UNTOLD, one of Europe’s largest electronic music festivals, brings its world-class production and top-tier DJ lineup to Dubai. This guide covers everything you need to know about attending UNTOLD Dubai in November 2025, from ticket information to artist lineups and how to enhance your Dubai experience with desert adventures.
Festival Dates and Schedule
UNTOLD Dubai 2025 Dates
UNTOLD Dubai 2025 takes place in November 2025, strategically timed to coincide with Dubai’s most pleasant weather conditions.
Festival Dates: Expected in mid to late November 2025
Duration: Multi-day format (typically 2-3 days)
Daily Schedule: Gates open around 4:00-5:00 PM, with performances continuing until 3:00-4:00 AM
The November timing is ideal for an outdoor music festival in Dubai, offering comfortable evening temperatures perfect for dancing under the stars without the extreme heat of summer months.
Daily Programming
Festival days typically follow this structure:
- Early Evening (5:00-8:00 PM): Opening acts and warm-up sets across multiple stages
- Prime Time (8:00 PM-1:00 AM): Headline performances and peak energy sets
- Late Night (1:00-4:00 AM): After-hours programming and closing sets
Multiple stages operate simultaneously, allowing you to explore different electronic music genres throughout each night.
Festival Location and Venue
UNTOLD Dubai utilizes a purpose-built outdoor festival venue in Dubai designed to accommodate large-scale international music events. The location features:
- Multiple stage areas for diverse programming
- VIP sections with premium viewing positions
- International food and beverage zones
- Art installations and production elements
- Efficient entry and exit systems for crowd flow
The venue’s design reflects UNTOLD’s reputation for immersive production, with state-of-the-art sound systems, lighting rigs, and visual effects that have made the original Romanian festival a European favorite.
Transportation to the Venue
Taxi and Ride-Sharing: Uber and Careem operate throughout Dubai with dedicated festival pickup/drop-off zones
Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels in tourist areas offer festival transfer services
Private Transportation: Parking available but limited; early arrival recommended
Group Packages: Festival packages often include round-trip transportation
Plan your late-night return transportation in advance, as the festival concludes in the early morning hours when public transport options may be limited.
Ticket Information and Pricing
Ticket Categories
UNTOLD Dubai offers several experience levels to suit different preferences and budgets:
General Admission
- Full access to all stages and festival areas
- Standing room throughout the venue
- Price range: AED 450-700 per day (approximately $120-190 USD)
- Multi-day passes: AED 1,000-1,500 for complete festival access
VIP Experience
- Elevated viewing platforms near stages
- Dedicated VIP lounges and bar areas
- Separate entry lanes to reduce wait times
- Premium restroom facilities
- Price range: AED 1,300-2,000 per day
Ultra VIP/Platinum
- Front-of-stage viewing access
- Private hospitality areas with seating
- Complimentary premium food and beverages
- Exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities (varies by package)
- Price range: AED 2,800-4,500+ per day
When Tickets Become Available
UNTOLD Dubai ticket sales typically open in phases:
Early Bird Release: 3-4 months before the festival (typically July-August 2025)
General Sale: 2 months before the festival (September 2025)
Final Release: October-November 2025 as the festival approaches
Early bird tickets offer the best value, with prices increasing in subsequent release phases. Setting up alerts on UNTOLD’s official channels ensures you don’t miss early pricing opportunities.
Official Ticket Outlets
Purchase tickets only through:
- UNTOLD’s official website
- Authorized Middle East ticketing partners
- Official retail locations in Dubai
Avoid unofficial resellers and secondary markets to prevent counterfeit tickets or entry issues.
Artist Lineup and Performers
Expected Headliners and Artists
While the complete 2025 lineup is announced closer to the festival date, UNTOLD consistently books top-tier international electronic music talent. Based on the festival’s history and stature, expect performers like:
Potential Headliners: Artists such as Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Tiësto, and other globally recognized names in electronic music
Genre Diversity: The lineup typically spans:
- Progressive house and trance
- Big room EDM
- Techno and underground electronic
- Bass music and dubstep
- Hip-hop and crossover acts
Regional Talent: Local and Middle Eastern electronic artists often appear alongside international headliners, showcasing the region’s growing electronic music scene.
