We Know What You Are Doing On February 22: Karak On the Dhow. Here Is Why

by Alexandra Mansilla

We Know What You Are Doing On February 22: Karak On the Dhow. Here Is Why

20 Feb 2025

Karak on the Dhow (2024). Source: thekarak.ae

Karak On the Dhow is just around the corner — happening in two days, on February 22. If you haven’t got your tickets yet, you can still grab them here. But don’t wait too long — spots on the dhow are limited!

If you are the kind of person who hates missing out (we know that FOMO feeling), this is definitely something you don’t want to miss. Everyone will be there, and it is the kind of event where you just belong. Plus, it is more than just a night of music — it is a celebration of the local community, filled with good vibes, great conversations, and an atmosphere you won’t forget. Let us break it down step by step.

First off, it is… a boat!

Yes, THE KARAK did this last year, turning their conversations into a full-on experience aboard a boat (pirate boat!). And let us be real — it took things to a whole new level. Just picture it: deep conversations, music, and dancing, all happening while drifting through the water. Honestly? It is the kind of thing that sticks with you.

Karak on the Dhow (2024). Source: thekarak.ae

Second: You will be surrounded by your favourite creatives

The masterminds behind THE KARAK, Faizal Razak and Lava Ilieva, will be there, making sure everything flows. These two have built something special for the local creative scene, and their energy is contagious. Karak on the Dhow is your chance to chat with them, hear their stories, and even leave with some fresh inspiration.

This time, Faizal will be joined by Omar Abul Ata, a creative strategist, storyteller and founder of Reserve Marketplace, as his co-host for The Fashion Industry Talk. And the guest lineup? Solid:

— Oscar Badibanga — Co-founder & Creative Director of Badibanga

— Gilda Gilantash Badibanga — Co-founder & Chief Brand Officer of Badibanga

Third: The best music

— ABRI. If you know, you know. Abri’s voice is pure magic — soulful, rich, and timeless. He blends funk, jazz, and R&B like it is second nature and his live performances? Unmatched. If you haven’t seen him live yet, this is your moment.

— KLO. She has got a way of reading the crowd like a book. Deep, hypnotic house vibes, bass-heavy grooves, and beats that hit just right.

— DJ Ranger. The kind of DJ who keeps you on your toes. Expect unexpected remixes, genre-hopping energy, and bass-heavy cuts that refuse to let you take a break.

— Bymishh. A master of blending global sounds with serious club energy. His sets feel fresh every time, packed with underground gems and moments that make you go, "Wait… what is this track?!"

— DJ Mo City. A legend. If you have been around the music scene, you already know. He has been shaping sounds, breaking boundaries, and curating some of the best music in the region for years. What to expect from him? In his own words: “I'm bringing the vibes with a fun mix of Dancehall, Global bass, and some Jamaican hybrid club bangers. That’s kind of my core sound — exclusive stuff that no one else in the world can play but me. A lot of it is music I’ve co-produced or unreleased tracks, so expect something different. Since there are some reggae DJs on the lineup, I’ll definitely tap into my reggae side a bit, too.”

Karak on the Dhow (2024). Source: thekarak.ae

Fourth: Art installation

This piece is a collaboration between koshta.collective and The Sandy Times, with Nickie Zimov as the artist behind it. (You might remember his video work from Art Dubai last year.)

So, what is it? A video. We won’t spoil everything — you need to see it for yourself. But here is a glimpse of the concept:

Nickie Zimov: “I have rethought the idea of movement — it has evolved into something about the fear of anticipation. That stretched-out, anxious, nervous, excited kind of waiting. It will be a series of short shots — sometimes separate, sometimes interwoven.

The whole thing is tied together by the idea of waiting for something unknown. And most likely, I will add my own music to it as well.”

Karak on the Dhow (2024). Source: thekarak.ae

Fifth: Baqala

If you are like us and always on the lookout for cool local brands to snag something unique — this one is for you. On the dhow, there will be a dedicated space just for homegrown brands from the region, showcasing creativity and craftsmanship at its best. You might discover some hidden gems, connect with brands you already love, and, of course, pick up a few special finds along the way.

by Alexandra Mansilla