The region’s coolest lifestyle and street-culture festival, Sole DXB, returns from December 12–14 at Dubai Design District, bringing three days of music, fashion, art, and community energy. The 2025 edition raises the bar with an exceptional lineup featuring hip-hop pioneers Black Star, the Grammy-winning desert blues legends Tinariwen, and rising soul artist Zeyne, while Kaytranada, Tyla and Miguel headline the festivall.

For over 13 years, Sole DXB has been the ultimate creative playground, blending global talent with regional flavor through live performances, DJ sets, streetwear showcases, talks, and sports tournaments - all celebrating urban culture in true Dubai style.

Black Star & Tinariwen will take stage 2 on Saturday, December 13 as Tyla headlines.

The legendary Brooklyn hip-hop duo Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli, renowned for their poetic lyricism and jazz-infused production, will take the stage on Saturday, December 13. Emerging as defining voices of the late-’90s conscious rap era, their 1998 debut Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star became a cornerstone of the genre and paved the way for their acclaimed solo albums: Bey’s Black on Both Sides and The Ecstatic, and Kweli’s Quality and Eardrum. Expect timeless tracks like “Definition,” “Respiration” (feat. Common), “RE:DEFinition,” “Thieves in the Night,” and “Brown Skin Lady,” where sharp verses meet soulful, head-nodding grooves.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SOLE (@soledxb)

Hailing from Mali, Tinariwen are a pioneering Tuareg desert blues collective founded by guitarist Ibrahim Ag Alhabib. Blending hypnotic pentatonic riffs with call-and-response vocals, their sound transforms Saharan poetry into soulful anthems of exile, resistance, and resilience. Recorded across dunes and desert camps, their music captures the pulse of nomadic life and the spirit of rebellion. Winners of the Grammy Award for Best World Music Album for Tassili (2011), Tinariwen continue to bridge ancient tradition with modern storytelling. Expect to hear essential tracks like “Cler Achel,” “Sastanàqqàm,” and “Tenere Taq Chegghen” when they take the Sole DXB stage on Saturday, December 13.

Palestinian-Jordanian singer-songwriter Zeyne will perform on the main stage of December 13.

Zeyne is redefining Arabic R&B with her smooth, introspective sound and bold sense of identity. Since her breakout single “Minni Ana” in 2021, she has continued to captivate audiences through soulful releases and standout collaborations, including the hit “Balak” with Saint Levant. In 2025, Zeyne unveiled her acclaimed debut album Awda, a shimmering blend of contemporary R&B production, Levantine textures, and deeply personal storytelling. Catch her signature mix of emotion and elegance live at Sole DXB on Saturday, December 13.

Renowned DJ, broadcaster, and tastemaker Gilles Peterson cancels due to personal matters.

Family comes first. Gilles Peterson is obliged to step down to stay close to home. He has spent decades shaping global music culture through his labels and radio platforms. The visionary behind Brownswood Recordings, Worldwide FM, and BBC Radio 6 Music’s Worldwide, he co-founded Acid Jazz Records and launched Talkin’ Loud, championing groundbreaking acts like Incognito, Galliano, and Roni Size/Reprazent, whose New Forms earned the 1997 Mercury Prize. Through Brownswood, Peterson continues to spotlight the new wave of modern jazz, nurturing talents such as Ezra Collective, KOKOROKO, and Yussef Kamaal.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SOLE (@soledxb)

First headliners alert: Kaytranada taking over the main stage on Friday, December 12.

Grammy-winning producer and DJ Kaytranada is one of the most influential figures in modern electronic and hip-hop fusion. Born in Haiti and raised in Montreal, he’s known for his signature blend of soulful grooves, deep basslines, and irresistible rhythm. Since his breakthrough with 99.9% - which earned him a Polaris Music Prize - Kaytranada has redefined dance music with collaborations spanning Anderson .Paak, H.E.R., Kali Uchis, and The Internet. His follow-up album BUBBA won Best Dance/Electronic Album at the 2021 Grammys, solidifying his status as a global tastemaker. Expect a genre-blurring, high-energy set when Kaytranada brings his beats to Sole DXB.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SOLE (@soledxb)

The sensational Tyla is taking the stage on Saturday, December 13 while R&B icon Miguel is on Sunday, December 14.

