Untold in Dubai

UNTOLD festival is one of the biggest and most famous electronic music festivals in the world, which originated in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. It has quickly established itself as a benchmark event in the music industry, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees from all over the world every year.

About the Festival

The expansion of UNTOLD in Dubai marks a milestone in the festival’s history, giving Middle Eastern audiences the chance to experience a show of epic proportions, where energy and music were perfectly blended in an unforgettable atmosphere. The festival promised a combination of top-notch performers, impressive staging and world-class technical production, all tailored to fit into Dubai’s vibrant and cosmopolitan landscape.

This edition is the perfect opportunity to bring different cultures together, united by a shared passion for music and entertainment.

Dubai, known for its grand events and cosmopolitan atmosphere, has been chosen to host the first edition of UNTOLD in February 2024.

Festival Location

The event took place in the famous Expo City Dubai, a heaven of musical and cultural diversity, a place that attracts over 24 million visitors from all over the world every year.

The location was something special, I loved it, it was super airy, with lots of stages, entertainment areas, plus a large variety of food stalls.

Drink & Artists

Alcoholic drinks were on sale at the festival, but it was all extremely expensive. A beer at 0,33 lei was 80 lei.

The artists present at the festival were numerous and very well known, including Tiësto, Psy, Sebastian Ingrosso, Ellie Goulding, Armin Van Buuren, G-Eazy, Tujamo, Hardwell, Luciano, Don Diablo, Dj Bliss, Hot Since 92, Mahmut Orhan and our Romanian, Inna.

Festival impressions

After looking forward to this edition in Dubai, especially after having had so much fun at Untold in Cluj, I was firmly convinced that it would be much better than in Romania, but I left with mixed feelings.

I start with what really impressed me: the location. Dubai undoubtedly offers an amazing setting for any event. The modern buildings, the city lights and the cozy atmosphere were perfect for a festival of this scale. The organizers did an excellent job with the set-up of the venue, and everything was logistically well taken care of.

As for the show, I was a bit disappointed. Maybe my expectations were too high, but the show, although well done, failed to impress me. Maybe the sound wasn’t as powerful or maybe the DJs’ sets didn’t live up to the atmosphere in Cluj. Although we had some nice moments, the overall energy of the event seemed somewhat diluted, lacking that spark that makes a festival memorable.

All in all, UNTOLD Dubai was an enjoyable experience, but I would not come a second time.

I would definitely recommend a visit to Dubai for its impressive buildings, but when it comes to UNTOLD, it seems that nothing beats the magic of the original in Cluj.

Discovering DUBAI: Beyond the Magic of UNTOLD

Even though UNTOLD was the main reason I ended up in Dubai, the four days of the festival were only part of my experience in this fascinating city. Dubai gave me the opportunity to discover a unique combination of modernity, luxury and tradition, and the days spent exploring were as memorable as the festival nights.

Dubai Beaches: Relaxing in the Eastern Sun

After hours of dancing and partying at the festival, a day spent on the beaches of Dubai was just what we needed.

First stop was Jumeirah Beach, one of the city’s most famous beaches. With white sand, crystal clear water and direct views of the Burj Al Arab, this beach offers iconic scenery and a relaxing atmosphere. I took advantage of the generous sunshine and enjoyed a few hours of tranquility by the sea.

Another beach we went to was in a hotel called the Royal Central Hotel on the Palm, where the beach is private and has its own swimming pool.

Culinary Experiences: A journey through flavors

Dubai is a culinary paradise, and I made the most of it. I tried various restaurants, each offering a different and unique experience.

One of the unforgettable dinners was at Lucia Restaurant, right on Valentine’s Day. Restaurant Lucia is a culinary gem, bringing the vibrant and authentic spirit of Italy to life in the heart of this cosmopolitan city. Located in the exclusive Downtown area, Lucia is more than just a restaurant: it is a fine dining experience that perfectly blends Italian tradition with Dubai’s luxury and modernity.

As soon as you step into Lucia, you are greeted by an elegant and welcoming decor. Because it was Valentine’s Day evening, I was invited from the entrance to a lemon tree and to pick a letter from the tree with a very nice message, along with a rose.

The food was good, the atmosphere exceptional with live music, but the waiters’ service didn’t blow me away and the prices quite high.

Another restaurant that I really liked, especially for breakfast was CZN Burak Dubai, where everything was delicious. Copious, varied and very flavorful, even if you just want to have a coffee or a quick bite to eat, it’s a great choice. The location is in the Dubai Mall.

I also ate at other restaurants that I liked, MADO Dubai, with a relaxing atmosphere and a very nice terrace, close to Jumeirah Beach, and at the reception of the hotel where I was staying, which had a very good selection of sweets.

If you’re ever in Dubai, Global Village is not to be missed.

Global Village in Dubai: A Cultural and Entertainment Mosaic Unique in the World

Dubai’s Global Village is a multicultural theme park and fair that brings together traditions, gastronomy and entertainment from all corners of the world under one roof. Open seasonally, usually from October to April, Global Village is one of Dubai’s most popular leisure destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually.

It offers a unique experience of traveling through diverse cultures without leaving Dubai. It’s a place where everyone finds something of interest, be it art, gastronomy or entertainment. The vibrant atmosphere, cultural mix and plethora of activities make the Global Village a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

Another place not to be missed in Dubai is Dubai Mall.

Dubai Mall: a world-class shopping and entertainment destination

Dubai Mall is more than just a shopping center; it is a true symbol of the luxury, innovation and opulence that define Dubai.

Opened in 2008, it is one of the largest and most visited shopping malls in the world, attracting over 80 million visitors annually from all corners of the globe.

It is home to over 1200 shops, including luxury brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci, as well as more affordable options for all tastes and budgets.

A unique attraction is the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, a huge aquarium home to more than 33,000 marine animals, including sharks and rays.

Located near the mall is the Dubai Fountain, which is a dancing fountain, featuring impressive water and light shows synchronized to music.

Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and you can access it directly if you come to the Mall. It offers breathtaking views of the city from the upper floors.

Another top Dubai destination is Dubai Marina, which captures the essence of Dubai’s modern and cosmopolitan lifestyle. With a wide range of recreation, dining and shopping options, along with breathtaking cityscapes, Dubai Marina is a complete experience for anyone visiting the city. It is where luxury meets innovation, offering an unforgettable urban experience.

If you’re tired of luxury and opulence, you can pay a visit to Old Dubai Old Town, where you’ll feel the historical and cultural heart of the city.

Old Dubai, or ‘Old Dubai’, is the traditional part of the city, where the charm of the past meets modernity. In contrast to the skyscrapers and opulence of the new districts, Old Dubai offers an authentic foray into the emirate’s history and culture.

The two key historic neighborhoods here are Deira and Bur Dubai. Deira is famous for its traditional souks, such as the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, where you can experience traditional negotiations and trade.

Dubai Creek is a natural river that was once the center of Dubai’s commercial activities. You can cross the Creek in an abra, a traditional boat, to experience part of Dubai’s old way of life.

In contrast to the glitter of new Dubai, Old Dubai offers an authentic, traditional atmosphere full of history and fascinating stories.

Dubai is undoubtedly a city of contrasts and innovation, where past and future meet in a fascinating dance. It is a place where dreams come true and where anything is possible, an unforgettable destination that leaves its mark on everyone who explores it. But don’t forget, if you do come to Dubai, I advise you to budget generously so that you can experience all that Dubai has to offer.

Travel, live, love…in the oriental spirit of Dubai!

Mada