Legendary DJ & Producer Armin van Buuren redefines live performances at the Seven Wonders event series in Ras Al Khaimah.
An electronic music powerhouse, he claimed the number one spot in the annual DJ Mag Top 100 DJs poll for an unprecedented five times, contributing to the twenty-one consecutive top 5 spots to date.
In this exclusive interview with EDMNOMAD, Armin van Buuren shares his insights on performing for an intimate audience, boiler room setups, massive stages, and the UAE’s electronic dance music scene.
With only 1,000 tickets available, Seven Wonders veers away from the massive festival stages Armin van Buuren typically commands.
The exclusive show, Pillars of Creation, offers fans a rare experience on October 24 at Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi.
From Massive Festivals to Intimate Encounters
Renowned for commanding global stages like Tomorrowland, Ultra, and EDC, the world-renowned DJ consistently captivates crowds of hundreds of thousands.
However, for Pillars of Creation, Armin Van Buuren is preparing to bring a different atmosphere to Seven Wonders.
“While playing in front of a bigger crowd is met with more grandeur and a feeling of being larger than life, more intimate crowds are much easier to establish a personal connection with,” he explained.
“When you can look every individual in the eyes and see how they’re moved by a certain track, you become very close to that person, as if you’re playing specifically for them. It’s a beautiful thing to experience!”
This personal connection with fans will be central to Pillars of Creation. The show aims to merge Armin’s signature trance sound with elements of nature and advanced technology.
The Seven Wonders series, promises to transform Ras Al Khaimah into a destination for unforgettable musical experiences.
Creating a Unique Vibe in the UAE
Armin’s relationship with the UAE isn’t new. With each visit, it allows him to tap into the region’s growing appreciation for electronic music.
“Though I’ve played in the UAE, I still notice that dance music hasn’t been a thing there for as long as it has in other countries, it’s actually refreshing,” he shared.
“Due to it being somewhat new to them compared to other crowds, they’re very responsive to the music you play. Which means I, as the DJ, can effortlessly gauge where their mind is and what track to play next“.
This ability to read the crowd’s energy makes each performance in the UAE distinct. It’s this dynamic that Armin van Buuren plans to leverage at Seven Wonders, creating a performance that adapts to the crowd’s unique energy.
“I’m expecting a great show with a lot of potential to make everlasting memories”, he concludes.
The Challenges and Joys of a “Personal” Experience
The exclusivity of Seven Wonders means that Armin is performing for a much smaller group of fans.
He believes this offers a unique opportunity. “I think it’s already more personal and immersive because of the limited number of attendees,” he explained.
“There’s more room to connect with the crowd personally. It’s easier to choose tracks that will resonate with them strongly. It almost automatically makes the performance more of an improvisation. I love that!“
With only 1,000 attendees, the event allows Armin to tailor his set in real-time, responding directly to the crowd’s reactions. This flexibility is a refreshing change from the large festival sets we’ve all come to enjoy.
The Magic of the “Boiler Room” Setup
One key highlight is the Boiler Room-style setup, where only 50 guests get unprecedented on-stage access to Armin.
This arrangement brings fans face-to-face with the artist as he mixes, creating an atmosphere like no other.
“As a DJ, it makes you feel like you’re more than just the performer,” van Buuren shared. “You’re living in the moment as much as everyone else. The exception being that you’re the only person allowed to touch the decks. It kind of feels like you’re partying with friends!“
This setup allows Armin to strip away the barriers between him and fans, turning the performance into a shared experience. For fans, it’s a rare opportunity to see a master of the craft up close.
Pillars of Creation: A Multi-Dimensional Journey
Armin van Buuren’s Pillars of Creation is designed to take audiences on a multi-dimensional journey, blending sound, light, and immersive storytelling. “I guess I want the crowd to feel fully immersed and involved with the show,” he shared.
“With bigger shows, there’s always some distance between crowd and performer, and not only because there’s an entire stage design that separates the two. With large-scale shows, you aim for this feeling of euphoria and massiveness“, Armin explains.
“In exclusive settings like these, it’s the deeper emotion. A natural consequence is seeing how people in the audience react to the music, on an intimate level.”
The show explores themes of creation and evolution. It will utilize advanced visual effects to create a sensory experience in the desert’s natural landscape.
Armin plans to merge his signature trance style with influences from various genres, aiming to evoke both awe and introspection.
A New Era with Seven Wonders in Ras Al Khaimah
As the first event in the Seven Wonders series, Pillars of Creation sets the tone for what’s to come.
The Seven Wonders series promises to pair world-class artists with Ras Al Khaimah’s unique outdoor locations, from majestic mountain ranges to stunning shorelines. It offers adventurous music lovers the chance to connect in unforgettable settings, blending nature and music.
Event Information
Armin van Buuren’s new show Pillars of Creation takes place at the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert.
Launching on October 24, it offers luxury accommodation packages for those who wish to extend their experience.
The show will run from 8:30 PM to 1 AM, with ticket packages starting at $327 (AED 1,200). Premium passes offer even closer access, allowing fans to experience the music like never before.
For tickets & more information visit the Seven Wonders website and follow Armin van Buuren.
To find out more about Ras Al Khaimah, go to visitrasalkhaimah.com or visit Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority’s Instagram page.
