ULTRA Worldwide celebrated its star-studded debut in the Middle East on 4th and 5th March at Etihad Park in Abu Dhabi.
Thousands of attendees flew in from all corners of the globe to witness the first ever edition of ULTRA Abu Dhabi. The two-day spectacle played host to some of the finest talent the electronic music world has to offer, and was streamed globally via ULTRA Worldwide’s renowned show ULTRA Live, hosted by UMF TV.
ULTRA’s impeccable production was in full force for the inaugural event, with yet another mind-blowing main stage design, complete with dazzling LED screens and pyrotechnics.
Day One got off to an almighty start, featuring a rousing performance from Dr Phunk, who got the crowds going with his bouncing beats. Nora En Pure took to the helm to deliver another sublime set of her signature nature-infused deep house sounds. Dharma Worldwide boss KSHMR brought his Live Experience to the emirate for the first time, for a culture-crossing performance complete with live orchestra and dancers. Playing in the region for the first time, ILLENIUM upped the tempo with a genre-bending set that paved the way for Saturday’s headliner. Closing out the night, Skrillex took to the stage for a high-energy set comprised solely of his own music. A testament to his incredible production skills, the highly-decorated artist took fans on an aural journey that included back catalogue classics as well as a host of new material.
Over at RESISTANCE, Melanie Ribbe’s set had the partygoers pouring in thick and fast, with Kölsch and Pan-Pot performing to a packed dancefloor. It was down to techno titan Adam Beyer to bring the first day to an unforgettable close and his two-hour set did just.
Sunday boasted yet more megastar talent with sister act NERVO hyping the attendees with a high-octane performance. NGHTMRE kept the “gud” times coming with a set of dreams, before dance veteran Armin van Buuren put fans in a state of trance with a captivating show that moved the masses. Bringing the first edition to a close, dance-pop giant Calvin Harris made a sensational return to the ULTRA main stage for a finale that will be sure to live on in festival goers hearts and minds for years to come.
ULTRA’s esteemed underground and techno concept was once again in full swing for Day Two, with a stellar set from Mind Against and a visit from techno veterans Sasha_John Digweed. The penultimate performance of the night saw Ilario Alicante take to the decks before Belgian techno phenomenon Amelie Lens drew the weekend to an epic close.
Another smash success for the ULTRA Worldwide brand, ULTRA Abu Dhabi’s euphoric debut is one for the history books.
