden Circle areas which are intentionally limited. If seeing Lola Young or Hajaj up close is a priority, factor the AED 875 Golden Circle price into your budget and arrive early to secure position and avoid long entry waits.

Sole Sound System is the festival’s Stage 2 platform, hosting electronic, global and experimental acts across the Sole DXB weekend. Stage 2 complements Main Stage with niche lineups and DJ sets, featuring artists like Matthew Herbert, Fatoumata Diawara and Peter Cat Recording Co.

Stage 2 programming mixes live bands and DJ performances to create an alternative flow of music across the weekend. Ticketing follows the same structure as the festival: three-day general admission from AED 495, VIP Grandstand AED 775 and Golden Circle AED 875 for 21-plus access. Notable Stage 2 slots include Matthew Herbert on Saturday and a Sunday sequence with Fatoumata Diawara, Peter Cat Recording Co., Maii and Zeid, plus a closing DJ set from Gia Fu.

Attendees focused on Stage 2 should prioritise time management: sets overlap and stages can reach capacity. If you want front-row access for a Stage 2 act, consider Golden Circle at AED 875 or arrive early with your AED 495 pass to secure a good spot.

Matthew Herbert performs on Stage 2 at Sole DXB on Saturday, December 12, as part of the festival’s electronic programming on the Sole Sound System stage. The booking highlights the festival’s mix of experimental and club-oriented music.

Herbert’s set is scheduled the same night as Main Stage headliners, so expect strong weekend demand; three-day general admission starts at AED 495 while VIP Grandstand is AED 775 and Golden Circle is AED 875 for 21-plus access. Matthew Herbert’s presence brings a distinct electronic pedigree that complements the festival’s fashion and culture focus, often drawing a crowd that is specifically interested in electronic production and DJ craft.

If Matthew Herbert is a reason for attending, plan arrival and stage transitions carefully because headline overlaps are common. Securing a AED 775 VIP or AED 875 Golden Circle pass reduces time spent queueing and increases the chance of uninterrupted viewing for his set.

Hajaj performs on the Main Stage on Sunday, December 13, closing one of Sole DXB’s headline evenings and contributing to the festival’s final-day draw. His slot is positioned to anchor the weekend’s concluding night.

Hajaj’s Main Stage appearance is part of a varied Sunday bill that also includes global artists across Stage 2. Weekend tickets start at AED 495 for a three-day pass, with VIP Grandstand at AED 775 and Golden Circle at AED 875 for 21-plus attendees seeking premium access. Sunday headline slots often combine established acts and emerging names, making the final day one of the busiest for merchandise drops and last-chance activations.

Because Sunday is a peak day for concluding sets and exclusive drops, expect queues and sell-outs for limited items. If Hajaj is a must-see, budgeting AED 495 plus potential travel costs and arriving early will reduce the chance of missing the performance.

Fatoumata Diawara performs on Stage 2 at Sole DXB on Sunday, December 13, as part of a globally focused lineup that mixes West African songwriting with contemporary sounds. Her set adds a world-music dimension to the festival’s closing day.

Her appearance joins a diverse Sunday Stage 2 bill that includes Peter Cat Recording Co., Maii and Zeid, and a DJ set from Gia Fu. Festival tickets run from AED 495 for three-day access, with AED 775 VIP Grandstand and AED 875 Golden Circle options for those over 21 who want closer vantage points. Fatoumata Diawara’s presence typically draws audiences interested in cross-cultural songwriting and socially engaged performance.

Fans should account for competing sets across stages on Sunday and the potential for limited capacity near Stage 2 during headline moments. If Fatoumata Diawara is central to your plans, a AED 775 or AED 875 ticket reduces the chance of being turned away from peak viewing areas.

Peter Cat Recording Co., the Delhi five-piece, performs on Stage 2 at Sole DXB on Sunday, December 13, contributing to the festival’s international lineup. Their set is part of a broad Sunday roster across both stages.

The band’s appearance sits alongside acts like Fatoumata Diawara and Maii on Stage 2, while Main Stage hosts headline artists such as Hajaj. Weekend ticket pricing begins at AED 495 for general admission, with AED 775 VIP Grandstand and AED 875 Golden Circle for more exclusive viewing and proximity. Peter Cat Recording Co.’s inclusion signals the festival’s interest in eclectic, cross-border indie and fusion sounds.

Given the multi-artist scheduling on Sunday, plan your day to avoid overlapping sets you want to see. Allow for travel time to and from Nad Al Sheba and factor the AED 495 baseline ticket cost when arranging group plans or travel.

Maii is one of the emerging acts booked for Stage 2 at Sole DXB and performs on Sunday, December 13 as part of the festival’s diverse global lineup. Their set adds rising-artist energy to the closing day.

Maii shares the Stage 2 bill with established names like Fatoumata Diawara and Peter Cat Recording Co., and the stage culminates with a DJ set from Gia Fu. Tickets for the weekend start at AED 495, with VIP Grandstand at AED 775 and Golden Circle at AED 875 for 21-plus patrons seeking premium access. Emerging acts like Maii typically perform earlier in the day, presenting the chance to discover new music before headline slots.

If discovering new talent is a priority, plan to arrive early with a AED 495 general admission pass and build a schedule around Stage 2 timing. Be aware that early slots may run into later headliners, so keep a flexible plan for transitions between stages.

Zeid is listed as part of the Sunday Stage 2 lineup at Sole DXB, performing on December 13 as one of several international and regional acts. Their slot contributes to the day’s varied programming.

