Music buffs listen up! In recent years the region’s musical scape has exploded with a handful of talented singers and bands at the forefront. Throw in numerous exciting live music venues, including Dubai Opera and the secret local music bar in Bur Dubai, and the city has now become a full-fledged destination for music lovers of all genres.
Check out the ultimate venues to enjoy live tunes in Dubai!
THE MUSIC ROOM
An oldie but a goodie, this long-standing live music bar attracts a wide variety of talent. Nestled in Bur Dubai, just a 15-minute drive from Rove Downtown Dubai and Rove City Centre in Deira, the ever-changing band roster ranges from heavy metal to hip hop. A consistent favourite with locals, this insider music hub gets busy, so get there early to snag a high-top table overlooking the stage.
DUBAI OPERA
Just a short walk from Rove Downtown Dubai, the newly opened Dubai Opera is a must-visit for anyone travelling to the UAE. The venue showcases a variety of dynamic performing arts, varying from ballet and musicals to comedy and magic shows – and of course the world’s leading opera performances. The months ahead will bring in-demand shows to the region, including West Side Story and Madam Butterfly.
HARD ROCK CAFE
Somewhat of an institution here in Dubai, the Hard Rock Café is a guaranteed good time.
Located in Festival City, a speedy ten-minute car ride from Rove Healthcare City and Rove City Centre, the sprawling space covers 2700 square meters, with two Rock Shops and a center stage for performances.
The rock ‘roll themed chain delivers high-energy live beats along with Americana grub such as stacked burgers and plates piled high with loaded nachos – what’s not to love?
Here we take a look at our favourite musicians of the moment!
HAMDAN AL ABRI
A born and bred Dubai singer/songwriter and former front man of Dubai-based soul band ABRI, Hamdan is definitely one to watch in 2017.
Releasing two acclaimed albums in quick succession (Sunchild and Blank Notes), the homegrown talent and his band toured through India, Bahrain, the UK, the Maldives and the U.A.E., performing alongside big names such as Erykah Badu, Ziggy Marley, Kanye West and Joss Stone.
After four year’s with ABRI, in 2011 Hamdan embarked on a solo career releasing his self-titled solo EP.
Nowadays, Hamdan can often been seen performing at leading musical venues across Dubai, including the ever-popular Jazz @ Pizza Express in JLT, alongside his current band Abri & Funk Radius, playing their funk reggae neo-soul R&B beats to sell-out crowds.
The details: For more on Hamdan visit facebook.com/pg/HamdanABRI and Abri & Funk Radius.
TIM HASSALL
Spending much of his childhood in Dubai, as well as Brunei and New Zealand, this well-travelled British singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is a regular fixture on both the global and local music scene.
Tim’s musical talents have seen him travel across continents to perform and pursue his career, including iconic music capital Tennessee where he recorded his second album Gallatin in late 2013.
Most recently we spotted Tim at What’s On Party in The Park in 2016, where the talented singer performed a host of original uplifting synth-rock songs at the big event.
The award-winning musician can be seen solo and also with his band at numerous gigs across the city.
The details: To listen to Tim’s music or to find out more about up-coming shows, visit timhassall.com
ADAM BALUCH
This UAE-based singer has been performing in Dubai for over a decade. In addition to playing numerous instruments (including the keyboard, guitar and trumpet), the gifted vocalist also writes his own songs and released a debut EP titled Answers To Questions in 2015.
A big name on the regional music scene, Adam has also opened to a packed crowd for Ed Sheeran and supported The Wailers on a two-week tour over five countries in 2015.
The details: Find out more about Adam’s alternative soul music at facebook.com/adambaluch.
“Take one loop station, add 4 instruments, beatboxing, rapping, some soulful vocals and a lot of passion. That sums me up” – Adam Baluch