If you were owning the dancefloor (or your bedroom mirror) in the early 2000s, stop scrolling. We have some news that is going to unlock a core memory.
Daniel Bedingfield—the voice behind the absolute anthem Gotta Get Thru This—is officially coming to the UAE.
Yes, you read that right. The Kiwi-British singer-songwriter who defined a massive chunk of early millennial pop culture has announced a one-night-only performance in Dubai. He is taking over the stage at Bla Bla Dubai on Friday, April 17, 2026.
For a city that loves a good throwback, this is huge. It is his first-ever time performing for a Dubai audience, and if the buzz in our office is anything to go by, tickets are going to move faster than traffic on Hessa Street during rush hour.
The Gig: What to Expect
This isn’t just a quick appearance; it’s a full trip down memory lane. Bedingfield is set to perform a setlist that spans over two decades. We are talking about the tracks that were essentially the soundtrack to every high school romance and breakup.
He will be lighting up The Tent at Bla Bla, which is honestly one of the best spots in JBR for this kind of gig. If you have been to concerts there before, you know the vibe. It is intimate enough that you actually feel connected to the artist, but big enough to get that proper electric concert atmosphere.
Fans can expect the high-energy beats of his garage classics, but also those soul-stirring ballads like If You’re Not The One. Come on, don’t pretend you didn’t try to hit those high notes back in the day.
A Long Overdue Debut
It is actually surprising that Bedingfield hasn’t graced a Dubai stage until now, considering how much we love our 90s and 00s legends here.
Speaking about the upcoming gig, Daniel shared his own excitement, saying, “I’m so excited to finally perform in Dubai. Music is meant to be shared, felt, and experienced together – and I can’t wait to bring these songs to life with a Dubai audience for the very first time.”
It seems the feeling is mutual. Thomas Ovesen, the CEO of All Things Live Middle East (the powerhouse organizers behind this), noted that Bedingfield shaped an “entire era of pop music” and promised that his return to the stage is “nothing short of powerful.”
Daniel Bedingfield’s spark
You might be thinking, “That was 20 years ago.” But here is the thing—Bedingfield hasn’t just been sitting around.
While he exploded onto the scene with a homemade track recorded in his bedroom (legend behavior), he has remained a force in the industry. He spent time judging on The X Factor New Zealand, wrote for other major artists, and traveled the globe.
More recently, he proved his relevance to a whole new generation by jumping on stage with electronic superstar Fred Again... That moment bridged the gap between the OG garage era and the modern house scene, proving that his vocals—and that iconic track—are timeless. Seeing him live isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about seeing a seasoned performer who knows exactly how to work a crowd.
The Venue: Bla Bla Vibes
Let’s talk about the venue for a second. Bla Bla in JBR has become a bit of a staple for these kinds of “night-out” concerts.
Located right on The Beach opposite JBR, it’s the perfect setup for an April evening. By mid-April, the Dubai weather is in that transition phase—still nice enough to enjoy the evening air, but warm enough that the AC in The Tent is very welcome.
Bla Bla offers that “festival but make it chic” experience. You can grab dinner at one of their 20 different kitchens beforehand, have a few drinks by the pool, and then head into The Tent for the show. It eliminates the hassle of cabbing between a restaurant and a concert venue, which, let’s be honest, is a blessing in Dubai.
2026: A Massive Year for Music
This announcement is just the latest in what is shaping up to be a packed calendar for 2026. The UAE entertainment scene is going full throttle. We have already seen teasers for over 13 major concerts and gigs landing in Dubai this year.
From massive stadium fillers to intimate club gigs like this one, there is no shortage of live music. But there is something special about these specific throwback gigs. They bring out a specific crowd—people who are there just to sing their hearts out and have a good time. No pretension, just good vibes and great memories.
Essential Ticket Info
Okay, you are sold. You have texted the group chat. Now, how do you get in?
Here are the details you need to screenshot:
- Artist: Daniel Bedingfield
- Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
- Time: Doors open at 8:00 PM. (Pro tip: Get there early to secure a good spot near the front).
- Location: The Tent at Bla Bla, JBR.
- Price: General Admission starts from Dhs250.
- Booking: Tickets are on sale now at Platinumlist.net.
At Dhs250, it is a pretty reasonable price point for an international act in Dubai, especially for a Friday night event.
The Verdict
If you are looking for a plan for April 17, this is it. Whether you are a die-hard fan who owns the Gotta Get Thru This album on CD, or you just want a fun night out with friends screaming the lyrics to James Dean (I Wanna Know), this gig checks all the boxes.
It is rare to get such an intimate performance from a global chart-topper, and given it is a one-night-only affair, we don’t expect tickets to stick around for long.
See you on the dancefloor!
Found this helpful? Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news, travel tips, Bollywood buzz, food and lifestyle, and the best things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.
Read More
