Wasla Festival 2026: Marcel Khalife headlines Expo City Dubai on 28 November
The oud master leads a one-night bill with Le Trio Joubran, TootArd and Abu Dhabi singer Fatima at Jubilee Park.
Lebanese composer and oud player Marcel Khalife headlines the Wasla Festival at Jubilee Park, Expo City Dubai, on Saturday 28 November 2026. According to the Platinumlist event page, doors open at 4.30pm and the music starts at 6pm.
He is joined by Le Trio Joubran, an ensemble of three brothers who all play the oud, and TootArd, a duo of Syrian brothers whose sound mixes desert blues, reggae and retro pop. The line-up is completed by Fatima, the Abu Dhabi singer formerly known as FAFA, who blends R&B, jazz and Middle Eastern influences.
The festival's name comes from the Arabic word for connection. FACT Magazine, the event's media partner, reports that Wasla began as a celebration of Arabic music, art and culture, and that this edition is produced by BRAG. The 2026 edition also carries a charitable element in partnership with UNHCR.
The event is listed for all ages, with under-18s accompanied by an adult, and the organisers ask for elegant attire. It is one of several big Arabic music nights on 28 November, alongside Mohamed Hamaki at Space42 Arena and Ramy Sabry at Etihad Arena.
Source: Platinumlist, FACT Magazine, The National
