A live band at a corporate event in Dubai usually has two jobs. During the reception and dinner it plays at a level people can talk over. After the awards or the speeches it turns up the energy and gets the room dancing. You book one here for gala dinners, awards nights, product launches, company dinners and end of year parties, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Price: a 4 to 6 piece showband usually costs AED 15,000 to AED 28,000, and a 7 to 9 piece band with a horn section usually AED 28,000 to AED 45,000. Jazz bands and acoustic trios are quoted per event. See live band prices.
Which band for which part of the night
Reception and networking. A jazz band or an acoustic duo or trio keeps the room warm without stopping conversation.
Dinner. Soft covers, standards or an Arabic takht ensemble playing classical songs. The volume stays low enough for tables to talk.
After the formal part. A pop and soul cover band, or a showband with a horn section, for the dance floor.
Brand moments. For a product launch the band can play a walk in song, a reveal cue or a song linked to the campaign. Agree these early so the band can rehearse them.
Built around your run sheet
Corporate programmes run to the minute. Send the run sheet with the slots you want music for: arrival, dinner, awards walk ups, the reveal, the party. A band usually plays two or three sets across the evening, often 40 to 45 minutes each, with recorded music or a DJ in the breaks.
Mixed audiences
Dubai events often bring together guests from many countries. Bands can play songs in English, Arabic, Hindi, Spanish and French. For a Gulf audience or a National Day event, ask about an Arabic band with Khaleeji songs.
Venue, sound and permits
- Sound. Many hotel ballrooms have house sound the band can plug into. For a room of 150 to 400 guests, plan a full PA and a sound engineer.
- Volume. Some ballrooms and beach clubs run a sound limiter. Share the limit before the band is booked.
- Stage. A full band with drums needs a stage or riser and power close by.
- Permits. Hotels arrange an internal approval. Public spaces, malls and outdoor venues open to the public usually need an event permit. Your venue or organiser confirms.
The guide to hiring a live band covers these in more detail.
Book the band
Send the date, the venue, the guest count, the slots and the style of music. The team checks which bands are free and sends videos and a price, with the line-up and set times in writing.
