A live band in Dubai usually costs from about AED 3,000 for a small Arabic duo to AED 28,000 for a 4 to 6 piece showband, and more for big bands with horns and dancers. The size of the band and how long it plays set most of the price. Jazz bands, acoustic duos and cover bands are quoted per event. Send your date and venue and you get an exact figure.
Usual price ranges
These are usual ranges for Dubai and Abu Dhabi bookings, not fixed prices. Your quote depends on the date, the venue and the set times.
| Band | Usual price |
|---|---|
| Solo oud player, 60 minutes | AED 1,800 to AED 3,200 |
| Oud and qanun duo, 90 minutes | AED 3,000 to AED 5,500 |
| Arabic takht ensemble, 4 to 5 musicians | AED 7,000 to AED 12,000 |
| Khaleeji band, 5 to 6 musicians | AED 9,000 to AED 16,000 |
| Arabic pop band, 6 to 8 musicians | AED 14,000 to AED 24,000 |
| Arabic fusion band with sax or DJ | AED 16,000 to AED 28,000 |
| Showband, 4 to 6 piece: vocals, keys, guitar, bass, drums | AED 15,000 to AED 28,000 |
| Showband, 7 to 9 piece with a horn section | AED 28,000 to AED 45,000 |
| Showband, 10 to 14 or more with horns and dancers | AED 45,000 to AED 80,000 or more |
| Jazz band, acoustic duo or trio, cover band | Quoted per event |
More detail on the Arabic line-ups is on the Arabic band page.
What sets the price
The number of musicians. Every musician on stage is paid, so a duo costs far less than a 10 piece band.
How long the band plays. Two sets cost less than three. A band usually plays two or three sets across the evening, often 40 to 45 minutes each.
The singer. In Arabic line-ups, a female singer usually adds AED 2,000 to AED 5,000.
Languages. Arabic and English sets in one show can add to the price.
Extras. A horn section, dancers or an MC added to the act.
Sound. A sound engineer and PA for a room over 150 guests usually add AED 1,500 to AED 3,000 if the venue has no house sound.
The date. Ramadan, National Day and the October to March season cost more and book up first.
Travel. Travel to Abu Dhabi or Sharjah can add a fee.
What a good quote lists
Ask for each item in writing, so you can compare quotes fairly:
- the musicians and instruments, and the number of performers,
- the number of sets and the total minutes,
- outfits and travel,
- sound, stage and engineer, or a note that the venue supplies them,
- any song learnt specially for you.
Ways to fit your budget
- Book a duo or trio for the welcome drinks and a full band only for the party.
- Choose two longer sets instead of three.
- Use the venue's house sound where it has one.
- Pick a date outside the October to March peak, or book early.
Get an exact price
Send the date, the venue, the type of event, the guest count and the band you like. You get bands who are free, with videos and a price. Read the guide to hiring a live band for space, sound and timing, or ask for a quote.
