Go all white and celebrate life
The electronic music festival Sensation Dubai returns with Sam Feldt, Steve Angello and more
S ensation is back for another round of DJ sets at Meydan Racecourse today. And Sam Feldt, the second act expected on stage at 9pm, says he’s bringing all his energy to the show.
“I’m super excited to finally be coming back to Dubai again. I’m bringing the Sam Feldt live band so the show will include live sax and trumpet elements,” he revealed to tabloid!. “I’ve just released my album
Sunrise, which I’m going to play a lot of new music off. Sensation is a very special event and concept to me, so I’m preparing something very unique for you guys.”
Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, who will take over proceedings past midnight for the evening’s penultimate performance (Steve Angello closes the night), have also promised a high-energy set: “As always, we want every night to be perfect, and definitely take the party to the next level with an amazing show. So, we got a lot of surprises and sexy tunes planned for everyone.”
Here’s a rundown on what you can expect.
What is Sensation?
Sensation is a global electronic dance music (EDM) festival. The first edition of Sensation took place nearly 18 years ago in Amsterdam. That inaugural show didn’t sell out — it attracted about 20,000 people — but the media claimed it had in order to boost the show’s status. Sensation has since grown in reach and scope and attracts sell-out audiences regularly. Other than the Netherlands and the UAE, Sensation also takes place in Mexico, Canada, Thailand, Taiwan and beyond. Each year, the festival operates under a new theme. The common thread between its events is a strict dress code.
What is the dress code?
The dress code for Sensation is all white, and it’s strictly enforced. There’s even a shop outside the venue selling white clothes in case you slip up. Here’s what’s allowed: white shirts with small prints in another shade, non-white accessories or shoes, and a maximum of 20 per cent non-white elements in your overall outfit (if you’re unsure how to measure that, welcome to the club). Keep in mind, when the organisers say white, they mean white — not beige, brown or grey. The reasoning for this is they like to create a sense of unity. Or as the internet would say: do it for the aesthetic.
What’s this year’s theme?
Celebrate Life.
Who’s performing?
Doors will open at 6pm, and at 8, resident Sensation DJ Mr. White will kick of the night’s entertainment. The schedule, subject to change, will be as follows: 8pm — Mr. White 9pm — Sam Feldt 10.15pm — Danny Avila 11.30pm — Don Diablo 12.45am — Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano 1.45am — Steve Angello
How do I get in — and what can I bring with me?
You’ll need a ticket, which you will then exchange for a wristband at the venue. (Tickets start at Dh440 and go up to Dh45,000 for tables of 20 people.) You can pick up your bracelet as early as noon with a valid photo ID, though doors aren’t open until 6pm. Organisers advise you don’t wait until the last minute. There’s a list of prohibited items at the venue; here are some things you’ll have to leave at home: outside food or drinks, laser pointers, glass, deodorant sprays, cans, reusable plastic bottles and sharp objects. Flags and selfie sticks won’t be allowed in, either.
Should I drive?
There are 8,000 parking spots at Meydan Racecourse for those who want to drive over, but there will also be taxis near Gate B.