DMC MIDDLE EAST FINALS 2025: DUBAI’S DJS STEP INTO THE GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT

We’re four weeks away from the very first DMC Middle East DJ Championships, set to take place on September 21st in Dubai. The winners will go on to represent the region at the 40th DMC World Championships in Tokyo this October - a monumental stage for turntablism and DJ culture.

With finalists coming in from across four countries, the energy is already electric. We caught up with three of them: DJ Riqq (Classic category), DJ Michelle (Scratch category), and DJ Kidy (Open category) to hear how they’re preparing, what drives their creativity, and how they’ll celebrate if they take the crown.

DJ Riqq (Classic Category Finalist)

What does reaching the DMC Middle East finals mean to you?
To me, it means all dreams are valid. Growing up, I watched the DMC World competitions and always envisioned myself on those big stages, not just playing music but expressing creativity through the turntables. I’m super grateful it’s happening in Dubai - and that I had the golden opportunity not only to participate, but also to qualify for the finals.

Describe your style in three words.
Keep them guessing…

Which track or routine never fails to hype the crowd?
I love opening with Jay-Z’s “It’s About to Go Down” looped acapella intro, then dropping a current Hip Hop or Afrobeat club banger. It always works like a charm.

What was the biggest challenge preparing this year?
Honestly, building up the confidence to compete, knowing how many incredible DJs are already here in the UAE. Plus, I didn’t always have access to the standard turntables and wasn’t sure if my routine would even be accepted.

How will you celebrate if you win?
First, I’ll give thanks to God for giving me the courage, strength, and skills to achieve this milestone. Then, thank the DMC team for bringing the event to the UAE - and finally call my parents and my wife.

DJ Michelle (Scratch Category Finalist)

What does reaching the DMC Middle East finals mean to you?
It means everything to me. Ever since I was little I dreamed of becoming a DMC champion, and reaching the finals feels unreal!

How would you describe your style behind the decks in three words?
Fast, sharp, and technical.

Which track or routine always gets the crowd hyped during your set?
Whenever I’m mixing and I loop a part of the track and start scratching, the crowd goes wild and I love it.

What’s the biggest challenge you faced preparing for this year’s championship?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced was improving my skills and trying to make my scratches more varied, as well as learning new techniques.

If you win, what’s the first thing you’ll do to celebrate?
I’ll call all my friends from all over the world and let them know — because they are rooting for me!

DJ Kidy (Open Category Finalist)

What does reaching the DMC Middle East finals mean to you?
It’s proof I’ve still got the chops – even after two years locked into house music.

Describe your style in three words.
Emotions. Energy. Bangers.

Which track or routine never fails to hype the crowd?
Drop a global hit at the right moment and the place erupts.

What was the biggest challenge preparing this year?
Honestly? Forcing myself to sit down and bang out the routine. I smashed it together in a few hours on the last day.

How will you celebrate if you win?

I’ll use it to pass the torch – sharing the knowledge so the next wave of DJs can dive in and push DMC even further.