6 Dubai parties of the week

I remember the first day I arrived in Dubai like it was yesterday. It was Valentine’s Day, 2006, but there was no lonely heart here, just a ridiculously excited, fresh-faced 25-year-old ready to embark on a journey that had no clear ending. Almost 10 years on and I’m still on that journey, and still doing what I love. This year heralds in the tenth for my audio tonic brand, Season X. We continue our Friday (and Saturday) events at 360º and have more Middle-East debuts to showcase the brightest stars of the future.

Putting our event lineup together is a challenge but I always try to deliver new and upcoming names. Unearthing new talent often helps uncover snippets of upcoming trends, and over the past few months the good old “rave sound” is weaving its way back into the more discerning house and techno sub-genres. It’s my bet that within the next 12 months you will be hearing these “rave sounds” worked into your radio dance hits – so remember where you heard it first!

I feel very honoured to be kicking off the first party guide for ShortList. There is so much going on in our wonderful fast paced 24hr city, you just need a lot of sleep, a good stock of Berocca and a copy of ShortList in your back pocket to enjoy to the full!

Hope to see you on the dance floor at 360º this Friday. Best, Mr Mr.

Parties of the week

Dubai Music Week

A concept that hasn’t quite managed to take off previously, but this is the year to change that. Guest lectures about our burgeoning industry, master classes, and an artist lineup that includes Jason Derulo and Ellie Goulding? That should do it.
When: Sep 23-26
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre,

Shibuya Season II Opening Party

If real, organic House Music is your thing, this is the event for you. Ian Pooley is one of the pioneers of the genre, making quality beats since the early 90s and still going strong.
When: Sep 24
Where: Square, JW Marriott Marquis, 

Deep Crates Cartel present Quantic

If you really want some quality alternative sounds spanning the genres of funk, soul and Latin flavours you must check out Will Holland AKA Quantic – a musician, and class DJ. Educate yourself.
When: Sep 24
Where: The Music Room, 

Midge Ure live in Dubai
To contemporary audiences, the name Midge Ure might not resonate with the same clarity as other 1980s pop icons such as Simon Le Bon, George Michael or Boy George. But two things are undeniable about the now 61-year-old Scot: he has enjoyed one of the most productive careers in music and everyone – absolutely everyone – in the English-speaking world knows at least one of his songs. “Do They Know It’s Christmas” is probably the biggest hit he penned.
When: Sep 24
Where: Irish Village, Garhoud,

City Slide

Okay, no DJS but it looks like a lot of fun! Throw yourselves down a 500M slippery slide and blow out the weekend cobwebs! Water guns, water balloon fights, let’s all be kids again, a great way to cool off.
When: Sep 25-26
Where: Dubai Autodrome, 

DJ Lea Dobricic headlines at Sundown
OK, it’s not in Dubai, but this is worth a road trip. Serbian DJ Lea Dobricic has enjoyed the honour several times, combining it with a residency at another Ibiza hotspot, Privilege. And on Friday September 25 at Iris Yas Island, clubbers in the capital can hear why she is rapidly building a loyal following with her blend of deep house, minimal and techno.
When: Sep 25
Where: Iris, Yas Island, +971 55 160 5636

On the radar
Just when you thought there weren’t enough beach-slash-night clubs… along comes another! Nikki Beach is set to open towards the tail end of 2015, as is another similar concept at Jebel Ali Beach Resort to rival Blue Marlin Ibizia UAE, Zero Gravity and Nasimi Beach. I’ve enjoyed amazing nights at all of these though so let’s see what the others have got when they arrive.