Hosted by Moroccan photographer Hassan Hajjaj, Sole DXB is coming back bigger and badder than ever for its 10th anniversary edition. This year’s event will take place over December 9th -11th in Dubai Design District (D3). Every year, Sole DXB celebrates a variety of subcultures, and this year its all about talent from across the Arab world and its diaspora, after the organizers took a trip to Morocco over the summer to “learn and draw inspiration from the culture, and to connect with creators and creatives.”
Creators and creatives are highlighted in a new campaign for Sole DXB, shot by Hassan Hajjaj himself in the idyllic, cultural and historical Madina of Marrakech. The campaign features Moroccan rapper El Grande Toto and master vocalist and percussionist, Khadija El Warzazia.
Sole DXB notes music, fashion, visual arts, and sports as its four pillars, and is set to bring together musicians, designers, artists, speakers, and athletes from the MENA region to participate in the event.
Hajjaj, who is known for his eclectic work and has photographed a number of cover shoots for high profile publications said in a statement, “Over the last 10 years, I’ve witnessed Sole DXB develop as a platform for self-expression. A space where you can come and be yourself… where you are celebrated for who you are.” He continued, “Having moved early in my life from Morocco to London, I quickly had to learn that home must often be a state of mind. It’s our story, our traditions, our shared values, and the people we surround ourselves with. I believe that art can move us forward. It can dispel stereotypes.”
Concluding, “My work this year with Sole DXB was to build a space that was a reflection of those shared values. The Arab world is not a monolith. It’s a collection of diverse people with a shared heritage. Our contributions to the world have changed the course of history and we’re here to show that we aren’t out of ideas.”
While the full lineup of guests for Sole DXB 2022 has not yet been revealed, it is expected to feature some major names in the entertainment industry as previous editions featured international music acts such as Nas, Stormzy, Hiroshi Fujiwara, Petra Collins, and many more.
