Sole DXB is gearing up for its biggest edition to date, returning to Dubai Design District (d3) from 12 to 14 December.
The region’s leading festival for music, fashion, art, sport and food brings an expanded programme across four stages, longer opening hours and an impressive line-up of international and regional talent.
What is new at Sole DXB 2025?
This year’s music programme spans R&B and hip-hop to electronic, afrobeat, jazz and indie. Headliners include Kaytranada, Tyla and Miguel, with additional performances from DāM FunK, Lil Yachty, Zeyne, KR$NA, Raftaar, Tinariwen, Tommy WÁ, Naïka, Shabjdeed & Al Nather, Loyle Carner and Venna. With extended hours from 4 pm to 2:30 am, the festival’s four stages set a vast musical landscape, from the Main Stage to the more intimate Stage Two, powered by Sole Sound System.
A new addition for 2025 is La Hacienda, created in collaboration with PATRÓN, spotlighting 15 regional artists across Middle Eastern electronica, disco edits, deep house and African-inspired sets. PowerHorse also returns with a high-energy dance programme, while the Asahi Bar and Johnnie Walker introduce their own curated DJ sets throughout the weekend.
Across the venue, visitors will find a mix of fashion, art and design showcases alongside immersive brand activations. Highlights include SOLE x Fred Perry: Racquet Club, Fujifilm x TA’YO, Humantra’s global product reveal and Talabat Arcade’s retro-inspired world. ASICS brings a SportStyle playground with craft-led activities, kite making and Japanese block-printing workshops, along with a Saturday night after-party on Stage Two. Beauty and design activations come from ASHRI Skin, KAYALI, ATLAL FROM GALBI, Absent Findings, Leaf Apparel x Samurai Farai, Congo Clothing Company, AOTA and A.P.C., with natural dye workshops.
Art Jameel also joins with a curated shop featuring limited-edition pieces and artist collaborations.
Food takes on a stronger presence this year with three zones, Elevated, Discovery and Local Heroes, featuring names like The Maine, Varak, Eleven Green and Mama Fri.
Marketplace by Sole returns with emerging designers and small brands new to the festival. Community-driven favourites such as No Borders, Shooters Shoot and Ball for All also anchor the festival.
Visit: Sole DXB
Mariam Khawer is a Dubai-based writer and PR professional whose work spans food, art, and travel across the region. When she isn’t chasing deadlines, she’s likely at a gallery opening, testing out a new restaurant, piecing together one of her mixed-media art projects or at home with her four cats, who keep her on her toes.
