Issam Kazim, the Chief Executive of DTCM has announced that Dubai’s entertainment scene to have mixed offerings in the future, with intimate live performances being blended with online entertainment.
The move comes as the sector continues to slowly recover from the impacts of Covid-19, the ensuing lockdown and the continued restrictions. It was announced by Issam Kazim, CEO of the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
Speaking at an Instagram Live discussion on the future of live events as a result of Covid-19, alongside DJ, promoter and entrepreneur Charl Chakah, he said: “It’s very difficult for us to give a date at this stage. Things are changing on a daily basis; we are keeping our fingers on the pulse to ensure that we are aware of any of the dynamics. But at the same time I don’t think it’s going to be very soon. We’re hoping as much as you that the sooner we get there the better, within the parameters that we’ve set.”
The events and entertainment industry across Dubai has been completely decimated with the closure of hotels, bars and restaurants in the last four months, coupled with curfews, lockdowns and social distancing measures being implemented.
However, Kazim admitted he has been impressed by the switch to online performances from artists across the emirate.
“What we’ve seen is, with the concerts, whether it’s a guy at his home on his balcony with a guitar, and broadcasting live, not just across Dubai or the UAE, but even global. The amount of people that I’ve tuned into myself, local performers and DJs performing live, and then seeing all the people from all around the world giving shout-outs from different cities and countries that are tuning in, and putting Dubai on the map, that’s a big message,” he said.
