Ravers, this one’s for you. Garage Nation, the UK’s legendary celebration of non-stop garage classics, is rolling back into Dubai this September, and it promises to shake things up once again. For three years straight, the event has packed out venues in the city, and this year looks no different. On Friday, 5 September, Iris at Meydan will play host to what can only be described as an afternoon-long garage takeover. And yes, it lands on a public holiday, so no cheeky annual leave requests are needed. Handy, right?
Garage Nation Is Back To Dubai, So Get Ready To Rave!
The party kicks off at 2pm and runs until 9pm, making it a daytime rave. If you’re picturing sweaty 3am chaos, think again, this is all about sunshine, basslines, and that unmistakable Dubai skyline. By the time sunset rolls around, the beats will collide with skies painted orange and gold. It’s an atmosphere money can’t buy, though tickets start at a pretty decent AED100.
Who’s Hitting the Decks?
This year’s headliners are nothing short of UK garage royalty. Artful Dodger, the duo behind era-defining tracks like Re-Rewind and Please Don’t Turn Me On, will bring the nostalgia with a fresh twist. Alongside them is Scott Garcia, the producer who gave the world It’s a London Thing, a track that still gets heads nodding and hands in the air decades later.
Of course, a garage rave isn’t complete without the MCs keeping the energy alive. That’s where award-winning MC CKP, better known as “The Mayor,” steps in. With his charisma and quick-fire hype, you can expect the crowd to stay on its toes all afternoon.
And it wouldn’t be Dubai without some homegrown flavour. Local favourites like DJs Tom Karno, Engr and Kizo, Walia, and DJ Moky are set to light up the decks, proving that the city has its own thriving garage heartbeat. Hosting duties fall to MC Tino and MC Black Arab, two voices guaranteed to make the event feel like a proper underground session, even with the Burj Khalifa not too far away.
Tickets, Tables & The Fine Print
Now for the practical bit. Standard tickets start from AED100, which is practically a steal considering the line-up. If you’re looking to dial things up a notch, tables are available from AED2,000. Those come with prime views of the stage, bottle service, and the luxury of a little more breathing room. Let’s face it, raving on your own private perch with champagne in hand has its perks.
The venue? Iris at Meydan Grandstand, Nad Al Sheba 1, a spot that combines open-air vibes with Dubai’s futuristic skyline, giving you a full afternoon to dance, chill, and soak up everything Garage Nation has to offer.
After all, there’s something about garage music, those deep basslines and chopped-up vocals, that keeps people coming back. It’s nostalgic, it’s gritty, and it’s feel-good in a way no other genre quite matches.
Where: Iris, Meydan Grandstand, Nad Al Sheba 1
When: 12pm to 9pm on Friday, Sept 5
Cost:Tickets from AED100, tables from AED 2,000
Cover Image Courtesy: Garage Nation/Website
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