Scheduled to launch next year, it has previously taken place in India.
The Sunburn Festival is heading from India to the UAE. Scheduled to launch in December 2026, the EDM festival will be making its debut in Abu Dhabi. If you’d like to join the fun, here’s what you need to know.
The Sunburn Festival prides itself on being Asia’s largest music festival. Running for more than two decades in India, it is now expanding to the UAE. The festival has been created in collaboration with Indian ticket seller BookMyShow, and the UAE event’s organiser Ethara. Ethara are behind large-scale events, from the Formula One After-Race concerts to Saadiyat Nights.
Created by entrepreneur Shailendra Singh, the aim was to establish an international dance festival. The event has been held annually in Goa and has attracted visitors and performers from around the world. The event has previously welcomed big-name acts, including Alan Walker, Calvin Harris, DJ Snake, Marshmello, Martin Garrix and Swedish House Mafia.
On Instagram, The Sunburn Festival shared a photo of the desert, and the caption reads: “A new chapter begins. Sunburn Abu Dhabi 2026 – where culture meets music, and the Middle East meets the world’s biggest EDM spectacle. With its landmark debut in Abu Dhabi in December 2026, Sunburn Festival will simultaneously dominate two nations, two time zones over one unstoppable weekend!”
If you’re after more exciting events in Abu Dhabi, you’re in luck. Travis Scott will bring his world tour to the capital on 15 November, A R Rahman will perform at Etihad Arena on 23 January, and John Mayer has announced he will perform at Saadiyat Nights on 24 January 2026.
Check in with FACT for the best things to do in Abu Dhabi.
GO: Follow @sunburnfestival on Instagram for more information.