What Went Down at PACHA ICONS Dubai

When Ibiza calls, Dubai answers.

Often synonymous with opulence and architectural ambition, Dubai is undergoing its own golden renaissance and has unmistakably redefined its place on the global nightlife map. Long after the sun sets over its gilded skyline, a new rhythm pulses through the city and it’s one you wouldn’t want to miss.

Nowhere is this more apparent than along the city’s most glamorous shores, from the neon-lit stretch of Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) to the panoramic grandeur of Palm Jumeirah, where five-star stays are being reimagined as full-fledged lifestyle destinations. Leading the charge is FIVE Hotels & Resorts, whose properties and suites blur the lines between hospitality, entertainment, and cultural immersion. From Beach clubs pulsing with deep house until sunrise, to curated dining that blends Mediterranean ease with Middle Eastern opulence. You name it, they’ve got it.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Press

The arrival of Pacha’s ICONS series in Dubai marks a pivotal moment. Once reserved for Ibiza’s most storied dance-floors, the legendary brand has found a new home in the UAE, bringing with it a lineup of dance, house and techno royalty, from Solomun, to ANOTR to Rampa and Black Coffee, and with them, a discerning crowd of global nomads who expect music served with a side of architectural awe, fine dining, surrounding palm trees and day-to-night decadence. The city’s music scene, once peripheral, is now curated, intentional, and internationally respected.

On the 2nd May, 2025, Solomun brought his signature alchemy of sound to Dubai, headlining the Pacha ICONS series at Playa Pacha within FIVE LUXE (JBR). Famed for his transcendent, melodic house sets that draw crowds from Tulum to Tisno, Solomun transformed the open-air venue into a realm of sonic immersion.

The following evening, saw the momentum swell as Rampa (co-founder of Berlin’s visionary collective Keinemusik) took centre stage, joined by the genre-defying BBC Radio 1 selector Benji B and fast-rising talent Anrey. Together, the trio curated a hypnotic progression of percussive house, soul-drenched rhythms, and global grooves. From the spiritually infused Thandaza to the anthemic More Love and crowd favourite Say What (featuring Chuala), the night unfolded as a love letter to Ibiza’s iconic club culture – now reimagined in the heart of Dubai, as if it was always destined to be.

At FIVE, the party doesn’t end with the headliner — it lingers. Etched into the architecture, pulsing through every suite and sound system. This isn’t just a destination for lovers of music and luxury; it’s a curated playground for the senses. At FIVE LUXE, expect nothing less than the extraordinary, from the largest LED screen ever installed in a hotel to suites outfitted with built-in disco balls, DJ decks, and private dance floors.

Meanwhile, at FIVE Palm Jumeirah, a fully equipped in-house recording studio has hosted the likes of Trey Songz, Bora Uzer, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Lost Frequencies, BIA, and DJ PLISS, a creative sanctuary where global beats are born and future anthems come to life.

Dubai’s evolution is more than just spectacle; it’s a true transformation. The city has become a dynamic hub for nightlife, where a sunrise set is as captivating as the skyline, the afterparty is as thoughtfully crafted as the suite you retreat to, and luxury is not just defined by where you stay, but by the lifestyle you embrace.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Press

Key places to visit at FIVE LUXE:

Ronin – Embark on a one-of-a-kind culinary journey with Michelin-starred chef Sin Keun Choi. Indulge in luxurious dishes like A5 Wagyu Caviar, Yuzu Shampoo, Mizuna Salad, and Crispy Tortillas, all elevated with 24k gold leaf, an experience that seduces your senses with exquisite Japanese flavours.

Playa Pacha – Dive into the vibrant energy of this iconic European-style Ibiza pool party, complete with Mediterranean bites and all-day revelry.

Tête à Tête – Savour the essence of French elegance at this Monte Carlo-inspired bistro and jewellery-box bar. Its menu celebrates the bold flavours of the South of France, blending Mediterranean delights from land to sea for a true taste of the Riviera.

Ronin Restaurant

Tete A Tete

Key places to visit at FIVE Palm Jumeirah:

The Penthouse

Bohemia Beach Club

The Penthouse – A glamorous rooftop day club and nightclub offering stunning views of the Dubai Marina skyline. Known for its lively pool parties, sunset sessions, and top-tier international DJs, it’s the ultimate destination for high-energy nightlife in Dubai.

Maiden Shanghai – A multi-award-winning Chinese restaurant that reimagines traditional dishes with modern flair. Enjoy bold cocktails and sweeping skyline views across multiple dining rooms and outdoor terraces.

ReFIVE Spa – An urban wellness haven offering indulgent massages, facials, and detoxifying treatments, perfect for recharging between the hotel’s vibrant party experiences.

Bohemia Beach Club – Where Dubai’s beachfront glamour meets the pulse of global house music. It offers a day-to-night experience that rivals top global destinations, boasting performances from international acts like Hot Since 82 and Lost Frequencies, redefining what it means to be recognised as Dubai’s ultimate beach party destination.

Senior Deputy Editor of PAUSE Magazine:

FIVE redefined what it means to be a true VVIP — and experiencing Pacha ICONS was nothing short of unforgettable. Huge thanks to Rhea, Dani, Swarna, Wen Wen, and the incredible teams across sites and PR for making it all seamless.