The Wanton Bishops, Sharmoofers and more round off line-up of top regional talent.

Dubai Opera is known as one of the city’s most diverse venues, able to morph from a world-class theatre into a squash court to suit whatever occasion. And now it’s about to add another feather to its cap with the arrival of its first contemporary Arabic music festival later this month.

Taking place on Saturday 28 April, dxbeats is set to transform the iconic opera house into a flat-floor concert hall and will be bringing some top drawer regional talent to its massive stage.

Headlining will be songstress Yasmine Hamdan, best known for her work in the Lebanese trip hop duo Soapkills. Now flying solo, she is one of the Middle East’s most accomplished Indie artists having extensively toured the European festival circuit, and releasing her latest album Al Jamilat in 2017 to wide critical acclaim.

She’ll be joined on stage by Egyptian funk outfit Sharmoofers and The Wanton Bishops, Beirut’s answer to The White Stripes. Moroccan urban pop singer Manal and local hip hop hero Moh Flow will be providing support.

Early bird tickets are currently on sale for Dhs225 until 9 April.

dxbeats, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Sat 28 April, from Dhs225. Tel: (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

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