The legendary DJ will launch the Seven Wonders series in Ras Al Khaimah with a never-seen-before show.
Dubai’s events calendar may be buzzing, but Armin van Buuren ’s upcoming show in Ras Al Khaimah is all we can talk about. In case you missed it, the globally acclaimed DJ and record producer will launch experiential new event series Seven Wonders on 24 October with the world premiere of Pillars of Creation, a show that pushes the boundaries of sound, light and immersive storytelling to deliver a truly otherworldly experience. Here, he reveals what its preparation entails and makes his UAE fans so special.
Are you looking forward to returning to the UAE? What makes you keep coming back?
My family loves the UAE! I’ll be spending a bit of holiday time after the event, as my children have school holidays. We’re combining our trip to Ras Al Khaimah with the event. Then, my family will join me for a few days to enjoy the sunshine. I really love the relaxed vibe — the beaches are lovely, the food is excellent, and the people are super nice. The shopping is fantastic, too, and there’s so much to do and see, including some iconic places. What’s not to like, really? I absolutely love being there.
You’re familiar with the UAE, but have you been to Ras Al Khaimah before?
Honestly, I haven’t been yet. I’ve visited Abu Dhabi and Dubai many times. But I do know that Ras Al Khaimah is the new hotspot for families and those looking to relax and focus on wellness, which is something I’m really interested in. I always try to take care of my body; I love sports and working out, and I’m currently on a diet, so it suits me well. When they asked me for Seven Wonders, we already had an idea on the shelf called Pillars of Creation, something I’ve secretly been working on. So it’s very much my sound — a little bit more progressive or a bit more deep. I’m excited to bring it to Ras Al Khaimah. It’s a new concept that I hope to bring to other cities around the world, but it’s going to be a world premiere in the UAE for sure.
Can you tell us more about the event or is it all top secret for now?
It is a bit top secret because the stage is something you’ve never seen before, but let me tell you that the fans will be part of the stage. So it’s like the people are going to be around me. Maybe that’s all I can share for now. It’s a new way of interacting with the crowd. When I play at a big festival, you have the stage and the people. This concept is similar to a few things I’ve done at past events, where there are fans on stage. I think it’s so important to have that connection — they’re the ones who make this possible. But also, I don’t like the idea of the DJ and the crowd because I am the crowd as well. The only difference is I’m the one playing the music, but I like the people around me.
When I started as a DJ, playing in smaller clubs, the crowds were usually closer to me. And I loved that sort of intimate feeling. Now, I know it’s hard to create an intimate feeling if there are so many people around you, but it’s an attempt at that. It’s an attempt to do something new and unique, and see how people will feel. Because I think it will feel something like a fairy tale. What I’ve seen now from the drawings and our plans is to be something next level. And I’m not just saying this because I need to promote this event, but because I believe it. If you see the footage afterwards, you’re going to say, ‘I was part of it.’
What’s so special about the UAE and its audiences?
First of all, there are many people from all over the world in the UAE — expats, people who are working here, or people who just like to live here. Also, a lot of people visit on holiday, so it’s a little bit like Ibiza. And I just think you can feel that in the atmosphere. People are there to have a good time, so they’re more relaxed than they are in their home countries. And people feel more free. They’re more up for an adventure.
How do you prepare for a show, especially one of this scale? And what gets you into the right frame of mind to go on stage and put on an unbelievable show, like you always do?
Well, I’m flying a gigantic team with me from the Netherlands to make this show possible. I can’t reveal too much, but I need a big crew to make this happen. I’ve created a few songs especially for this event, and I’ve already been working on my setlist. I don’t play a pre-programmed or planned set. However, I do prepare my set in the sense that I know my opening and closing tracks. I know what live PAs [performances/guest singers] I’m going to do and build towards that. And for me, it’s also a little experiment in the sonic sense. I hope to bring a sound that’s a little bit more electronic, a little deeper, a little less commercial, and more progressive.
It’s a sound I love very much, and one that I’ve been playing a lot throughout my career in my radio shows. But when I play one-hour main stage shows, people expect to hear my big hits. And there’s nothing wrong with that. I love doing that. But this particular show gives me the option to really sort of experiment with a more progressive-sounding set. I think the days when you just show up at a festival and play your big hits are gone — you have to try to make a difference musically with your show. So it’s not necessarily a financial decision, but more of a creative one. I’m at a point right now in my career where I love to do more challenging things and think outside the box.
As summer has ended and all the big European festivals are over, what does the rest of 2024 look like for you?
I’m leaving for Brazil to perform at Tomorrowland and Argentina and Colombia tomorrow, then I head home for the Amsterdam Dance Event. My show in Ras Al Khaimah will follow, after which I’ll celebrate with a little holiday. After that, I’ll head to the US for two weeks to do some big shows. There’s my show at Dreamstate in California, and Echostage in Washington DC for its 25 Years of Glow anniversary. I’ll also be doing a few secret shows as well. And then in December, I’m going to Asia.
Any plans for while you are in Ras Al Khaimah? A go on the world’s longest zipline, perhaps?
That’s an amazing tip! I’ll definitely do that.
Can you sum up the UAE for us in three words?
For me, the UAE is relaxing. It’s family. It’s amazing. Food and shopping, of course, and just the good life in general.
DSCVR: Armin van Buuren. Pillars of Creation, Seven Wonders, Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah. @sevenwondersme
