BRED Abu Dhabi is officially back. From 22 to 26 April 2026, the region’s definitive neo-culture lifestyle festival will return to Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, for its highly anticipated fourth edition, continuing its mission to spotlight the people, ideas, and movements shaping contemporary creative culture across the Middle East.

More than a traditional festival, BRED Abu Dhabi brings together the region’s creative communities in one dynamic space. Rooted in Arab identity and shaped by the region’s creative communities, BRED celebrates the intersection of music, fashion, art, sport, gaming, and food, offering a dynamic space where individuality and expression take centre stage.

The People of Neo-Culture

In 2026, BRED Abu Dhabi looks both inward and forward. Under the theme ‘The People of Neo- Culture, Today & Tomorrow’, this year’s edition explores how culture evolves in real time, shaped by communities today and redefined by the tools, spaces, and creators of tomorrow.

It is a celebration of living culture: one that listens to its roots, speaks in the now, and dreams boldly about the future. Through elevated programming, new collaborations, and creative formats, the festival continues to reflect the core of the region’s neo-cultural movement.

Born in the Region, Built for the Community

The story of BRED Abu Dhabi began in 2023, when BRAG set out to create a platform for a generation born and bred in the region, a space that authentically represents street culture, youth expression, and Arab creativity on a global stage.

Presented by BRAG, the UAE’s leading boundary-pushing creative festival experts, BRED Abu Dhabi was conceived as a response to the region’s growing creative energy and the need for a homegrown platform where it could thrive.

Since its inception, BRED Abu Dhabi has evolved into a definitive hub for neo-culture in the Middle East, bringing together diverse communities and shining a spotlight on regional talent across disciplines.

A Journey Through Four Editions

BRED Abu Dhabi launched in 2023 with a new cultural format celebrating streetwear, art, food, sports, gaming, and music. It expanded in its second edition with international acts such as Metro Boomin, Ty Dolla $ign, Offset and AJ Tracey, alongside regional talent. This led to reaching a creative milestone in its third edition with the release of “Hena”, its first original track featuring The Synaptik, Asayel, and Karim Osama, alongside performances by artists including Nas, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Nines, Cairokee, Marwan Moussa, and Afroto.

Now, as BRED Abu Dhabi returns for its fourth edition, the festival promises to outdo itself once again. While the 2026 lineup is yet to be announced, guests can expect fresh collaborations, iconic performances, and cultural experiences that bring this year’s forward-looking theme to life.

What to Expect at BRED Abu Dhabi 2026

BRED Abu Dhabi 2026 will present a curated programme across food, art, fashion, and retail, rooted in the region’s contemporary cultural landscape.

Confirmed highlights include Skinny Louie, the popular smash burger chain from the USA, which will be part of the festival’s food offering, alongside a limited-edition photography book developed in collaboration with Middle East Archive. The publication will feature regional photographers including Yasmina Hilal (Lebanon), Taqwa Bint Ali (France/Tunisia), and Ali Al Shehabi (Bahrain), with more to be announced. The photographers will also be showcased in BRED’s neo-gallery, with a photography exhibition marking the official opening of the 2026 festival.

Tickets & Information

Wave 1 tickets for BRED Abu Dhabi 2026 are now on sale. A limited number of 5-Day Festival Passes are available, starting from AED 695. Day passes and individual concert tickets will be released soon.

5-Day Festival Passes are available in two categories: General Admission 5-Day Festival Pass

• Festival access for all five days
• General Admission access to all BRED Arena concerts
• Limited availability

Golden Circle 5-Day Festival Pass

• Festival access for all five days
• Golden Circle access to all BRED Arena concerts
• Limited availability

UBK is bringing its playful side to Valentine’s weekend with U-B-Kinky, the venue’s Anti-Valentine’s Weekend designed for singles, friends, and anyone choosing to celebrate love on their own terms. Running from 13 to 15 February, the three-day experience blends a dedicated Valentine’s set menu with flexible beverage packages and the lively, social energy that defines UBK.

The U-B-Kinky Anti-Valentine’s Day Set Menu is available at AED 225 and features a selection of UBK favourites, including bang bang shrimp, chicken popcorn, and the venue’s signature one-foot hot dog served with fries, followed by warm churros and a lime cheesecake. Guests can choose from an array of beverage packages offered throughout the weekend, with options including three selected house beverages for AED 96 or five for AED 196. The selection covers wines, bottled beers, and classic spirits.

With its playful take on Valentine’s weekend, the “U-B-Kinky” Anti-Valentine’s Weekend adds a fresh sense of occasion to UBK, turning the three-day run into a reason to gather, linger, and enjoy the buzz the venue is known for. No reservations are required, allowing guests to drop in freely across the weekend and settle in for the evening as it unfolds.

SaladStop! Group, the Singapore-born healthy fast-casual brand and a pioneer of the healthy eating movement in Asia, today announced a strategic partnership with Mohamed Hareb Al Otaiba Investments (MHAOI), appointing the UAE-based investment group as its Master Franchise Partner for the United Arab Emirates. This partnership marks SaladStop!’s official entry into the Middle East, with the UAE serving as the brand’s regional gateway.

The first SaladStop! outlet in the UAE is scheduled to open in Dubai in 2026, introducing the brand’s signature range of fresh, nutritious and flavour-forward meals to one of the region’s most dynamic and health-conscious consumer markets.

Founded in Singapore, SaladStop! is a globally recognised healthy food brand with over 16 years of international operating experience. The brand is known for its uncompromising focus on product quality, made-from-scratch and built-to-order bowls, close collaboration with trusted farms, and globally inspired flavours. These offerings are supported by a technology-enabled platform designed to deliver smarter and more personalised dining experiences. With a footprint of over 80 outlets across Singapore, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea and Thailand, SaladStop! is well positioned for its next phase of international expansion, driven by the growing global shift towards healthier lifestyles.

The partnership with MHAOI reflects SaladStop! Group’s strategy of entering new markets through strong, long-term local partnerships that combine brand stewardship with operational excellence. MHAOI is a diversified UAE-based investment group with an established presence across food & beverage, FMCG and lifestyle sectors, and a proven track record in building, scaling and managing premium international brands in the region.

Under this partnership, MHAOI will lead the brand’s market entry and expansion strategy in the UAE, overseeing development, operations and local market adaptation. The rollout will focus on delivering a consistent brand experience while thoughtfully aligning with local consumer preferences, supported by integrated digital and operational systems to enhance customer convenience and engagement.

Commenting on the partnership, Adrien Desbaillets, CEO of SaladStop! Group, said:

“The Middle East has long been part of our global growth strategy, and the UAE represents a natural and strategic entry point for SaladStop!. Partnering with Mohamed Hareb Al Otaiba Investments allows us to combine our brand philosophy and international operating experience with deep local market understanding. Together, we are focused on building a meaningful, long-term presence in the UAE and establishing SaladStop! as a trusted destination for high-quality, healthier food.”

Younis Bishari, Genera Manager, Mohamed Hareb Al Otaiba Investments, added:

“We are pleased to partner with SaladStop! Group to introduce the brand to the UAE. Consumer demand for fresh, nutritious and thoughtfully prepared food continues to grow, particularly among urban professionals and business communities. SaladStop!’s strong global reputation, product integrity and scalable model align well with our long-term vision, and we look forward to building the brand’s presence across the UAE.”

As dining preferences in the Middle East continue to evolve towards more intentional and health-driven choices, SaladStop! aims to establish itself as a leading player in the fast-casual healthy food segment. The Dubai launch represents the first step in the brand’s regional journey, with future expansion opportunities across the UAE and wider region.