Zeid shares the bill with Maii, Peter Cat Recording Co. and Fatoumata Diawara, while Main Stage runs headline sets from Hajaj. Weekend tickets start at AED 495 for general admission, with VIP Grandstand at AED 775 and Golden Circle at AED 875 for 21-plus attendees who want premium positioning. The Sunday Stage 2 sequence is designed to showcase a mix of established and emerging talent, creating continual draw throughout the day.

Because Stage 2 schedules can overlap with Main Stage highlights, attendees should prioritise must-see acts and factor in walking times across the venue. Budgeting AED 495 and planning arrival times reduces the risk of missing Zeid’s set amid heavier evening traffic.

Gia Fu performs a DJ set to close Stage 2 at Sole DXB on Sunday, December 13, providing a late-night electronic finish to the festival’s second stage. The set acts as a capstone to Stage 2 programming.

Gia Fu’s DJ set follows live acts such as Fatoumata Diawara, Peter Cat Recording Co., Maii and Zeid, creating a transition from live performance to club-oriented electronic programming. Standard three-day tickets are priced from AED 495, with VIP Grandstand at AED 775 and Golden Circle at AED 875 for 21-plus guests prioritising close access. Closing DJ sets typically draw crowds looking to end the night on a dance floor rather than at Main Stage.

If you plan to catch Gia Fu’s set, expect heavier footfall as festival-goers converge after headline shows. Securing a AED 775 or AED 875 pass can ease re-entry into closer areas, and having a travel plan reduces the risk of long post-show wait times for transport.

The Dubai Comedy Festival takes place in October as part of the broader season of events leading into Sole DXB’s December dates. It is one of several major cultural fixtures in the final months of the year.

The autumn and early winter event season in the UAE includes the Dubai Comedy Festival in October, the Emirates Dubai 7s in November and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December, building momentum toward Sole DXB on December 11 to 13. While ticket prices for Sole DXB begin at AED 495 for a three-day pass, each event has its own pricing and access rules. Knowing the calendar helps plan travel and accommodation for the busy season.

If you are scheduling travel for multiple events, factor cumulative ticket costs and local transport. Using AED 495 as the baseline weekend cost for Sole DXB helps when creating an overall events budget, but check each event’s official channels for their exact ticket figures and age restrictions.

• Season events include Dubai 7s and Abu Dhabi GP

The Emirates Dubai 7s is a major sporting fixture held in November and is part of the UAE’s event season that leads into Sole DXB’s December festival. It draws large international crowds and complements cultural events in the calendar.

November’s Dubai 7s sits between October festivals and December highlights such as Sole DXB and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, creating a continuous season of high-attendance events. For Sole DXB weekend planning, remember that a three-day general admission pass costs from AED 495, while VIP Grandstand is AED 775 and Golden Circle is AED 875 if you prefer a premium experience. The crowded events calendar can push up accommodation prices and travel demand across the city.

If you plan to attend multiple events, book accommodation early and allow extra travel time between fixtures. Using AED 495 as a baseline for Sole DXB helps align budgets, but expect hotel rates to rise around November and December events.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a December motorsport event that contributes to heavy travel and accommodation demand across the UAE during the same season as Sole DXB. It creates a high-traffic period for visitors and logistics planning.

As Sole DXB runs from December 11 to 13, it sits close to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix date in December, and both events amplify visitor numbers and hotel demand. Ticket pricing for Sole DXB starts from AED 495 for the three-day weekend pass, with AED 775 VIP and AED 875 Golden Circle for 21-plus access. If you plan to attend both events, consider higher travel and lodging costs and book transportation early.

The combined event calendar increases the chance of sold-out hotels and stretched transport networks. Budgeting AED 495 for Sole DXB and confirming travel plans ahead will reduce the risk of last-minute rate spikes and scheduling conflicts.

Sole DXB offers three main ticket tiers for the three-day event: general admission from AED 495, VIP Grandstand at AED 775 and Golden Circle at AED 875, with VIP access restricted to adults 21 and over. These tiers determine access and proximity to stages across December 11 to 13.

General admission at AED 495 provides entry to both Main Stage and Stage 2 areas for the full weekend but does not guarantee close viewing in front of the stages. The AED 775 VIP Grandstand and the AED 875 Golden Circle passes grant premium sightlines and dedicated areas for 21-plus attendees, which is important for headline viewing and limited-capacity activations. Choose Golden Circle if being close to headliners like Lola Young is essential.

Buying earlier typically secures the best price and availability because exclusive drops and VIP allocations are limited. If budget is a concern, lock in the AED 495 general admission first and consider upgrades later if premium access is still available.

The official Sole DXB social channel, @soledxb, is the primary source for festival announcements, lineup updates and ticket sales for the December 11 to 13 weekend. Organisers post details about stages, activations and drops there.

For the 14th edition at The Square, Nad Al Sheba, @soledxb shares timing for headliners such as Lola Young and Nia Archives, Stage 2 programming with Matthew Herbert, and ticket pricing that starts from AED 495 for a three-day pass, with AED 775 VIP Grandstand and AED 875 Golden Circle for 21-plus attendees. Monitoring the official channel is essential for last-minute changes and exclusive pre-sale windows associated with limited drops.

Relying on the official account reduces the risk of counterfeit tickets or incorrect schedule information. Check @soledxb regularly before purchasing and confirm the AED 495 baseline price and VIP age rules so you know what to expect on arrival.

Sole DXB returns for a three-day weekend at The Square, Nad Al Sheba from December 11 to 13 as its 14th edition, with tickets from AED 495 and VIP options at AED 775 and AED 875. The festival’s mix of Main Stage headliners and Stage 2 programming makes it a major cultural highlight, but plan travel and ticket tier choices ahead to avoid capacity or pricing issues.