When news broke of the catastrophic explosion at Beirut Port on 4 August 2020, Dubai-based guitarist and composer, Niki Mukhi, like many others around the world, was devastated. “It just didn’t seem real,” he commented. “It’s been a devastating year all round, but this disaster really hit home, with so many people having their homes destroyed, and businesses blown to the ground.” While the world watched on in horror as the numbers of dead or displaced continued to rise, Mukhi, whose father was born in Beirut, felt a burning desire to do whatever he could to help the ongoing humanitarian…
Author: James Robertson
Celebrated every year on 2 December, UAE National Day is always a major day on the country’s events calendar. While the holiday is typically marked with a massive live production attended by thousands, with mass gatherings off the table under the current circumstances, this year’s show was a very different proposition. Conceived by Artistic Director and Designer, Es Devlin and produced by LarMac PROJECTS, the UAE 49th National Day Show took the form of a kinetic illuminated sculpture installed in the Abu Dhabi Mangroves. Themed Seeds of the Union and enriched by an incredible team of local artists and collaborators,…
It’s fair to say that 2020 was a hellish year for most people – not least for those in the live events industry. While stripped-back shows and living room livestreams have at least provided some sustenance in this most sparse of years, since the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March, in truth, there has been precious little in the way of genuine large-scale live events, with top-end production values to match. However, as legendary US rock band KISS took to the stage at Dubai’s Atlantis The Palm just a couple of hours prior to midnight on 31 December, all that changed.…
Ever since the global pandemic slammed the breaks on the UAE’s previously thriving events industry, professionals throughout the sector have been racking their brains to come up with a way of getting live events back up and running in a safe and secure manner. One such industry authority who has been relentless in his pursuit of a safe return to events is Dan Bolton, Owner and Director of Dan Bolton Creative Management Agency. https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/tpmea27_digitallr/22 Photos: Hyku Photography / Breakout Dxb www.3db-dxb.com www.danbolton.me www.gallowglasshs.com
In normal circumstances, the launch of a new car isn’t something that would necessarily get our pulse racing. However, when a car launch comes in the form of a stunning 33,000 sq m light show on the façade of the Burj Khalifa, combined with a unique drive-in concept featuring a huge LED screen and a 200m drone show… Well, it’s safe to say that our interest is well and truly piqued. https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/tpmea27_digitallr/30 Photos: Done Events www.ao-technology.com www.doneevents.com www.gtv.ae www.mediapro-av.com
While companies and individuals across the globe were feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the untimely passing of Gulf Crewing Founder, Nigel Beaton, sent shockwaves throughout the industry and beyond. A hugely popular and influential character, Nigel left behind not only a well-established company in Gulf Crewing (GCC), but also a loving family. Keen that her husband’s outstanding legacy should be continued – and with a long and successful career in the industry in her own right to draw experience from – Karen Beaton is confident that she is the woman to take the company forward. https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/tpmea27_digitallr/18 Photos: Gulf…
The UAE events sector has been hit hard by the colossal loss in revenue caused by the pandemic. Originally, we thought the timing could have been worse; although we lost the end of what was a successful events season for most, we were not so far away from the quiet summer months where all of us budget for little to no turnover for two or three months anyway. Things will be back to normal by September, we thought… However, the bleak reality is that COVID-19 has taken and continues to take a large bite out of the 20/21 season, as…
The origin story of RED Events is one that centres around the vision and passion of its founder, Arif Ebrahim, who launched the company back in 2005. With UAE federal and government entities requesting increasingly spectacular productions, RED was founded specifically to cater to that rapidly growing demand. “Back then, the company had just six full-time employees,” recalled Sonal Lohia, Director – Events at Red Events. “Everyone had to get involved in every aspect of each event, from creative conceptualisation to flawless implementation.” https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/tpmea26_digitallr/42 Photos: RED Events www.redeventspro.com
The head of Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena sits down with TPMEA’s Peter Iantorno to discuss the arena’s plan for emerging from the global pandemic, healthy regional competition and the potential for a genuine middle east touring route. https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/tpmea26_digitallr/34 Photos: Coca-Cola Arena www.coca-cola-arena.com
After the enforced hiatus of live events due to COVID-19, Dubai continued its journey out of lockdown, with a trio of sell-out shows from British comedian, Jimmy Carr. Appearing in the UAE for the first time, Carr brought his Terribly Funny show to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for DXB Laughs as part of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/tpmea26_digitallr/26 Photos: Done Events www.doneevents.com www.dwtc.com www.dxblaughs.ae www.jimmycarr.com www.visitdubai.com
With Tomorrowland taking its annual festival online this year, Envie Events provided Dubai residents with a spectacular hybrid digital festival, allowing ticket holders to experience virtual performances from a star-studded bill of headliners, combined with a real-life production at Festival Arena by InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Taking place on 25 and 26 July as part of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), the two-day event featured sets from the likes of Katy Perry, Afrojack, Steve Aoki, David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Tiësto and many more. https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/tpmea26_digitallr/18 Photos: eclipse Staging Services www.aes.ae www.eclipse.ae www.envie-events.com www.tomorrowland.com
Every time I try and put pen to paper, no matter how many times I promise myself that it won’t happen, the subject matter always seems to gravitate towards COVID-19 and the massive challenge that the live events and entertainment industry undoubtedly faces. https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/tpmea26_digitallr/6 Photos: Dan Bolton www.danbolton.me
