With its cool beach clubs, world-class bars and abundance of open-air and indoor nightclubs, Dubai is an international party destination. Tourists and residents are spoiled for choice on where to let their hair down. And that’s all lovely. But let’s think outside the box. If money was no object and permission was guaranteed, where would be a great place to throw one helluva party? We asked some dancefloor warrior friends to name the UAE’s perfect party spot for the ultimate bash…
Safe Smokingroove
The UAE’s perfect party spot: In the middle of Liwa Desert, just outside of Abu Dhabi. There’s a huge, flat stretch of desert and I’d throw a massive no-holds-barred three-day oasis festival there, with multiple arenas and a pop-up hotel or two. Basically Burning Man without all the spiritual hippy chit-chat and without clichéd Mad Max-wannabe dress codes.
What makes it cool: An experience we don’t really get here in the UAE, this feels more natural. And it’s far removed from just than another club with tables and champagne.
My ideal line-up: Daft Punk, Snoop Dogg and Smokingroove.
Clare Verrall
The UAE’s perfect party spot: Kite Beach, Dubai. I’m from Brighton, in the UK, and back in the day Fatboy Slim hosted the Big Beach Boutique on Brighton Beach. It was incredible. A Dubai version on Kite Beach would be epic.
What makes it cool: It’s a long, flat stretch of sand, with the Burj Al Arab in the background and wicked sunset views.
My ideal line-up: London Grammar to chill us out, Purple Disco Machine for house and disco vibes and Fatboy Slim to rock the party.
DJ Rossi
The UAE’s perfect party spot: There’s a frond on The Palm with a huge empty space on the tip with no villas on it. My wife and I often visit friends who live on The Palm and I always imagine having a big rave on that spot.
What makes it cool: The awesome panaromic views of Dubai. As a DJ, I’d love to throw a party there.
My ideal line-up: Ferry Corsten, Paul van DYK and Ilan Bluestone
Tobie Allen
The UAE’s perfect party spot: The Bedouin camp near Wadi Showka, in Ras Al Khaimah.
What makes it cool: My wife and her friends were on a dune buggy trip there when their buggy broke down. A passing local Bedouin came to their aid and then invited them back to his camp in the middle of the desert. He told them they could have a party there if they wanted to, complete with hops and grapes. It sounds idyllic so maybe it’s time to take up the offer.
My ideal line-up: Real Tony Montana playing a Gallery set, My Mate Rich playing a ’90s old skool set and Luvdup’s Alan Stevens.
Albert M. Carter
The UAE’s perfect party spot: One of the manmade World Islands, off the coast of Dubai, where I’d throw a Burning Man-styled festival, mixed with docked yachts for a weekend of fun.
What makes it cool: An island takeover in the Arabian Gulf but without the elitist feel of some high profile events we’ve grown accustomed to in the UAE. This event will allow for VVIPs to strip away their egos and blend in with us common folk for a weekend of fun, with music, dancing, competitions and, of course, the yacht parties.
My ideal line-up: Snoop Dogg as a host and performer, DJ Khaled and Diddy for the yacht parties.
Rohan Nunes, aka Man Go Funk
The UAE’s perfect party spot: The top of Jebel Jais mountain, in Ras Al Khaimah – the highest peak in the UAE.
What makes it cool: Incredible rugged mountain terrain with stunning views across the Hajar mountain range on one side and the Arabian Gulf on the other. There’s a viewing park at the top with several great viewing platforms – ideal spots for throwing a rave.
My ideal line-up: St Germain, The Chemical Brothers and KiNK
Sara G
The UAE’s perfect party spot: The helipad, at the top of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.
What makes it cool: It’s an iconic spot with a brilliant view.
My ideal line-up: An impromptu jam with some of the most talented live musicians in Dubai, including Adam Baluch, Adam Long on sax, Mo Sharkawi on the handpan and The Boxtones. Then Shef Codes on the decks to close.
Lee Tunnicliffe
The UAE’s perfect party spot: Out in the desert.
What makes it cool: Lots of space, epic sunsets and sunrises, a casual atmosphere and not a table or a sparkler in sight. Outdoor parties in nature are always a win for me. I love a good desert party even though the terrain is unforgiving – very hot during day and bloody cold at night. It’s important to always have warm clothes for when the sun dips. Finding sand everywhere for a few days afterwards and muscle aches from dancing on the sand are all part of the fun.
My ideal line-up: Monolink, Damian Lazarus and Lee Burridge. And local DJ Milko Moustache – the king of epic sunset sets.
Michael Fletcher
The UAE’s perfect party spot: The outdoor space at The Golden Tulip Hotel, in Ghantoot, made famous by Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE.
What makes it cool: Right on the beach, Blue Marlin brought a little slice of Ibiza to this venue. The perfect day-to-night party, the atmosphere was unbeatable and the sound system next level. Blue Marlin at this venue is sorely missed. Let’s bring it back!
My ideal line-up: Joseph Capriati, Late Nite Tuff Guy and Masters at Work
Steve Davis
The UAE’s perfect party spot: On the runway at Skydive Dubai, with the Bladerunner-esque backdrop of JBR, Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Island.
What makes it cool: The runway is surrounded by the sea with an iconic background. It’s similar in that respect to 360° at Jumeirah Beach Hotel – one of the best-loved venues in town before it closed.
My ideal line-up: A Nightmares on Wax early afternoon set, followed by a Red Hot Chilli Peppers rock set and finishing off with the big man himself, Carl Cox.
Angelina Daté
The UAE’s perfect party spot: A pool party on the rooftop of the new Address Beach Resort, in JBR.
What makes it cool: Dubai has a lot of swanky hotel pools but this one takes the biscuit. On the 77th floor, this is the world’s highest infinity pool.
My ideal line-up: The Chainsmokers and Kygo
DJ E.M.A.
The UAE’s perfect party spot: Atlantis Hotel, The Palm, Dubai
What makes it cool: The Atlantis is my favourite building in Dubai. I’d design and make a huge birdcage and suspend it from the hotel’s iconic arch. The DJs would play inside the birdcage. Hiring the best soundsystem in the world, I’d attach giant speakers to every available pillar so ravers could hear the music right across Dubai. And there would be an amazing laser show from the top of the hotel bridge. People could party on the hotel balconies and yachts docked on the waterfront right outside.
My ideal line-up: A Rudimental DJ set, Fatboy Slim and me – all dressed up as mad colorful birds. I’d hire an underwater room at Atlantis for the after-party, with Fisher DJing from inside a clear underwater cube among the fish.
Main photo: Georgia de Lotz/Unsplash
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