Dubai Desert Rock Festival

Last updated
Dubai Desert Rock Festival
DDRF.jpg
Dubai Desert Rock Fest
Genre Rock, metal
DatesMarch
Location(s) Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Years active2004–2009
Founded byCenter Stage Management

The Dubai Desert Rock Festival was an event celebrating various styles of rock and metal music on one stage in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Originally a one-day festival, it was expanded to two days in 2007 and 2008, before its eventual cancellation after the 2009 event. Main Event includes Rock and Metal Music which is played in the Middle of Desert of Dubai. Dubai government authorized it. The festival also Includes off-roading, food and dune buggy rentals. [1]

Contents

History

2004

The headliner, Limp Bizkit cancelled their appearance 48 hours before the show, allegedly because frontman Fred Durst felt “unsafe” travelling to the region.

2005

Dubai Desert Rock developed into a full-day festival and featured rock bands from around the world, including Machine Head, Sepultura, Within Temptation, and headliners The Darkness. Saxon were scheduled to appear but were forced to cancel due to a family emergency. Frontman Biff Byford appeared via video to explain the situation and assured fans that they would be there for next year's festival.

2006

The Line-up for this year on March 18 included:

2007

For the 2007 installment of Dubai Desert Rock Festival the following bands performed: [3] [4]

March 9:

March 10:

2008

The year 2008 marked the festival's 5th anniversary and was the biggest rock festival to be held in Dubai to date. The festival was held in Dubai Festival City. There was a 50m suspended bar in the air as a world premiere. [5]

March 7:

March 8:

2009

Dubai Desert Rock Festival 2009 took place at Dubai Festival City on March 6. The event was a one-day affair (in contrast to the previous two editions) and focused on heavy metal. Opeth, Chimaira, Arch Enemy, August Burns Red and Nervecell performed, with Motörhead headlining. [8]

Line-up (2009):

2010

In February 2010, the organisers of the Dubai Desert Rock Festival (Center Stage Management) announced that they were not going to be holding the festival, in an effort to 'extend the reach of the company'.

CSM's Managing Director, explained:

“This decision was not taken lightly and was well thought-through with my team in my company’s best interests. It marks the beginning of a new era for CSM, a human-sized yet international entertainment-specialized company, which I’ve chosen to grow beyond UAE boundaries. I have focused uniquely on the Middle East in the past 10 years, which has positioned CSM to build a credible and reputable name; it’s now time to take it to another level. We’ve always taken pride in producing top-quality events which is why in order to develop my company in a professional manner (to equal its standards), we will focus on our international projects and artist management, until further notice”. [9]

Amusements

The Dubai Desert Rock Festival could be an incredible blending of traditional Emirati culture with the adrenaline-fueled spirit of rock music. Here's how it could look:

1. Rock Music Stages: The core of the festival would be multiple stages featuring rock bands from all over the world. There could be a Main Stage for international acts, an Emerging Artists Stage for new bands, and a Local Talent Stage for rock bands from the UAE and surrounding regions.

2. Desert Expeditions: Visitors could take a break from the music to join guided tours of the desert, riding on camels or in 4x4 vehicles. The expeditions could include stops for dune bashing, sandboarding, and experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the desert at sunset.

3. Bedouin Experience: There could be a Bedouin-style camp, where festival-goers could experience traditional Emirati culture, complete with tented seating, [10] traditional music and dance performances, henna tattoo artists, and local cuisine.

4. Adventure Zone: An area could be set aside for thrill-seekers, offering activities like dune buggy races, hot air balloon rides, skydiving, and rock climbing.

5. Art and Crafts Bazaar: Local artisans could showcase their wares, giving visitors the opportunity to buy unique souvenirs and gifts. It could feature pottery, jewelry, traditional garments, and more.

6. Food and Drink: A diverse selection of food vendors could cater to a wide range of tastes, offering everything from local Emirati delicacies to international street food. There could also be a zone dedicated to craft beers and wines, featuring local and global varieties.

7. Wellness Oasis: To balance out the high-energy activities, there could be a quieter area for relaxation and wellness. This could include yoga classes, massage stations, meditation sessions, and wellness workshops.

8. Night Time Entertainment: As the sun goes down, the festival could shift gears. Fire dancers and light shows could take over the desert, while DJs spin tracks late into the night for those wanting to dance under the stars.

9. Kids Zone: Family-friendly activities could ensure that the festival appeals to all ages. A children's area could offer face painting, music workshops, storytelling, and fun fair-style games.

The Dubai Desert Rock Festival, with its fusion of music, adventure, and culture, would be a unique experience unlike any other. while Guest are transported via private Bus system [11]

See also

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References

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  8. 2009 headliners
  9. "Center Stage Management". Csmme.com. Archived from the original on 2013-01-17. Retrieved 2013-03-17.
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