Music brings people together, but exclusive music brings the right people together.

When most people think of Dubai, they picture malls, skyscrapers, and flashy events (Flashy events that we lovee ofc). But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find a completely different side — raw talent, culture, and a community that’s pushing the boundaries of the music scene.

So step aside, we want to see all the musicians, producers, and partygoers that are creating the unique and unorthodox. From secret warehouse raves to intimate gigs, Dubai’s alternative music scene is making moves.

If you’re tired of the mainstream, here’s a peek into Dubai’s underground music scenes:

Analog Room

This mostly electronic music event takes place in the basement of the Holiday Inn at Q Underground. Founder Mehdi Ansari launched Analog Room in 2012 to create a space with events, panel discussions, and a record label. It bounces around locations pretty often but still manages to stay pretty successful. It is the ultimate space for electronic music, community, and just good vibes.

Best for: Electronic music.

Boogie Box

Boogie Box, created by Hassan Alwan, is a music event that hosts 12-hour beach parties in the mangroves outside the city. The last one happened on Hudayriat Island this November and was 15 hours long. FIFTEEN hours of nonstop party, music, dance. Wild.

Best for: House and techno music.

Secta Collective

Secta Collective is a music collective and community event in Dubai. The events are usually set in more industrial spaces – all concrete, steel and dim lighting. The choice of an industrial setting in a place like Dubai creates a certain juxtaposition. But, we live for that!

Best for: Rolling and hypnotic techno music.

Moist Paper Party

From parties at abandoned pools to abandoned rooftops, Moist Paper Party takes ‘underground’ very seriously. It calls itself the “DIY anti party”, committed to creating unorthodox experiences for the community. Abandoned pool? Sounds pretty unorthodox to me, but count me in. PS: Their next event will be donating all proceeds to Lebanon.

Best for: Breakbeat and techno music.

[Not Just]

The name tells the story: it’s not just another vibe. Not Just claims to be “curating an experiential journey for our patrons through Music & Art”. Taking place in bars, they have events for different music genres. The last one was a reggae event in 2023, but sadly… they’ve been inactive since. Here’s to hoping they return, keep a lookout for its comeback in 2025!

Best for: Multi-genre – reggae, disco, bass.

Vinyl Souk

Quite possibly the most popular music and culture community in Dubai. They usually host different events in collaboration with super cool venues like 25hours hotels, and Cinema Akhil. Their last event was a mini festival that took place November 24. If you missed it, keep an eye out for the next one. BTW: you’ll find Vinyl Souk at Sole DXB this year.

Best for: Multi-genre.

A Little Gatherings

It’s just a party. At least that’s what their instagram bio says. A little gathering hosts parties that play techno, house, and electronic beats. They give you little to no information except a time, place, and date. I guess that’s all the information we need anyway? Be there or be square.

Best for: Techno and house music.

Want to update yout tbr? Here’s our cosy vibe book picks.