This year’s headliners included legendary British singer Sting, Norah Jones, and John Legend, who lit up the stage with their soulful voices and crowd-favorite hits.
Sting, the former frontman of The Police, kicked off the first night with a powerful setlist including classics like “Fields of Gold,” “Desert Rose,” and “Every Breath You Take.” Fans were thrilled to sing along as the Grammy-winning artist delivered a pitch-perfect performance. The crowd, a mix of longtime followers and new fans, roared with every note.
Day two brought a completely different energy as Norah Jones, known for her smooth jazz style, brought calm and elegance to the night. Her set included hits like “Don’t Know Why” and “Come Away with Me.” With a piano on stage and subtle lighting, her performance was intimate and emotional, a break from the louder, high-energy acts.
On the final night, John Legend closed the festival in true superstar fashion. From “All of Me” to “Ordinary People,” his powerful voice and presence had the audience swaying and singing their hearts out. His interaction with the crowd made the performance feel personal—even in a sea of thousands.
More Than Just Jazz
Despite the name, the Dubai Jazz Festival is much more than just jazz. Over the years, it has evolved into a celebration of different music genres. This year’s lineup included artists from various backgrounds—classic rock, indie pop, R&B, and fusion jazz.
Supporting acts included up-and-coming regional bands and global artists such as Jamie Cullum, known for blending jazz with pop, and Jacob Collier, whose experimental sound wowed the crowd. For many in the audience, the surprise highlight was Morcheeba, the British trip-hop group, whose set gave the night a dreamy, nostalgic vibe.
Fans got the best of all music worlds—soft jazz tunes, emotional ballads, rock anthems, and upbeat pop. “There’s something for everyone here,” said Priya, a festival-goer from India. “I came for jazz but ended up discovering artists I’ve never heard before.”
An Experience Beyond Music
The Dubai Jazz Festival isn’t just about the music—it’s a complete experience. The venue featured food trucks, local craft booths, interactive zones, and art installations. Many attendees spent hours before the main performances exploring the space, grabbing a bite, and chilling with friends on picnic blankets.
Families, couples, and groups of friends lounged under fairy lights and palm trees, enjoying the unique outdoor setting. Giant screens ensured no one missed a moment, even from the far back.
The organizers made sure the event was safe, inclusive, and easy to access. With organized entry points, free water stations, and plenty of volunteers to assist, the event ran smoothly despite the massive crowds.
Music Tourism on the Rise
Events like the Dubai Jazz Festival are playing a big role in promoting music tourism in the Middle East. Tourists from nearby countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar flew in just for the weekend. Many hotels in the Media City area were fully booked during the festival.
“This is our fourth year coming,” said Ahmed and Lina, a couple from Bahrain. “It’s become our yearly music holiday. Great music, amazing food, and the energy in Dubai is unmatched.”
The festival also brought attention to local talent, with early evening slots given to regional performers, including Emirati jazz band The Swing Revue and Lebanese singer-songwriter Yasmine Hamdan. Their performances were a proud moment for Middle Eastern music on a global stage.
A Look Back and What’s Next
Since its launch in 2003, the Dubai Jazz Festival has grown from a small event for jazz fans into a major international music festival. Today, it attracts over 30,000 attendees each year, with a reputation for world-class production and superstar lineups.
This year’s edition reminded fans why they keep coming back: great music, unforgettable performances, and a chance to connect with people through the universal language of sound.
With rumors already swirling about possible 2026 headliners—some fans are hoping for names like Adele, Bruno Mars, or Coldplay—the excitement is far from over.
Until then, the music lingers, and Dubai once again proves that it’s not just a city of lights and skyscrapers, but also a growing capital for global music lovers.
Also read: RedFestDXB: Dubai’s Go-To Music Festival for the Young and Wild
