From established dance floor fillers to crossover kings (and queens), forward-thinking producers to young artists just setting out on their journey, the regional clubbing scene is absolutely thriving.

Here’s our guide to the top DJs in the Middle East that should be headlining your to-see list.

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Adam Rahman

As a DJ, promoter, label owner and festival co-ordinator, Adam Rahman’s impact on developing the dance music scene in the Middle East has been massive. Credited with being one of the DJs who brought forward-thinking techo and electronica to the region pre-Millennium, he launched his WARPED nights at a time when the underground music landscape was very much in its infancy.

This guy has longevity: to add to his accomplishments, he’s played a number of international gigs, is a headline name in his native India and an integral part of the Groove on the Grass team.
@adam rahman03

Basil Al-Hadi

Well before he established himself as one of the most sought-after DJs, songwriters and producers in the UAE, Kuwaiti-born Basil Al-Hadi (stage name: Karrouhat), started his music career as the lead singer of a reggae band. Those early influences proved pivotal; these days he blends international reggae hits with classic Arab tunes to crowd-pleasing effect.

A true champion of Arab music and an ardent advocate for bringing it into the mainstream, Al Hadi is well known for his creative vision, unique style and fashion nous (he has appeared on the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week and starred in campaigns for Burberry). His infectious energy and original sound mean that he continues to be not just one of the most reliable party-starting spinners around, but a DJ that will keep the people moving all night long.
@karrouhat

Biirdperson

Having launched her on-stage persona Biirdperson in 2018, Lujain Albishi is making waves in KSA’s fast developing underground music culture movement.

Part of this success is due to her refusal to be pigeonholed. While she has a long-term love for electronic music, the self-taught DJ stands out for her refusal to focus on one sound, mixing house, groove and soul into her eclectic mixes. Her experience as an established filmmaker is meanwhile reflected in the way she tell stories with her sets, evoking emotions and often a strong sense of nostalgia to heart-string tugging effect.

Having recently partnered with Adidas as part of their ‘playground of possibilities’ series and with gigs lined up in Zanzibar for early February, 2022 looks set to be the year that Biirdperson really starts to fly.
@biirdperson