South African sensation Tyla has taken the global stage by storm with her sultry blend of Afropiano, R&B, and pop. Bursting onto the scene with her viral hit “Water,” which earned her a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, Tyla has become a defining voice of a new generation bridging continents through rhythm and style. Her self-titled debut album showcases her signature mix of smooth vocals, amapiano grooves, and global flair, solidifying her as one of music’s most exciting breakout stars. Catch Tyla lighting up the Sole DXB stage on Saturday, December 13, with an irresistible performance full of energy, elegance, and empowerment.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SOLE (@soledxb)

Grammy-winning R&B icon Miguel is celebrated for his genre-blending sound that fuses soul, funk, rock, and electronic influences. Known for hits like “Adorn,” “Sure Thing,” and “Coffee,” he has redefined modern R&B with his smooth vocals, daring songwriting, and magnetic stage presence. Over the years, Miguel has delivered critically acclaimed albums including Kaleidoscope Dream and War & Leisure, earning him a devoted global fanbase. Experience his soulful grooves and electrifying performance live at Sole DXB on Sunday, December 14, as he brings his signature blend of romance, rhythm, and high-energy showmanship to Dubai.

Expanded Programming, New Collaborators & Three Days of Culture

With familiar favorites returning and fresh collaborators joining an enriched programme, the 2025 edition opens its doors to three full days of music, fashion, art, sport, and food. Running from 4PM to 2:30AM, the festival extends its hours and elevates its energy with four distinct stages showcasing an eclectic soundscape. The Main Stage anchors the event with top-tier headliners and live performances spanning R&B, electronic afrobeat, and hip-hop. Stage Two—powered by Sole Sound System—comes back stronger with an expanded blend of dance, world, indie, jazz, hip-hop, and soul.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SOLE (@soledxb)

PATRÓN debuts La Hacienda, a new stage created with Sole DXB, spotlighting 15 regional artists exploring disco edits, Middle Eastern electronica, deep house, and African-inspired rhythms. Inspired by Jalisco, the venue features warm earth tones, sculptural arches, and a courtyard bar. PowerHorse fuels a three-day DJ and dance programme featuring Zeemuffin, Lush Lata, MadStarBase, Boxout FM, and movement-driven sessions, while the Asahi Bar delivers its own vibe with sets by Essarai, DJ MoCity, Nash, Shaz Mirza, and Shef Codes. Johnnie Walker also introduces a dedicated bar backed by standout DJs Bambi, Don’t Touch My Hair, and Ramesses. Returning festival favorites round out the experience, including Ball for All in partnership with Shake Shack.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SOLE (@soledxb)

Food, Culture & Emerging Creatives Across the Festival Grounds

Across the venue, three dedicated food and beverage zones—Elevated, Discovery, and Local Heroes—curate a mix of beloved hometown favorites, rising culinary concepts, and premium 21+ offerings. Festival guests can enjoy standout names such as The Maine, Varak, Eleven Green, and Mama Fri, each adding its own flavour to the experience.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SOLE (@soledxb)

The journey continues with new Sole-exclusive merchandise and a refreshed Marketplace by Sole, spotlighting a curated selection of small and emerging brands showcasing their creations at the festival for the first time. Beyond music and dining, visitors can immerse themselves in fashion, art, design installations, and a variety of cultural activations woven throughout the weekend, creating a rich, multi-layered festival atmosphere.

Over 80 global and regional brands activated exclusive drops and immersive experiences, from adidas Originals’ CLOT capsule to ASICS’ GEL-VENTURE 6 Middle East debut, while local labels shined through Spotlight by d3. Beyond music and style, highlights included the Sole Invitational basketball tournament, skate sessions, dance battles, and Dazed Talks with leading creatives - cementing Sole DXB’s role as the region’s most influential cultural festival.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SOLE (@soledxb)

Sole DXB is known as the leading voice for contemporary culture across the Middle-East & North Africa. As an independent community-driven platform, the festival usually spans over three nights and two days, and features the best of regional and international live music, DJ sets, fashion, film screenings, talks, workshops, sports tournaments and youth clinics.

Starting AED 449 (3 days), 12-14 December, Dubai Design District, sole.digital

All you need to know about Sole DXB this December

Share

Trending Now

Latest News

Subscribe to our Newsletter