WASLA Festival 2026 will support displaced families and children across the Arab region through UNHCR.
Proceeds from the event will help provide essential assistance to families forced to flee their homes.
Marcel Khalife, Le Trio Joubran, TootArd and Fatima will perform at Expo City Dubai on 28 November.
Partner Content: The Dubai music festival returns to support displaced families and children across the Arab region.
Music has the power to unite people, transcend borders and create a sense of belonging. This November, WASLA Festival is putting that belief into action, returning to Dubai with a humanitarian mission that extends far beyond the stage.
Taking place on Saturday, 28 November 2026, at Jubilee Park in Expo City Dubai, WASLA Festival will raise funds to support displaced families and children across the Arab region. The event combines live performances from celebrated regional artists with an opportunity for audiences to contribute to a cause that continues to affect millions of people.
Organised by BRAG, the festival is supporting UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and its work assisting families who have been forced to flee their homes because of conflict, persecution and humanitarian crises. Proceeds from the event will contribute towards providing vulnerable communities with essential assistance, including shelter, healthcare and education, while helping families rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
At the heart of the initiative is a simple message: every ticket purchased makes a difference. By attending WASLA, music lovers can contribute to humanitarian efforts while celebrating the rich cultural heritage and creativity of the Arab world.
The festival’s name, derived from the Arabic word for connection, reflects its commitment to creating meaningful relationships through music. Since launching in Dubai in 2017, WASLA has championed Arabic alternative music and provided a platform for regional talent. Previous editions have welcomed artists such as Mashrou’ Leila, Souad Massi, Cairokee and 47Soul.
For 2026, that commitment to cultural expression takes on greater significance. Rather than focusing solely on entertainment, WASLA is using its platform to raise awareness of displacement and encourage collective action.
Leading the line-up is Lebanese composer, singer and oud virtuoso Marcel Khalife, whose career has been defined by his distinctive interpretations of Arabic poetry and traditional music. Renowned for setting the works of Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish to music, Khalife has become one of the Arab world’s most influential cultural figures.
He will be joined by Le Trio Joubran, the acclaimed Palestinian ensemble of three brothers whose performances explore the expressive possibilities of the oud. Syrian duo TootArd will introduce an alternative sound, combining desert blues, reggae, funk and Middle Eastern influences. Completing the programme is Abu Dhabi-based singer Fatima, formerly known as FAFA, whose music blends R&B, soul and jazz with contemporary regional sounds.
FACT is proud to be a media partner for WASLA Festival 2026, supporting an initiative that demonstrates how the region’s creative community can come together to make a positive difference. Tickets start from AED 350.
Where: Expo City Dubai, Al Wasl Avenue, Madinat Al Mataar, Dubai South
When: Saturday, 28 November 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net