image
MusicDubai

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Your Must-Listen: Made In The Emirates By Vinyl Souk & 25hours Hotel

12 Mar 2025

If you are a music lover, this news is for you! Made in the Emirates is out — a unique music collection blending contemporary sounds with local influences, created by emerging artists. This special project was developed in collaboration with Vinyl Souk, the UAE’s music-focused marketplace and platform for alternative music, and 25hours Hotel One Central, a place known for fostering local and emerging communities.
How did this idea come to life, and why is it a must-listen for anyone looking to explore the local music scene? We understand this with the help of Jayesh Veralkar, Co-founder of Vinyl Souk, and Leonardo Reis, PR & Partnerships Manager at 25hours Hotel One Central, as they share their insights — an exclusive look from insiders! Before its online release on the STR this Friday, let us dive into the record.

What makes it different from any other record?

This collaboration felt almost too good to be true — the perfect blend we could only imagine. Vinyl Souk has always been about fostering a vibrant alternative music and vinyl culture community. But it isn't just a digital movement — it thrives in real life through educational initiatives, vinyl marketplaces, and live events. That is where 25hours Hotel One Central became the perfect addition to the mix. Whether through music, art, or supporting local talent, 25hours continues to champion the creatives shaping Dubai’s future. But what makes Made in the Emirates truly stand out?
First — the music itself. This project is an unprecedented fusion of sounds, where diverse influences seamlessly intertwine. It brings together a mix of experiences and instruments, from classic keys and bass guitars to an array of drums, electronic elements, and layered vocals.
But what really sets it apart are the deeply personal reflections from each artist — on what music means to them, what love is, and what it feels like to finally be heard. Some share stories of struggle and resilience, moments that shaped their creativity and inspired them to create. There is a deep sense of gratitude in their words, giving real soul to the sound you will be listening to.
image
We see records — just like books — as an immortal format, something that can be passed down from one generation to another. They are also an incredible tool for archiving and preservation. That is why, in January 2025, we launched Vinyl Souk Records, a vinyl-only label dedicated to releasing alternative music from the UAE and beyond. Our first compilation series, Made in the Emirates, was created to shine a spotlight on talent based in the UAE, regardless of their origins. Through this project, we hope to inspire others — both locally and internationally — to explore and appreciate the depth of the UAE’s music scene.— Jayesh Veralkar, Co-founder of Vinyl Souk
This collection is more than just a set of tracks; it’s a sonic snapshot of a cultural moment in the Emirates, blending an eclectic mix of genres—from Khaliji and indie to jazz fusion, alternative, and world music. Made in the Emirates – Volume 1 captures the UAE’s rich musical landscape, fusing traditional influences with contemporary innovation to create something truly unique.— Leonardo Reis, PR & Partnerships Manager at 25hours Hotel
image

Artists represented: Why we should pay attention to them?

At its core, Made in the Emirates — Volume 1 brings together some of the UAE’s most exciting and boundary-pushing artists, including ABRI, Adiga, Amal Waqar, Boom.Diwan, Bull Funk Zoo, NOON, Noush Like Sploosh, Shilpa Ananth, and WYWY.
If you are passionate about music that blends cultures, emotions, and bold creativity, these are the artists to know. Here is a glimpse of just a few of them:
ABRI — The man with that voice. Soulful, powerful, and unmistakable, ABRI is a key figure in the UAE’s music scene. And if you have seen him perform lately, you have probably noticed his signature cap. For Made in the Emirates, Vol. 1, ABRI fused two tracks that had been sitting on his laptop, creating a song that reminds us how trivial our daily stresses are in the grand scheme of things. His songwriting has always been his superpower, and this track is no exception.
Bull Funk Zoo — A true guitar wizard. Whether performing solo or with his band, Bull Funk Zoo mixes raw energy with musical craftsmanship. Over the years, he is carved out his own path in the scene and is now exploring psychedelic funk and beyond.
Shilpa Ananth — An Indian singer-songwriter whose unique style brings deep cultural richness to this collection. Her sound blends the oldest Indian languages — Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi — with English, creating something truly one of a kind.
WYWY — If you were at Sikka, you felt their performance. They don't just play music —they become it. Ethereal vocals, cosmic melodies, and a stage presence that leaves you breathless — each performance is an experience in itself.
image

Why is this initiative so important?

For me, Made in the Emirates is, first of all, the perfect blend of talent and music for the soul — a great listen in the evening when you want to clear your mind and immerse yourself in the beauty of music. It is also an exciting discovery of new artists — people you may have never heard of before, but once you do, you will never lose sight of them. But that is just my perspective. To truly understand its importance, let us dive into the significance of this initiative from the perspective of its founders:
This project holds a very special place for me, as every aspect of it reflects our values. We have the opportunity to use our brand to create a real impact and drive transformation within the UAE’s cultural scene. Through Jayesh’s unique vision and experience in the music industry, we’ve brought the essence of 25hours Hotel One Central into this album. We’ve curated artists and songs created and produced in the UAE. Additionally, the illustration by Khaled Mezaina, one of the contributors to our hotel’s art curation (the illustration on the back cover is the same one you’ll find in our lobby), extends his artistic work to the album cover, further strengthening this connection. And we are so happy to invite everyone to listen to the album at Analogue Circus in 25hours Hotel One Central, the only place where the vinyl is available for listening, as the Volume 1 is already sold out.— Leonardo Reis, PR and Partnerships Manager at 25hours Hotel
At the core of this project, we aim to create a vibrant community that connects subcultures, emerging artists, and local audiences. Through our uniquely curated events, we offer live performances, artist showcases, and educational initiatives, all celebrating the region’s diverse and creative spirit under one platform. — Jayesh Veralkar, Co-Founder of Vinyl Souk
Play