The biggest problem facing the local rock scene is a lack of stages on which to perform.
While there are great venues such as Dubai’s Music Room, and community hubs such as Abu Dhabi’s White Cube, there are few opportunities for bands to command larger crowds.
So the Gulf Bike Week deserves a warm welcome. It’s the biggest celebration of local sounds, with 15 regional acts playing to thousands of people across three days and two stages at Dubai Media City this weekend.
Here’s my pick of the crop you won’t want to miss at this year’s event.
Craig Perry
This contemplative singer-songwriter is likely to be one of the least-heavy acts on the bill. Perry is recommended for those with a more delicate ear.
• Tomorrow, 2.45pm on the Time Out Dubai Festival Stage
Coat of Arms
With close to 15,000 fans on Facebook, Coat of Arms are one of the region’s best metal bands, mixing industrial riffs with a melodic sensibility and a welcome sense of groove.
• Tonight, 10pm, and Saturday, 7.30pm on The Rock Stage
Kicksound
This incredibly promising alternative-rock trio have a busy calendar the month ahead. They will launch their debut LP at Dubai’s Legends bar on November 14 and perform at the capital’s Beats on the Beach from November 20 to 22.
• Tomorrow, 4pm, and Saturday, 3.30pm on the Time Out Dubai Festival Stage
Nikotin
Since releasing their debut LP Panodrama this year, Nikotin have gone from strength to strength of late, warming up for American rockers Circle II Circle and playing the regional Rock Fest in the past two weeks alone. Expect hard and fast alt-rock riffs.
• Tomorrow, 8.30pm, and Saturday, 6.15pm on The Rock Stage
Riff Raff
The band smash out massive classic-rock bangers, packed with big riffs, squealing solos, and a rather palatable AC/DC influence. Shamelessly good fun.
• Tonight, 6.45pm, and tomorrow, 5.15pm on the Time Out Dubai Festival Stage
