Techno, karak and laundries: Inside Dubai DJ Rose-End’s sets

Dubai DJ and music producer Rose-End has been taking his electronic sets to unexpected locations around the city, filming them and sharing the results online. His shows often take place in places like laundries, cafeterias, and old buildings, offering a unique collision of underground music and everyday Dubai. The reason behind these unconventional venues is to showcase the roots of the city, particularly in the areas of Deira and Bur Dubai, where Dubai truly began.

Rose-End's journey into DJing began almost two decades ago when he was just in seventh grade. He started by mixing tracks using Windows Media Player and Winamp, without any professional DJ equipment. Despite having no formal equipment, he was immediately captivated by electronic music, falling in love with house, electro house, and tech house genres. The feeling of controlling the energy in the room while playing his favorite music resonated with him deeply.

Over the years, Rose-End's sound evolved into a "stylish underground" style that blends various genres, including house, techno, IDM, and trip-hop. He views DJing as a structured profession that requires discipline and a clear plan to achieve success. While creativity remains essential, he believes that structure is crucial for growth and reaching new levels in the music industry.

The unusual-location videos that have gained attention began long before Dubai. As a child in Russia, Rose-End had already filmed sets in unconventional locations like museums and snowy outdoor spots. When he moved to Dubai in 2023, he continued this practice and discovered a city full of possibilities for playing the music he loved.

He created his own party, JACK, to bring together people who share his passion for deep house, acid house, techno music, and EDM. The filming of sets in unexpected locations, however, has become a way for Rose-End to make his performances more engaging and to showcase the diverse neighborhoods of Dubai.