All the famous DJs have started mixing at parties with friends or in small local clubs; yes, even those who now fill entire stadiums and festival venues. But, if you are good enough, there will come a time when you will be invited to an event abroad, or you will have the opportunity to enter the international clubbing scene. Most DJs dream of destinations like Ibiza, Cancun or Las Vegas which are known for their legendary nightlife, so Dubai may not seem like the most obvious choice. However, Dubai’s clubbing scene has evolved a lot in recent years, and it could even jumpstart your career as an international DJ.
Does Dubai have a clubbing scene?
Yes he has. Dubai has in fact become one of the most promising nightlife destinations in the world, drawing large crowds of revelers including influencers, sports stars and other celebrities. Of course, it wasn’t always like this, hence Dubai’s reputation for being conservative and not fun. Since the 90s, Dubai’s travel industry has experienced a significant boom, so more nightclubs have been opened to meet the growing demand. These days the UAE has some awesome parties, some of the biggest clubbing venues in the world and attracted big names in the industry, such as David Guetta, Martin Garrix and Don Diablo.
Things to keep in mind when DJing in Dubai
Dubai has a vibrant nightlife that can open up a lot of career opportunities for new DJs. However, it’s a little different from other destinations, and there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First of all, there are no standalone nightclubs in Dubai – they are only allowed to exist as part of star hotels as they are the only ones that can get liquor licenses. So right off the bat it makes Dubai’s clubbing scene a bit exclusive. Otherwise, playing loud music in any location, be it a park, beach, or residential area, is strictly prohibited and carries heavy fines.
Hotel clubs usually open at midnight and close at 3 a.m., but keep in mind that all party venues are closed during Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic calendar). In Dubai, the week starts on a Sunday and ends on a Thursday, so the busiest days are Thursdays and Fridays. Clubs usually schedule ladies’ nights on Tuesdays, especially those located in busy tourist hot spots.
Apart from the usual clubs, you can also DJ for events, which is a great option if you struggle to get disco gigs at first. For example, you can be a DJ for weddings, corporate events, or birthdays. The pay may not be as good as a DJ for an exclusive nightclub, but it’s a great way to build your reputation. No matter what type of DJ you want to be, remember that working abroad comes with a lot of responsibilities. You will need to invest in DJ insurance to protect your expensive equipment from accidental damage, and you will also need a work visa.
Last but not least, you need to be aware of cultural differences. Although Dubai’s nightlife is much more vibrant and exciting than it used to be, it is still different from that of the West and you need to be mindful of your client’s culture.
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