Shams Festival Set for November 8 at The Dunes, RAK, Dubai
A Celebration of Regional Electronic Music
A new festival aimed at promoting the electronic music scene in the MENA region is making its debut in the UAE. Shams Festival, scheduled for November 8, will take place at The Dunes in Ras Al Khaimah, promising an immersive celebration of electronic music that reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
This festival unites three prominent curators known for their significant contributions to the electronic music landscape: Analog Room, Boogie Box, and SceneNoise. Together, these organizations have played pivotal roles in nurturing and developing the electronic music scene in the region, making Shams Festival a much-anticipated event.
Embracing the Spirit of SWANA
The name “Shams,” meaning “sun” in Arabic, symbolizes unity and is widely recognized throughout the Arabic-speaking world. This festival is envisioned as a day-to-sunrise event, showcasing exceptional talent from SWANA while fostering collaboration among diverse electronic music scenes.
Set against the stunning backdrop of golden dunes, Shams Festival will feature a two-stage setup running from 2 PM to 7 AM. Attendees can look forward to an eclectic mix of genres, including house, techno, and bass music.
Notable Lineup of Artists
The festival boasts an impressive lineup, including notable figures from the regional electronic music scene. Highlights include Fafi Abdel Nour, a Netherlands-based Syrian selector recognized as one of Mixmag’s top 25 breakthrough DJs of 2024; Ronin, a Lebanese veteran and founder of Somewhere…; Biirdperson from Saudi Arabia; Fayyad, an Egypt native based in the UAE; and Zeina, recognized for her work with the female-focused Unfamiliar series.
Founder of Analog Room, Mehdi Ansari, stated, “The idea is to do a music festival specifically focused on celebrating our own regional electronic dance music industry, artists, and the club culture developments.” He emphasized the festival’s aim to showcase the quality that the region has reached in the past 15-20 years.
Expanding the Dance Music Horizons
Hassan Alwan, founder of Boogie Box, shared his excitement about the diversity Shams Festival will feature, saying, “Shams is a celebration of the amazing array of artists and DJs we have across the SWANA region.” He expressed intentions to take the festival on the road, with the goal of celebrating dance music in cities throughout the region.
Timmy Mowafi, founder of SceneNoise, added, “Shams is the natural next step – a platform that not only positions SWANA artists as headliners but also connects dancefloors across the region.” This initiative underscores the continuous evolution and growth of dance music in the area.
Comprehensive Festival Experience
Beyond the music, Shams Festival will offer a curated food market and stalls featuring local brands, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the festival experience fully. For those looking for a unique adventure, the Dunes will also host a desert camping village, providing an opportunity to sleep under the stars.
This multi-faceted approach to the festival experience promises to enrich the overall enjoyment of attendees, making Shams more than just a music event.
About the Curators
Analog Room
Founded in 2012 by Mehdi Ansari, Analog Room serves as a cornerstone for underground electronic music in Dubai. The platform has established itself as a hub for authentic club culture, distinguished by its commitment to vinyl sets and a music-first philosophy. Analog Room not only showcases regional talent but also attracts international acts, contributing significantly to the electronic music landscape.
Boogie Box
Established in 2009 by Hassan Alwan in Abu Dhabi, Boogie Box has garnered a reputation as one of the premier electronic music promoters in the Middle East. Known for its unique sound, which leans towards bass and dub-influenced house and techno, Boogie Box has evolved from grassroots beginnings into a vital presence in the regional club scene.
SceneNoise
SceneNoise is a leading publication dedicated to the Middle East’s independent music scene. The platform provides thorough insights into the latest musical movements, covering a broad spectrum from emerging talent to established artists. SceneNoise has also organized popular events that highlight local talent, fostering a sense of community within the music culture.
Directions to The Dunes, RAK
For those planning to attend Shams Festival, reaching The Dunes is straightforward. Visitors traveling from Dubai should take Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) toward Ras Al Khaimah, following appropriate exit signs based on their starting point. Those coming from Abu Dhabi can take Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street (E11) heading east and then follow signs for Ras Al Khaimah. Utilizing GPS navigation is highly recommended for accurate directions.
Alternatively, taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available, providing convenient transport options for festival-goers.
Published on 1763739655 • Category: Music Festivals