​LOCAL LEGEND: PHILIPP STRAUB

As a DJ and producer, he’s played in over 100 countries worldwide, while as a talent booker and consultant he’s worked with the industry’s leading artists, agents and tour managers. Today, as a key consultant for FIVE Hotels and Resorts and The Pacha Group, he stands as one of Dubai’s most influential nightlife architects.

What drew you into the consultancy and talent-booking side of the industry rather than focusing solely on DJing and production?

I discovered nightlife in the early ’90s and quickly found success as a DJ, releasing music on international labels and touring over 100 countries. Early in my career, many of the DJs I toured with noticed my ability to organise and structure logistics efficiently. After completing hotel management school and briefly working in a travel agency, fellow artists began entrusting me with their bookings and event coordination. This naturally evolved into running a well-functioning consultancy in the early years.

What drew me to this side of the industry was the opportunity to build long-term impact. I enjoy crafting structured, sustainable approaches that help artists and venues grow, rather than just focusing on individual performances. Over time, this long-term, strategic perspective allowed me to shape projects on a larger scale, supporting the evolution of venues, events, and talent. It’s gratifying to see how those early experiences have led to what I’m doing today – a full-circle journey of creativity, strategy, and legacy.

What attracted you to working with FIVE Hotels and Resorts and The Pacha Group?

Pacha ICONS at FIVE LUXE JBR and Bohemia Presents at FIVE Palm Jumeirah have grown into two of the most recognised and in-demand music experiences in the region. Both platforms consistently attract top international DJs and deliver the kind of high-energy, world-class atmosphere that has become synonymous with FIVE’s entertainment vision. Together, they showcase the very best of what the international electronic and house music world has to offer – and their popularity continues to rise season after season.

What does your consultancy role with FIVE Hotels and Resorts and The Pacha Group involve?

With Pacha ICONS at Playa Pacha and FIVE LUXE JBR, I contribute to a powerhouse ecosystem where global house legends perform against the backdrop of signature, high-energy FIVE experiences. My role is not to reinvent what already works flawlessly, but to strengthen and elevate an exceptional infrastructure.

With 34 years in the industry, many top international artists enjoy collaborating with me, but that’s not my core mission. What drives me is helping these world-class developments grow – introducing new formats, expanding platforms, and enhancing performance. I think globally, act strategically, and use my carefully curated network to help FIVE reach its fullest potential.

How do you approach shaping the musical and cultural identity of the venues you work with?

Every venue has its own soul, so the musical identity we curate must be tailored – not templated. My focus is always on connecting the dots between what the market wants today and what will inspire them for years to come. It’s about crafting a balance: delivering sounds that resonate in the moment while building a long-term musical narrative that cultivates loyalty, emotion, and a community that spans generations.

At places like Playa Pacha, this process is never the vision of one person – it’s a true team effort. That diversity of input reflects the diversity of our audience, and it’s exactly what allows us to create a musical identity that feels authentic, resonant, and globally relevant. Ultimately, the goal is to design not just line-ups, but lasting cultural experiences.

You’ve worked with major artists, agents, and tour managers worldwide. What’s the key to earning trust and building long-term relationships in this industry?
My long-term commitment to this industry naturally gives me an edge – but what truly builds trust is seeing the business from every angle. I’m still active as an artist, so I understand creative needs and evolving trends firsthand. I’ve been a promoter for many years, so I know the operational pressures and the realities behind the scenes. And I’m still a fan at heart – someone who genuinely enjoys being on the dance floor, experiencing the energy and emotion of a great show. That combination gives me what I like to call a ‘3D understanding’ of our world.

But experience alone isn’t enough. Over time, I’ve learned that honesty is the single most important ingredient in long-term relationships. Being transparent, authentic, and straightforward – even when conversations are difficult – earns far more respect than simply telling people what they want to hear.

Equally important is genuinely enjoying people. At the end of the day, we’re in the hospitality industry. If you love hosting, connecting, and creating moments that make people feel welcomed and valued, that impact lasts far longer than any contract or deal. Those human experiences are often what transform a working relationship into a trusted, long-term partnership.

Does your background as a DJ and producer influence the way you consider talent?

Yes and no — my background as a DJ and producer absolutely shapes how I understand talent, but I’m careful not to let it dictate how I manage talent.

On a personal level, having spent years behind the decks helps me immediately recognise an artist’s technical ability, their musical identity, and what they’re trying to communicate emotionally. It gives me insight into the person behind the music – their intention, their discipline, and their potential for longevity. That intuitive read is something you can only develop by having lived it yourself.

But when it comes to making business decisions, I deliberately switch gears. Music is emotional; it comes from instinct, passion, and heart. Business is rational; it requires clarity, objectivity, and an honest look at the numbers. The magic happens when you can hold both perspectives at once – respecting the emotional truth of the art while grounding decisions in reality and strategy.

