The Middle East and North Africa are shaping up to be hotspots for live music in 2025, with a lineup that rivals some of the world’s biggest entertainment hubs.
From blockbuster arena shows by global icons like Travis Scott, Jennifer Lopez, and Arijit Singh to massive festivals such as MDLBEAST Soundstorm, UNTOLD Dubai, and BEONIX in Cyprus, the region’s live music calendar is brimming with must-see events.
Whether it’s electronic beats in the desert or rock legends lighting up the stage, 2025 is the year to plan your ultimate MENA concert itinerary.
Jennifer Lopez Up All Night: Live in 2025 (Abu Dhabi)
When: July 29, 2025
Jennifer Lopez will bring her Up All Night: Live in 2025 tour to Etihad Arena, Yas Island, on July 29, 2025. The global pop icon is set to perform hits like “On the Floor,” “Jenny from the Block,” and “Waiting for Tonight” in a high-energy show featuring her signature choreography, costume changes, and dazzling visuals.
Kingdom by AfroLOUD (Dubai)
When: August 9, 2025
Dubai’s first indoor Afro music festival, Kingdom by AfroLOUD, takes place on August 9, 2025 at Zabeel Hall 6, Dubai World Trade Centre. Packed with Amapiano and Afrobeat energy, the bill features star DJs and performers such as Uncle Waffles, Zakes Bantwini, Musa Keys, and Kelvin Momo, celebrating vibrant African music culture under one roof.
Limp Bizkit Live (Abu Dhabi)
When: August 12, 2025
Nu-metal pioneers Limp Bizkit will make their long-awaited return to the Middle East on August 12, 2025, performing live at Etihad Arena. Expect an electric night of nostalgia with hits like “Break Stuff” and “Rollin’,” as the band delivers its trademark energy and rebellious spirit.
AP Dhillon Live (Dubai)
When: September 7, 2025
AP Dhillon, the Punjabi-Canadian artist, is returning to the UAE with a massive concert at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on September 7, 2025. With his signature 360-degree stage setup and hits like “Brown Munde” and “Excuses,” Dhillon’s shows have become global cultural events, promising an unforgettable experience for fans.
BEONIX Festival (Limassol, Cyprus)
When: September 19–21, 2025
BEONIX returns to Limassol’s iconic ETKO venue from September 19 to 21, 2025, with a stellar lineup featuring Armin van Buuren, Boris Brejcha, Dubfire, Maceo Plex, Len Faki, Roger Sanchez, and more. Known for its world-class production, immersive art installations, and four distinct stages, the festival offers a three-day electronic music journey blending techno, house, and live performances in a unique cultural setting.
MOGA Essaouira (Morocco)
When: October 1-5, 2025
The sixth edition of MOGA Essaouira returns to Morocco’s coastal gem from October 1 to 5, 2025, offering five days of music, culture, and community experiences. The festival kicks off with a two-day OFF program set across Essaouira’s historic medina, featuring intimate performances, workshops, and local collaborations, before moving to the scenic Hôtel le Golf d’Essaouira & Spa for three days of the main event. This year’s lineup blends global electronic heavyweights and eclectic sounds, with Bonobo (DJ Set), Apollonia, Arapu, Cabanne, Falamour, Janeret, Nitefreak, Priku, and Saoirse among the first wave of artists announced.
Chill O’posite Festival (Dahab, Egypt)
When: October 2-4, 2025
Egypt’s serene Dahab coast will once again host the Chill O’posite Festival from October 2 to 4, 2025. This boutique electronic festival is known for its intimate vibe, stunning Red Sea views, and a curated lineup of regional and international artists performing across house, techno, and chillout genres.
Anyma (Pyramids of Giza, Egypt)
When: October 10, 2025
Anyma, the acclaimed DJ and visual artist, will deliver a one-of-a-kind show at the Pyramids of Giza on October 10, 2025. Combining cutting-edge audiovisual technology with the mystique of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this performance promises to be both a cultural and sensory spectacle.
