Our learning and exchange space for workshops, talks, screenings and creative experiments around music, culture and community.
A monthly editorial series documenting the people, spaces and ideas shaping the UAE’s independent music ecosystem, written by independent journalists.
(Feature)
Fast forward two decades, and Moutasem has become a pivotal figure in the UAE metal scene, as a record store owner, live music promoter, and all-round champion of local talent.
Artists from the scene, and something of theirs to read, watch or hear.
(EP)
Rosy Roti
An introspective EP that wanders through memory, despair, rebellion and survival.
(Music video)
You Don’t Have to Be Nice
The music video was developed through Fujifilm’s “That Changes Everything” workshop.
(Newsletter)
Swana Sonics: Permission to Dance
The newsletter by Jeeda, a Lebanese-Egyptian multidisciplinary artist.
(Substack)
Back Left
Read “Someone Else’s License” from Back Left, Karam Toubba’s Substack exploring the UAE and regional music ecosystem through grassroots perspectives.
(Archive)
Last year, we tracked 30+ independent music releases coming out of the UAE through this archive. From bedroom recordings and self-released EPs to club records, ambient experiments, indie bands, rap projects, and everything in between. The scene is growing in every direction and this archive is our small attempt to spotlight, and celebrate independent music from the UAE.
If you released music in 2026 or are planning to release, we want to hear it.
(Podcast - Dr.Head Podcast Studio)
Jayesh Veralkar shares the story behind Vinyl Souk, from a community vinyl fair to an independent record label documenting and championing the UAE’s alternative music scene: vinyl culture, building creative communities, and supporting the region’s next generation of artists. Hosted by Dr.Head.
(Panel - Sikka Art Fair)
A conversation on independent, owner-run record stores in Dubai and their role in shaping vinyl culture in the UAE: how these spaces work beyond retail, as places of discovery, learning, community and archiving in a digital age. With Shadi Megallaa (The Flip Side), Hakim Abderrazek (Raw Music Store) and Assaad Lakkis (Bull Funk Zoo), moderated by Jayesh Veralkar. Recorded at Sikka Art Fair, Dubai, on 30 January 2026.
(Interview - 25hours Hotel One Central)
Part of Souk Sessions x 25h, recorded at Vinyl Souk at 25hours Hotel One Central.
(Panel - Manarat Al Saadiyat)
A panel conversation moderated by Tarik Omar, spotlighting the role of community radios from the UAE and beyond, with Bu Fari (MiZa Radio), Mohammed Abood (boxout.fm), Remon (ARABICBYNIGHT.RADIO) and Salah Sadeq (The Crate Radio), as part of Vinyl Souk’s takeover of Manarat Al Saadiyat.
(Interview - Flanger Talks)
Episode 34 of Flanger Talks: Vinyl Souk co-founder and record collector Jayesh, from Mumbai and based in Dubai, on the city’s vinyl culture, Vinyl Souk, his DJ sets, his record collection and why Dubai.
(Film screening - 1 Feb 2026)
25hours Hotel One Central
A short film from Bahrain, premiered at Mini Festival
(Workshop - 18 Oct 2025)
Warehouse 30, Alserkal Avenue · 4–10pm
An introduction to vinyl DJing, with Digital Renaissance Music Institute
(Film screening - 13 Apr 2025)
25hours Hotel One Central · 7–8:30pm
With Doc’n Roll Film Festival, dr.head and Cinema Akil in 25hours
(Film screening - 22 Jun 2024)
25hours Hotel One Central
UAE premiere of a documentary on the early days of drum and bass
(Workshop - 25 May 2024)
25hours Hotel One Central · 4–5pm
With Pho
Guides, tools and reading we recommend.
(Reading)
By Dan Cole
Whether you’re a small label owner or an independent artist, there are multiple benefits to releasing your music on vinyl. Physical products can help fund future projects, expand your audience, and take your music to the next level.
(Guide)
By Women in Vinyl
Your guide to turntable set up and choosing quality record care products to maintain and enhance your vinyl collection.
