Meet These Music Creatives at Abu Dhabi’s Semi Permanent Middle East Festival

Abu Dhabi’s first creativity festival is shaping up nicely. Dozens of the world’s best creative minds fly into the capital Emirate for Semi Permanent Middle East next month. The three-day festival celebrates design, branding, fashion and technology. We’re most interested in the speakers with music connections – DJ and producer Mark Ronson, artist and designer Brian Roettinger and Lebanese singer Dana Hourani.

The festival runs over three days – from Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 October – at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Grammy-winner Mark Ronson has worked with the biggest names in pop – from Lady Gaga and Lily Allen to Adele and Bruno Mars. A guest speaker at Semi Permanent Middle East, Ronson gives a talk on the opening day at 12.30pm. He’ll also DJ at an exclusive party at a yet-to-be revealed location.

Album Artwork

Los Angeles-based artist and graphic designer Brain Roettinger is famous for his music album covers. Rolling Stone named Roettinger Album Designer of the Year in 2009. He earned a Grammy nomination in 2010 for his Nouns album artwork for American rockers No Age. Roettinger will discuss the bridge between art, music, design and concept at noon on the opening day.

Growing Reputation

With her debut album slated for release before the year end, Dana Hourani’s reputation is spreading beyond the Middle East. The Lebanese singer and visual artist burst onto the scene with Ella Enta in 2019. She shot to the top of the official Lebanese Top 20 with Zuruni – a remake of the Arabic classic anthem. Dana rounds out the first day’s keynote talks at 6.30pm.

“In our first major event after more than a year of limited social interaction, we’re thrilled to be bringing together more than 20 of the world’s leading creative names,” said a festival spokesperson. “Semi Permanent will play host to a standout array of inspiring, immersive experiences, including keynote talks, live performances, exclusive food and retail pop-ups, exhibitions and installations.” ⁠⁠

Check out the full programme and ticket prices for Semi Permanent Middle East here.

Photo: Mark Ronson

Also read: Creative Forces Heading to UAE for First Semi Permanent Middle East Festival