Abdul Majeed Abdallah Live (Abu Dhabi)
When: October 11, 2025
On October 11, 2025, legendary Saudi singer Abdul Majeed Abdallah will take the stage at Etihad Arena. Known for his timeless Khaleeji classics, Abdallah’s performance is expected to be a rich cultural celebration, bringing together tradition with modern production.
UNTOLD Music Festival (Dubai)
When: November 6-9, 2025
UNTOLD, one of Europe’s biggest electronic music festivals, returns for its second Dubai edition from November 6 to 9, 2025, at Dubai Parks & Resorts. With past lineups featuring global heavyweights like Martin Garrix, David Guetta, and Bebe Rexha, UNTOLD combines world-class music with immersive stage design and cutting-edge production.
Travis Scott – Circus Maximus Tour (Abu Dhabi)
When: November 15, 2025
Travis Scott brings his explosive Circus Maximus Tour to Abu Dhabi on November 15, 2025, at Etihad Park, Yas Island. Known for his high-energy performances and insane stage production, the tour is an extension of his hit album Utopia, featuring immersive visuals and setlists packed with global chart-toppers.
Deep Purple (Dubai)
When: November 20, 2025
British rock legends Deep Purple will return to the Middle East for a single, headline performance at Coca‑Cola Arena in Dubai. Expect an electric setlist featuring classics like “Smoke on the Water,” “Black Night,” and “Speed King,” delivered with the band’s trademark virtuosity and stage charisma. This marks the band’s only UAE show in 2025, offering fans a rare chance to witness pioneering hard rock at its peak.
Karan Aujla Live (Abu Dhabi)
When: November 29, 2025
Punjabi music powerhouse Karan Aujla is set for his UAE debut on November 29, 2025, at Etihad Park. Part of his It Was All A Dream World Tour, the show promises a fusion of Punjabi pop, rap, and heartfelt ballads that have made Aujla a global favorite. Fans can expect a mix of new material from his upcoming album P-Pop Culture alongside career-defining hits.
Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025
When: December 4-7
The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025, taking place from December 4 to 7 at Yas Marina Circuit, promises not just the thrill of the season’s final race but also a stellar music lineup as part of the Yasalam After‑Race Concerts. The four-night series kicks off on December 4 with pop-rock sensation Benson Boone, followed by Post Malone and rising Arab-Latin artist Elyanna on December 5. On December 6, heavy metal legends Metallica will bring their explosive energy to the stage, while Katy Perry will close the weekend on December 7 with a spectacular pop performance. These concerts, included with race tickets, make the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix one of the year’s most unmissable motorsport-meets-music events.
MDLBEAST Soundstorm (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
When: December 11-13, 2025
The region’s biggest electronic music celebration, MDLBEAST Soundstorm, is scheduled for December 11 to 13, 2025, in Riyadh. Known for its spectacular stage setups and eclectic mix of international DJs and local talent, Soundstorm has cemented Saudi Arabia’s position as a hub for global music experiences.
SoleDXB (Dubai)
When: December 12-14, 2025
Sole DXB, the defining street-culture and lifestyle festival in Dubai, returns December 12–14, 2025, at Dubai Design District (d3). Merging culture, fashion, art, and music, the festival showcases live performances, cutting-edge installations, streetwear pop-ups, and creative workshops across multiple stages. It continues to set the tone for youth-driven contemporary expression in the region.
Arijit Singh (Abu Dhabi)
When: December 19, 2025
Originally scheduled for May 9, 2025, this concert at Etihad Arena on Yas Island has been postponed due to regional tensions, with a new date announced: December 19, 2025. The beloved playback singer returns with an evening of soulful melodies and emotional hits, promising a mesmerizing live experience for fans in the Gulf region.
Check out the list of unmissable music festivals and concerts across Asia in 2025 here.
Leave a Reply