If you need any more proof that the UAE has become an important destination for dance music artists and festivals, seven of the world's top 20 DJs will perform in Dubai next month alone.
On Saturday, DJ Magazine released its annual Top 100 DJs poll, as part of Amsterdam Dance Event. Six of the seven DJs performing in Dubai will play at the Bao Festival, a two-night dance music festival running at Meydan Hotel on November 29 and 30.
World number one Martin Garrix, 22, has retained his crown for the third year in a row and continues his ascent to superstardom. In addition to commanding large fees for festival and club appearances, the Dutchman has also been busy in the studio lending his production talents to Rihanna's new album.
With his close friend, Red Bull Racing Formula One Team driver Max Verstappen racing in the Abu Dhabi F1 four days earlier, don’t be surprised to see Garrix at the Yas Marina Circuit wandering the paddocks.
He will be joined at Bao Festival by the Belgian-Greek duo, Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike, who also kept their number two position in the poll, following acclaimed shows and their hit single When I Grow Up.
Other leading figures playing at Bao Festival include Don Diablo (seventh), Afrojack (eighth), R3hab (12th) and Alok (13th).
David Guetta also finished strongly in the poll. The French pop DJ advanced two spots up to fifth place.
His performance at Dubai Design District's Base nightclub on October 25 will feature hits Flames and Don't Leave Me Alone, from this year's new album 7.
Dubai is also hosting artists who fell outside the top 20. They include Australian DJ duo, twin sisters Nervo, who will take the decks at Bao Festival; while the 43rd-placed Nicky Romero will headline the Sunsets Festival DXB on Friday.
It all goes to show the growing importance of the UAE to the EDM music industry.
"That is definitely something that we know," Romero told The National.
“I can tell this by the growing amount of bookings and requests that I get from there each year.”
Sam Feldt said it is the trademark UAE hospitality that has DJs readily agreeing to gigs.
“You got everything there, the great food and the hotels,” he said.
“Also you have some amazing scenery which is perfect for Instagram.”
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