If you wandered into the 25hours Hotel on a recent weekend, you may have heard the crackle of a record needle, caught a rare groove mid-spin, or stumbled into a conversation about deep cuts and dust-sleeve finds. That’s Vinyl Souk — a grassroots cultural pop-up that’s quietly redefining Dubai’s relationship with music.
We at Dubai Audio were proud to support the last two editions of Vinyl Souk, partnering with the event not just to showcase sound systems, but to support a growing community that feels deeply aligned with our values: connection through music, intentional listening, and analog discovery.
A Cultural Exchange in Every Sense
Co-founded by Jayesh and a close-knit group of music lovers, Vinyl Souk isn’t just a market — it’s a movement. Part record fair, part listening session, part impromptu storytelling salon, it attracts collectors, DJs, musicians, label reps, and first-timers alike.
“We wanted to create something grassroots, raw and authentic — where people connect over music and stories,” - Jayesh told us.
The vibe at the 25hours Hotel was exactly that. Tables lined with rare vinyl, independent sellers sharing their crates, international and local DJs spinning everything from Afrobeat to ambient, and — most importantly — people gathered not to scroll or stream, but to listen.
Vinyl Is Rising in the UAE — And It’s Beautiful to Watch
Since its launch, Vinyl Souk has helped spark new curiosity in analog formats across the UAE. According to Jayesh, the scene has gone from a niche corner of the city to a growing subculture.
“More collectors are showing up. More people are bringing their own records to spin. Local sellers are trading. International labels are paying attention. It feels like something that was always there, just waiting for the right platform.”
And now, with each event, that platform is growing stronger — a space where DJs, audiophiles, and casual music lovers share the same tables and conversations.
The Experience: Music, Memory, and Intention
There’s something quietly powerful about listening to vinyl in a public setting. No algorithm. No shuffle. Just someone choosing the next track with care — and everyone else leaning in.
For Jayesh, this is what makes vinyl irreplaceable:
“It’s not just music. It’s tactile. It’s intentional. Playing a record reminds me why I love music — it’s about the feeling, and the memory.”
We couldn’t agree more. At Dubai Audio, we’ve always believed that how you listen matters. Supporting events like Vinyl Souk is one of the ways we champion listening as an art form — whether that’s through high-end audio systems or cultural gatherings like these.
Why It Matters
In a region known for speed, digital saturation, and endless motion, Vinyl Souk offers something rare: a reason to slow down, connect, and rediscover sound as a physical experience.
As Jayesh put it:
“Our community is unique because of its diversity and accessibility. It's not about how big your collection is — it’s about connection through music.”
And that’s the beauty of it. It doesn’t matter whether you walked in with a wish list or wandered in by chance. Everyone leaves with a story, a song, or a new sense of what music can be.
See You at the Next One
We’ll be there — spinning, listening, supporting. Because this isn’t just about nostalgia or vinyl. It’s about building a real, lasting culture of music in the UAE. One record at a time.
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