VINYL SOUK RECORDS ANNOUNCES MADE IN THE EMIRATES – VOLUME 2, CELEBRATING THE UAE's ELECTRONIC UNDERGROUND

Vinyl Souk Records has announced the release of Made in the Emirates – Volume 2, the latest instalment in its compilation series dedicated to documenting the UAE's thriving underground music scene.

Set for release later this year, the project shifts its focus to the country's electronic landscape, bringing together eight original productions spanning deep house, techno, electro, breaks and experimental club music. More than just a compilation, the record captures a moment in time for a scene that continues to evolve through independent artists, labels and community-driven initiatives.

The compilation features music from a diverse lineup of producers who have helped shape the country's underground sound, including Tarik Omar, Adam Rahman, Sons of Rhythm / Rhythm Plate, Megadon Betamax, Shadi Megallaa, OHFFF (Bood, Omar Fayyad and Hameed), Tacit, and Nasrawi.

Each artist brings a distinct perspective, reflecting the diversity and creativity that continues to define electronic music in the UAE.

The project has been curated by Shadi Megallaa, founder of independent label Ark to Ashes, founder of the iconic Dubai record store The Flip Side, and one of the Gulf's most influential figures in underground electronic music.

Describing the compilation, Megallaa said it serves as a document of the current moment rather than a definitive statement on the scene. "This is a document of a scene. A group of artists shaping the sound of the UAE in real time. Everyone on this record is a friend, a collaborator, and part of a growing story. It isn't the beginning and it isn't the end – it's the now. Turn it up!"

Continuing the visual identity established by the first Made in the Emirates release, Volume 2 features artwork by acclaimed regional illustrator and designer Rami Afifi.

The cover draws inspiration from one of the UAE's most recognisable cultural icons — a modified Nissan Super Safariclimbing desert dunes — reimagined through Afifi's distinctive illustration style.

In a playful design detail, the vehicle's spinning wheel also doubles as the vinyl centre label, creating the illusion of a rotating rim when the record is played. The artwork also includes illustrated portraits of each contributing artist, reinforcing the community-driven nature of the project.

Reflecting on the design, Afifi explained that he wanted to build upon the visual language introduced in the first volume while celebrating another unmistakably Emirati symbol.

Made in the Emirates – Volume 2 will be released as a limited 2×LP gatefold vinyl, pressed at 45RPM, with just 500 copies available worldwide.

The record is already available for international pre-order through selected independent record stores, while details surrounding its UAE release and local availability will be announced closer to launch.

In keeping with Vinyl Souk Records' commitment to independent music culture and intentional listening, the digital edition will be released exclusively via Bandcamp, with no plans to release the compilation on streaming platforms.

As the UAE's electronic music community continues to gain international recognition, Made in the Emirates – Volume 2offers a timely showcase of the artists pushing the country's underground scene forward.

By documenting local talent on a physical format and prioritising independent distribution, Vinyl Souk Records continues to reinforce its mission of supporting homegrown artists while preserving an important chapter in the region's evolving electronic music story.