Stage Configuration
UNTOLD festivals feature multiple stages catering to different electronic music subgenres:
Main Stage: Largest production featuring headline acts and spectacular visual effects
Trance Arena: Dedicated space for trance and progressive house enthusiasts
Techno Stage: Underground sounds and harder electronic styles
Discovery Stage: Emerging artists and regional talent
This multi-stage approach lets you customize your festival experience, discovering new artists while catching your favorite headliners.
Lineup Announcements
Expect artist reveals in waves:
- Initial Announcement (2-3 months before): Major headliners revealed
- Second Wave (4-6 weeks before): Supporting acts and additional performers
- Final Lineup (2-3 weeks before): Complete artist roster
- Set Times (1 week before): Daily schedules and performance times
Following UNTOLD’s official social media provides real-time updates as announcements happen.
Festival Preparation and What to Expect
What to Bring
Essential Items:
- Valid identification (passport for tourists, Emirates ID for residents)
- Festival ticket (digital or printed confirmation)
- Payment methods (cards and some cash)
- Fully charged phone and portable power bank
- Comfortable footwear for extended standing and dancing
- Weather-appropriate clothing (November evenings can cool down)
Recommended Items:
- Light jacket or hoodie (desert temperatures drop after sunset)
- Reusable water bottle (hydration stations available)
- Ear protection (optional but advised for hearing health)
- Small backpack (check festival policy for size restrictions)
Festival Experience Tips
Hydration: November temperatures are mild but dancing for hours requires consistent water intake
Pacing: With late-night programming, pace yourself to enjoy the full experience
Stage Planning: Review set times in advance and prioritize must-see performances
Meeting Points: Establish meeting locations with your group in case of separation
Mobile Connectivity: Festival venues can strain cellular networks; plan alternative contact methods
Food and Beverages
Festival grounds include diverse dining options:
- International food vendors and trucks
- Local UAE cuisine
- Vegetarian, vegan, and dietary-specific options
- Multiple bar locations throughout the venue
- Dedicated hydration stations
Expect premium pricing typical of festival environments, though quality aligns with international festival standards.
Enhancing Your UNTOLD Experience with Desert Safari Dubai
Visitors traveling to Dubai specifically for UNTOLD have a unique opportunity to experience both cutting-edge electronic music culture and traditional Arabian heritage. Desert safari Dubai adventures complement the festival experience perfectly, offering contrasting yet equally memorable moments during your Dubai visit.
Why Desert Safari Works with UNTOLD Dubai
Perfect Timing Alignment
Desert safaris operate during afternoon and early evening hours (typically 3:00 PM – 9:30 PM), making them ideal for daytime activities before festival nights begin. Since UNTOLD starts in the late afternoon or evening, your daytime hours are free for other Dubai experiences.
November Weather Advantage
November offers ideal conditions for both outdoor festivals and desert activities. Daytime temperatures are comfortable for desert adventures, while evening temperatures are perfect for the outdoor music festival—making it the optimal month to experience both.
