Sunburn Festival Brings Its Biggest Party Ever To Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI — July 10, 2026 — Abu Dhabi will host its first ever Sunburn Festival this December. This marks a major international step for Asia's largest EDM brand. DJ Mag ranks Sunburn eighth globally, alongside giants like Tomorrowland and Ultra. This will be Sunburn's first full scale edition held outside India since it began in Goa.

A Historic Twin Flagship Format

Sunburn is not moving its flagship festival to Abu Dhabi. Instead, organizers created a new twin flagship model for this edition. The Abu Dhabi festival will run the same December weekend as Sunburn Mumbai. Both editions will share synchronized lineups and coordinated production across two countries.

Sunburn CEO Karan Singh called this expansion a natural next step for the brand. He said Sunburn has outgrown the limits of any single country. He described this move as extending Sunburn's energy to new places at once, rather than simple international growth.

Two Entertainment Giants Join Forces

BookMyShow and Ethara are developing the Abu Dhabi edition together. BookMyShow remains India's leading ticketing platform for live events. Ethara is the Abu Dhabi company behind major productions like Saadiyat Nights. It also organizes the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi After Race concert series.

David Powell, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer at Ethara, praised the partnership. He said Abu Dhabi has become a top destination for global live entertainment. He added that this collaboration will bring Sunburn's signature energy to the capital.

Two Decades Of Growth Since Goa

Sunburn launched in Goa back in 2007 as a three day music festival. It has since grown into a major lifestyle brand across India. The festival has hosted stars like Martin Garrix, DJ Snake, and Swedish House Mafia. Armin van Buuren, Marshmello, Alan Walker, David Guetta, and The Chainsmokers have also performed.

David Guetta recently reclaimed the top spot on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs list. He will headline Sunburn Mumbai this year, running December 19 through 21. This lineup hints at the talent level fans can expect once Abu Dhabi announces its own artists.

Abu Dhabi's Growing Festival Scene

Sunburn joins a growing list of major festivals choosing Abu Dhabi as a stop. Wireless Festival Middle East and Korea's Dream Concert have already brought global acts here. Organizers say this reflects Abu Dhabi's push to become a top destination for live music.

What Comes Next

Details on tickets, venue location, and the Abu Dhabi lineup are coming soon. Fans should follow Sunburn's Instagram and X accounts for updates. BookMyShow will also share ticketing information as the December event gets closer.