Category: Events

“Much more than jazz” is the theme for the yearly Dubai International Jazz Festival, and the list of invited guests indeed backs up the claim. Everybody from the Jazz legend Joules Holland to soulful James blunt and several other artists of diverse genres have graced the illustrious stages as part of an all-inclusive schedule of shows throughout the day and late into the evening.

The festival which first took place in 2003 has grown gradually from its original 8, 000 audiences to over 55,000 visitors in the recent (2014) event, which featured prominent artists such as Billy Childs, Al Foster, Larry Carlton, Wallace Roney, Kirk Lightsey, Sean Jones, Tony Lakatos and Nestor Torres

The 12th edition of the Dubai Jazz festival 2014 brought a unique and modernized take on Rock, Pop and Jazz featuring Chester Bennington, Oily Murs, Santana, Stone temple Pilots and more and took place between 14th through to 20th February at the Jazz garden stage



The festival which is organized by Chill out productions; is considered to be one of the most popular fixtures in the Dubai’s music calendar for the past couple of years, with the number of attendance growing significantly every year and the artist becoming more eclectic and greater. The festival was expanded in 2005 to allow for a three day performance by the various artists as well as to allow the festival to be performed in three different stages across the DMC area. The expansion also resulted in increased frequency of presentation to 6 per night which in turn gave the attendees greater value. The impact of these adjustments were recognized in the following year, as the festival was bestowed the ‘what’s on Favorable Festival’ award in 2006.

In the beginning, the festival attracted only expats, local residents and visitors from other GCC countries but over the years the festival has achieved greater international appeal with more European performers and attendees flocking to the events. In 2007 for instance, the festival recorded a significant number of European visitors in a year that saw enthralling performance from artists such as Toto and Jamie Cullum among others. 2008 was another milestone year that was characterized by free concerts that took place across the seven days and was graced by artists such as Robin Gibb and David Gray of the Bee Gees. 2009 saw performances from the likes of John Legend and James Blunt, Morrison in 2010 and Gray Macy in 2011.



In 2011, the organizers also collaborated with UK Jazz services and the British Council in Dubai to encourage more visitors from the UK to take flights to Dubai, as more diverse artist covering different genre of music were invited. After the introduction of jazz in United Arab Emirates, there has emerged a strong community who are lovers of this genre.

Whether you are a fan of rock, pop, R&B, blues or Jazz, the Dubai International Jazz festival is sure to provide you with something that will definitely impress you. If you haven’t visited UAE before the festival offers you’re an ideal opportunity to explore and experience Dubai. It is definitely an experience of a life time, one that all music lovers shouldn’t miss.

Ramadan is considered as the holiest month and is the 9^th month according to the Islamic calendar. For the entire duration of Ramadan in Dubai, Muslims enter a sacred period of spiritual meditation and reflection on their faith and belief in Allah. In actual fact, Ramadan fasting is one of the Pillars of the Islamic culture.

Things to keep in mind during Ramadan while in Dubai:

Having your Ramadan in Dubai will be an exciting experience since Dubai is home to several amazing places like Burj Khalifa to Jumeira beach. This month is even more exciting for the residents of Dubai. People have to keep away from all addictions and the rules are strictly followed while fasting. So in order to have an enjoyable time during Ramadan in Dubai, you have to consider the following factors:

– During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are barred from drinking or eating anything during daylight hours. This is considered as one of the ways that Muslims concur to during this holy period. Not only do they refrain from drinking water and having meals during the daylight hours but also refrain from gossiping, cursing and smoking. In case you are traveling to Dubai or U.A.E in general during Ramadan then you should know that it is against the norm to drink, eat or smoke in public during daylight hours. It is also obvious that some of the restaurants and cafes will be closed throughout the day. Nevertheless, there are several places where they serve drinks and food for tourists.



– Music is also prohibited during the daytime hours of Ramadan fasting with the exception of some spiritual music. So it will be difficult for you to attend concerts or listen to loud music in restaurants or pubs. Dubai nightclubs are also closed during this holy period. Unassertive clothing is also commended.

– In general the conditions during the day are more subdued and people take it easy until night time. Individuals tend to work fewer hours and you’ll find most attraction centers either closed or with shorter serving hours. Once you hear the call to prayer that resembles the end of the fasting, you will feel a change in the atmosphere in Dubai. The fast is broken with dates and only after that the main meal is served. Most cafes and restaurants are even open during the night time. Muslim families get a chance to meet each other and enjoy their timely meals together



– At the end of the Ramadan period there is a public holiday on Eid-Ul-Fitr in Dubai, this is usually a big event while celebrations can last up to 3 days in Dubai, something you wouldn’t want to miss.

Things to remember while you are in Dubai during Ramadan:

• No drinking, eating, cursing or smoking in public.
• Dress well
• No music
• And while you are there ensure that you respect their religious beliefs.