Contrasting Experiences
The juxtaposition creates a uniquely Dubai experience:
- Festival: Electronic music, international crowds, modern production, high-energy atmosphere
- Desert: Traditional culture, natural landscapes, quiet contemplation, authentic Arabian hospitality
- Together: A complete picture of Dubai—both its cutting-edge modernity and cultural heritage
Scheduling Desert Safari Around the Festival
Pre-Festival Day (Recommended)
Arriving in Dubai a day before UNTOLD begins allows for an afternoon desert safari. This approach:
- Helps adjust to time zones if traveling internationally
- Provides a memorable first Dubai experience
- Leaves you rested for the festival opening night
- Captures sunset photos in the desert before your festival adventure begins
Between Festival Days
If UNTOLD spans multiple days, mornings between festival nights work well for shorter desert experiences:
- Morning Desert Safari (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Sunrise activities, cooler temperatures, back to hotel by early afternoon
- Afternoon Rest: Recovery time before the next festival night
- Evening Festival: Refreshed and ready for another night of music
Post-Festival Recovery
After the final festival night, a late afternoon desert safari offers a perfect wind-down:
- Sleep in after late-night festival activities
- Early afternoon pickup around 3:00-4:00 PM
- Relaxing desert experience to decompress
- Evening return, leaving next day for departure or further Dubai exploration
What Desert Safari Offers Festival-Goers
Standard desert safari packages include experiences that contrast beautifully with the festival atmosphere:
Dune Bashing: 4×4 adventure across desert dunes—an adrenaline rush different from festival energy
Camel Riding: Traditional transport offering a slower, contemplative pace after festival excitement
Sandboarding: Gliding down dunes provides another type of thrill
Sunset Photography: The golden hour in the desert creates Instagram content rivaling your festival photos
Traditional Entertainment: At Bedouin-style camps, experience:
- Belly dancing and Tanoura performances (cultural shows contrasting with electronic music)
- Arabic coffee and dates (traditional hospitality)
- Henna painting and traditional dress photo opportunities
- Shisha smoking in authentic settings
Barbecue Dinner: Multi-course meal featuring grilled meats, salads, and traditional dishes under the stars
Practical Tips for Combining Both Experiences
Energy Management: Desert safaris involve physical activities and heat exposure. Schedule them with enough recovery time before festival nights.
Photography: Bring your phone or camera to both experiences. Desert sunset shots and festival production photos tell the complete story of your Dubai trip.
Dress Appropriately: Desert safari requires closed-toe shoes and modest clothing. Festival attire is separate—pack accordingly.
Booking in Advance: Both UNTOLD tickets and popular desert safari operators sell out during November’s peak season. Book early to secure preferred dates.
Group Coordination: If attending UNTOLD with friends, coordinate desert safari bookings so the group experiences both adventures together.
Desert Safari Booking Considerations
Pickup Logistics: Most desert safari operators provide hotel pickup and drop-off. Confirm your hotel address and pickup time when booking.
Duration Planning: Standard desert safaris last 6-7 hours. Ensure this doesn’t interfere with festival prep time on festival days.
Operator Selection: Choose reputable operators with good reviews. Quality experiences enhance your overall Dubai visit alongside UNTOLD.
Package Options:
- Shared Tours: More economical, social atmosphere with other travelers
- Private Tours: Exclusive experience for your group, customizable timing
- Luxury Options: Premium camps with enhanced amenities and smaller groups
Creating Your Complete UNTOLD Dubai Itinerary
Sample 4-Day Trip:
Day 1 (Arrival):
- Morning arrival in Dubai
- Afternoon desert safari (3:00-9:30 PM)
- Hotel return and rest
Day 2 (Festival Night 1):
- Morning/afternoon: Dubai exploration or hotel relaxation
- Evening: UNTOLD Dubai first night
3rd Day (Festival Night 2):
- Morning: Sleep in and recover
- Afternoon: Light activities, pool time, meal
- Evening: UNTOLD Dubai second night
Day 4 (Departure or Extended Stay):
- Morning rest
- Afternoon checkout or additional Dubai experiences
- Evening departure or continued exploration
This balanced approach ensures you experience both worlds—the traditional Arabian desert and the modern electronic music festival scene that Dubai now embraces.
Volunteer Opportunities
UNTOLD festivals typically offer volunteer programs for those interested in being part of the production side:
Volunteer Roles: Setup assistance, crowd management support, information booth staffing, sustainability initiatives
Benefits: Often include festival access, exclusive volunteer areas, and behind-the-scenes experiences
Application: Volunteer opportunities usually open several months before the festival through UNTOLD’s official website
Safety and Security
UNTOLD maintains high safety standards:
- Security checkpoints at all entrances
- Medical tents staffed throughout the festival
- Security personnel visible across the venue
- Lost and found services
- Emergency contact information posted throughout the grounds
Looking Ahead: UNTOLD Dubai 2026
Following a successful 2025 edition, UNTOLD Dubai 2026 is likely to return, potentially expanding:
- Larger artist lineup
- Extended festival duration
- Enhanced production elements
- Additional stage configurations
Early information about future editions typically emerges shortly after each year’s festival concludes.