Sunburn Festival, often credited with reshaping India’s live music landscape, has announced plans for its first international edition in Abu Dhabi in December 2026. The move comes nearly two decades after the festival’s debut in Goa and signals its intent to expand its footprint beyond India.
The Abu Dhabi edition is being developed in partnership with BookMyShow Live and Ethara, one of the Middle East’s established live entertainment companies. Unlike previous expansions within India through formats such as Sunburn Arena, Sunburn Academy, and Sunburn Campus, this will be the first time the flagship festival is staged in another country. Notably, the Abu Dhabi event will run in parallel with the India edition, marking a new model where the festival hosts simultaneous flagship events across two regions.
Speaking about the development, Karan Singh, CEO of Sunburn, said the expansion reflects a long-term vision: “Eighteen years ago, we birthed a movement that would one day outgrow any single country’s borders. This isn’t just about taking Sunburn international; it’s about giving the world access to the energy, scale, and community that define the festival.”
Since its inception in 2007, Sunburn has grown into one of the most recognisable names in Asia’s electronic music scene. In 2025, it was ranked #8 on DJ Mag’s “Top 100 Festivals” list, placing it alongside global brands such as Tomorrowland and Ultra. Over the years, the festival has hosted leading international acts including Martin Garrix, Swedish House Mafia, Skrillex, Marshmello, Armin van Buuren, DJ Snake, David Guetta, The Chainsmokers, Charlotte De Witte, and Hardwell.
While details of the Abu Dhabi lineup and scale are yet to be announced, the expansion underscores a wider trend: Indian live entertainment brands increasingly looking beyond domestic audiences to tap into global markets. For Sunburn, the dual-hosting format could mark the beginning of a new phase in how Indian festivals position themselves on the international circuit.
