Ibiza Global Radio 95.3 UAE Steams Ahead into Third Year
We agree with hip-hop legends De La Soul: three is the magic number. Ibiza Global Radio 95.3 UAE enters its third year with big plans to impact the airwaves and the UAE’s nightlife scene. With hot new shows, live broadcasts and a series of fantastic festivals in the pipeline, we’re ramping up our game and strengthening our position locally, regionally and globally.
Every development at the station is designed to heighten the listeners’ experience. “Every decision is made with the listener in mind,” says Theo Makris (above), Managing Partner here at Ibiza Global Radio 95.3 UAE. “We bring the best local and international DJs to the station but our listeners are the real VIPs. They are at the heart of everything we do.”
Launched in August 2020 with the promise to deliver the best underground sounds, Ibiza Global Radio 95.3 UAE is witnessing rapid growth. More than 300,000 unique listeners tune into our FM frequency every day. And it’s a similar picture globally. Broadcasting from our Ibiza mothership HQ and Dubai satellite, Ibiza Global Radio reaches 10 million electronic music fans monthly across our combined FM and digital platforms.
Challenges & Rewards
“Weathering an unforeseen pandemic so soon after the station’s launch in Dubai brought a number of challenges,” admits Makris, reflecting on the Ibiza Global Radio 95.3 UAE journey so far. “But we came out the other side as a strong, united team and we’ve chalked up a number of significant milestones over the past 24 months. Seeing the audience figures grow is really rewarding and reflects the talent of our presenters and DJs – they are killing their shows. We’re the only station giving local artists and talent a chance to shine on a regional and global level,” adds Makris. “In two years, we’ve gone from the new kid on the block to becoming part of the fabric of the UAE’s electronic music scene. Now, steaming into our third year, we’re leading from the front. We’re gearing up for a massive season ahead.”
Statement of Intent
Indeed, our first Ibiza Global Radio UAE Beach Festival of the season is a statement of intent. The region’s best boutique festival returns to SOULBEACH, on Saturday 1st October, from noon until 1am. This time out, Themba, Stacey Pullen, Armonica, Neverdogs and Fleur Shore are charged with rocking the crowd. On sale now, first release tickets are a steal at just AED195 via Platinumlist.
“Our first two festivals before the summer break were epic,” recalls Makris. “Now we’re going full throttle with eight festival dates locked in for the new season. Each Beach Festival allows us to really strengthen our bond with our audience and give back to the listeners who support the station. Rest assured, we’ve got some mighty line-ups up our sleeve while the festival will continue to offer fantastic value for money.”
We feel your pain if you can’t get along to SOULBEACH on 1st October. But you needn’t miss out on the music – just tune into our live broadcast direct from the festival. Bringing the weekend right into your home, Ibiza Global Radio 95.3 UAE also broadcasts live from Dubai hotspot Moe’s on the 5th every Friday, too. From beach to bar, expect more live broadcasts from the coolest venues in town over the coming months.
Showtime
Back in the studio, new presenters are finding their groove. Long-time Dubai DJs Dan Chadwick and Kristian Valdini bring SoMuchHeat to the airwaves every Saturday, at 10am. Known for their brilliant pop-up parties and guest appearances, Dan and Kristian’s love for soulful dance music spans from disco to house and everything in between.
A familiar name on Dubai’s party scene, Jon Besant picks up the baton from Dan and Kristian with his Live for the Weekend show, every Saturday, at 11am. A weekly energy boost, Jon’s show is crammed with vocal house classics, old school gems, nu disco cuts and floor-filling anthems.
Another hot ticket is Xavi Emparan’s Day Break show (Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon and Tuesday and Thursday at 2pm). The continent-hopping DJ and presenter brings Ibiza and Dubai closer together at every opportunity. Riding out the summer in Ibiza and currently broadcasting from the station’s HQ in Playa d’en Bossa, Xavi invites UAE DJs visiting the White Isle onto his show. Once the island’s party season winds down in October, Xavi will hop on a flight and rejoin the station’s UAE team. Back in this neck of the woods, he’ll welcome international guests from Ibiza and all around the world into our high-tech Dubai studio.
“We’re all about growing the electronic dance music community,” stresses Makris. “With Ibiza Global Radio’s long-standing history on the island and our growing reputation here in the UAE, DJs and artists want to swing by for interviews and guest mixes. They know we’re a station they can trust.”