Dubai, a city that continuously redefines cultural engagement, is preparing to host an extraordinary musical experience. RUMInation: A Silk Road Nomadic Musical Journey from Iran to India is more than just a concert—it is a passage through time, sound, and history. Set to take place on March 15, 2025, at 8:00 PM, this event will unfold in the heart of the city’s thriving arts district, The Fridge Warehouse in Alserkal Avenue. Known for fostering some of the most eclectic and immersive artistic showcases, this venue will serve as the perfect stage for an evening of nomadic storytelling and rich musical heritage.
A BRIDGE BETWEEN ANCIENT WORLDS
The event draws inspiration from the famed Silk Road, a historic trade route that once connected the East and the West. While merchants exchanged goods, musicians, poets, and storytellers wove together cultural influences that transcended geographical boundaries. This unique performance seeks to rekindle the spirit of those exchanges by immersing the audience in melodies passed down through generations.
At the heart of RUMInation is the collaboration between Maestro Khalil Sheikh and Sandu, two renowned artists deeply rooted in traditional musical practices. With their mastery of instruments and poetic expression, they will bring to life the spiritual and folkloric compositions of Iran and India, two civilizations profoundly connected through centuries of trade, migration, and artistic symbiosis.

THE MUSICAL ODYSSEY
The evening will unfold as a carefully curated performance where each composition narrates a story, reflecting themes of love, travel, longing, and human resilience. The musicians will guide the audience through various regional influences, from Persian classical music to Indian raga traditions, interwoven with the hypnotic rhythms of nomadic folk songs. These performances promise to transcend language, resonating deeply with emotions that bridge cultural divides.
Adding depth to the auditory experience, the show will integrate elements of spoken word poetry, drawing inspiration from Jalaluddin Rumi, the 13th-century Sufi poet whose verses encapsulate the essence of unity, devotion, and the spiritual quest for enlightenment. The poetic interludes will provide moments of reflection, allowing the audience to connect with the historical and emotional weight of the music.
A NOMADIC EXPERIENCE BEYOND MUSIC
Unlike traditional concerts, RUMInation aims to be an immersive, multi-sensory event. The performance space will be designed to evoke the atmosphere of a nomadic caravanserai—dim lighting, rich textiles, and a minimalist stage setup will transport attendees to another era. The ambiance will be carefully crafted to reflect the warmth and communal spirit of ancient gatherings along the Silk Road.
Additionally, the event will feature interactive elements, including:
- A pre-show cultural talk that delves into the significance of the Silk Road’s artistic exchanges.
- A miniature exhibition displaying traditional instruments, manuscripts, and textiles from Iran and India.
- A post-show Q&A session, offering attendees the chance to engage with the musicians and understand the deeper meanings behind the compositions.
WHY THIS EVENT MATTERS
In a time when cultural heritage often faces the threat of fading into obscurity, RUMInation serves as a powerful reminder of the unifying force of music. The event goes beyond entertainment—it is a cultural preservation project, breathing new life into ancient art forms and making them accessible to modern audiences.
For Dubai, a city that thrives on multiculturalism, this event is particularly significant. It speaks to the diverse communities that call the city home, offering a rare opportunity to engage with authentic musical traditions in an intimate setting. It also aligns with the city’s broader vision of positioning itself as a global hub for the arts, where traditional and contemporary expressions coexist harmoniously.
TICKETING AND MORE INFORMATION
Tickets for RUMInation are now available through Platinumlist, offering both standard and VIP options for those seeking an even closer connection to the artists. Given the exclusive nature of this performance, early reservations are highly recommended to ensure a spot at this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For those eager to delve deeper into the philosophy behind RUMInation, the official website provides extensive insights into the event’s mission to revive storytelling and share untold nomadic tales. The platform also highlights the broader vision of the artists involved, shedding light on their efforts to keep traditional musical heritage alive in an evolving world.