Finding that balance has been one of the biggest advantages in my career, and I believe it’s one of the reasons I’ve been able to build successful projects that resonate both artistically and commercially.

When developing a season’s programming, how do you balance global headliners, rising talent and the local UAE scene?
For Pacha ICONS at FIVE LUXE JBR, the programming is never about simply filling a calendar – it’s about crafting a cohesive musical journey. Global headliners anchor that journey. They set the tone for the season, carry the legacy of Pacha, and bring the high-impact energy that naturally aligns with FIVE’s unmistakable spirit.

But a strong programme also needs oxygen – new sounds, new perspectives, and new stories – which is why rising international artists are essential. They introduce freshness and a sense of discovery that keeps both the audience and the brand evolving.

Equally, giving space to the UAE’s local scene is non-negotiable. The region has its own rhythm, its own warmth, and its own identity. When you incorporate local talent, you’re not just supporting a community – you’re grounding the experience in authenticity. It creates a blend of global excellence and local soul that you simply can’t replicate anywhere else.

You’ve watched club culture shift from the vinyl era to today’s digital, social-media-driven world. Does that help or hinder your work?

It has changed everything – almost beyond recognition. What used to be a movement has evolved into a global industry. In the vinyl era, music was scarce and discovering it required real effort. You’d drive for hours just to find a handful of records. We were outsiders, a small tribe, and ironically that made it easier to stand out.

Today, it’s the opposite. Music and tools are accessible to everyone, instantly and without limits – but also without much quality control. The result is a scene that moves faster than ever, but where it’s far more challenging for artists to distinguish themselves.

At the same time, this new era has pushed the business to grow in ways none of us could have imagined. One of the most meaningful shifts is the rise of data-driven talent booking. The ability to analyse trends, audience behaviour, and global patterns brings a level of precision and sustainability that simply didn’t exist before. In many ways, that evolution is a positive one: it helps us make smarter decisions while still honouring the creativity at the heart of the culture.

Looking ahead, what genres, scenes, or emerging artists excite you most as potential future headliners in Dubai?
It’s difficult – and almost misleading – to predict who the next global headliners will be. Talent alone is never the full story. Success also depends on networks, timing, investment, access, and the ability to navigate an industry that moves at incredible speed. What I am certain of is that the Middle East will play a major role in shaping the next wave of influential artists. The region is becoming increasingly important on the global stage – not only for its world-class venues and events, but for its rich musical identity and growing creative community.

That’s why supporting emerging talent is so important to us. It’s not just about giving artists a stage; it’s about sharing experience, offering guidance, and helping them understand the realities of the business. After so many years in the industry, I feel a responsibility to pass that knowledge on. If we want to see future headliners come from this part of the world, then investing in the next generation – both on and off the stage – is where it truly begins.

With your extensive industry experience, name three titans of the scene who never fail to impress?
Sven Väth, Carl Cox and Laurent Garnier.

With 2026 on the horizon, what are your hopes for the UAE’S club scene in the year ahead?
The growth will continue – that much is clear – simply because the entire market is expanding at an incredible pace. What I hope to see alongside that growth is greater diversity: more genres, more formats, and more creative directions that reflect the UAE’s increasingly global audience.

A stronger sense of alignment across the scene would also help it evolve in a more sustainable way. And while headline-driven shows will always have their place, I hope we’ll also see a parallel movement where people seek out spaces built around music first. When the focus shifts from “Who’s playing?” to “What are we experiencing?”. that’s when true cultural value is created – and that’s the direction that will define the UAE’s long-term musical identity.

What are your own music production goals for 2026?

I currently have 15 to 20 completed tracks that I’m proud of – the challenge now is finding the time to sign them with the right labels. That part of the process is incredibly detailed and time-consuming, and I hope 2026 gives me the space to focus on it more seriously. My goal is simple: to release music that feels authentic, that contributes something meaningful, and that reflects the journey I’ve had across so many sides of this industry.

Finally, what do you hope your legacy will be in shaping Dubai’s music culture?

Legacy is a big word, and honestly, I don’t think about it much. What matters to me is being proud of the work I’m doing and being able to sleep peacefully at night – and I do. I try to maintain a healthy balance, stay grounded, and appreciate the privileged life we’re all part of.

I know I’ve helped push certain parts of this industry forward, and I’m grateful for that. But I’m also realistic: I’m one piece of a very large and fast-moving machine. Whether any of this becomes a “legacy” is something the next generation will decide. My hope is simply that I’ve opened doors where I could, supported people honestly, and contributed to a culture that continues to grow long after any of us are here to witness it.