Top Dubai-based artists you should add to your playlist

Ever wondered where Dubai’s heartbeat comes from after dark? Beyond the glitz of skyscrapers lies a sonic underground where Emirati oud maestros, Pakistani qawwali rebels, and British expat synth wizards craft sounds as diverse as the city itself. Forget algorithm playlists—here are the artists who soundtrack Dubai’s soul, from sand dunes to nightclubs.

FATMA AL HASHIMI

The Oud Poetess Rewriting Bedouin Blues

This Emirati composer fuses pre-Islamic Nabati poetry with electric oud riffs. Her 2023 album Sand Diaries samples winds from Liwa Desert. Catch her live at Alserkal Avenue’s The Fridge (AED 120 entry) every full moon. Pro tip: Buy her hand-painted vinyl (AED 300) at Mawaheb Gallery—profits fund music therapy for camel herders.

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THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

Desert Rock with a Pakistani Pulse

Fronted by Karachi-born Zohaib Kazi, this quartet blends Sufi lyrics with grunge. Their anthem Dastaan-e-Dubai namechecks Satwa’s biryani joints and Deira’s gold souk. Free gigs every Thursday at The Music Room—arrive early for karak chai and samosa pit stops.

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DJ AYESHA

Where Techno Meets Tanoura

Dubai’s first female Emirati DJ spins at Soho Garden with LED-embedded abayas. Her track Gahwa & Bass samples coffee grinding rhythms. Her “Sunrise Sets” (5–7 AM) at Zero Gravity cost AED 200—includes a saffron-infused recovery smoothie.

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SANDSTORM COLLECTIVE

Bedouin Beats for Gen Z

This all-female group plays yowla (war dance) drums remixed with trap. Find their viral Al Marmoom Challenge on TikTok. Workshops (AED 150) at Dubai Safari Park teach drumming to rescued falcons. Cultural note: Never clap during performances—snap fingers instead.

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www.few.ae EDITOR’S PICK: ALI JAVED

The Qawwali Rebel of Al Quoz

Javed’s Sufi Garage project electrifies 13th-century hymns with auto-tune. His gigs at Q’s Bar (AED 90 cover) end with free henna for fans. Download his Dua for Delivery Riders EP—streams fund e-bike repairs in Sonapur.

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LENA CHAMAMYAN

Syrian Jazz in a Dubai Key

The “Arabic Norah Jones” croons in Aramaic at Jazz@PizzaExpress. Her Souk Lullabies album features rare Emirati fijiri sailor chants. Dinner + show packages cost AED 350—order the za’atar-infused margarita.

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DESERT HYMN

Indie Folk from the Sand Dunes

British expat twins Flora and Fawn use recycled darbuka drums. Their eco-anthem Plastic Majlis funds beach cleanups. Free sunset concerts at Last Exit Al Khawaneej—BYO carpet.

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ABRI & THE BEDOUIN JACKALS

Reggae Under the Radar

South African-Egyptian Abri’s Dubai Riverland EP namechecks abandoned cars in Ras Al Khor. Secret gigs at Ripe Market (AED 10 entry) feature camel milk ice cream vendors.

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DJ SANDER VAN DOORN

Big Room Beats with a Local Twist

This Dutch star turned Dubai resident drops azan-sampled tracks at BLU Dubai. His Burj Banger series includes a remix of the metro’s “Mind the Gap” alert. Table bookings start at AED 5,000—split it with 20 friends.

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HAFSA

Emirati Trap Queen of Satwa

Her viral A7la Wahda diss track slams Dubai’s influencer culture. Merch hoodies (AED 250) at Comicave in Dubai Hills Mall. Warning: Her Al Quoz Industrial gigs get rowdier than a Friday brunch.

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SOUNDS OF SIR BU NAIR

Island Folk Meets Synthwave

This UAE-Indian duo records on a dhow-turned-studio near Sir Bu Nair Island. Their Pearl Diver’s Lament uses 1920s diving bells as instruments. Buy their limited cassettes (AED 80) at Dubai Flea Market.

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CULTURAL ETIQUETTE: GIG DOS & DON’TS

At Emirati shows, avoid dancing during azaan (call to prayer). For expat gigs, tip bartenders 10% in cash—cards often fail. Never request “Despacito”—DJs here hate it more than sand in shoes.

LOCAL HACKS: SAVE DIRHAMS, HEAR MORE

Student? Flash your ID for 50% off The Fridge tickets. Follow Dubai Calendar for free Al Quoz warehouse parties. www.few.ae editors snag backstage passes via Dubai Cares volunteer gigs.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE: DUBAI DETOURS

Post-gig, grab karak at Al Reef Bakery (open 24/7). Or find the best internal medicine doctor in Dubai if you’ve headbanged too hard—try King’s College Hospital.

Dubai’s soundscape is a mixtape of tradition and chaos. Whether you’re swaying to oud strings in Alserkal or moshing to Satwa trap, these artists prove the desert’s got beats. Now, plug in and let the dunes drop the bass.

Things to do in Dubai / Things to do in Abu Dhabi