Dubai's emerging hip-hop culture is beginning to make waves

When you think of the United Arab Emirates, hip-hop might not immediately come to mind. However, in recent years, Dubai has become a hub for a growing group of artists who rap in Arabic, expressing their perspectives on local culture.

One of the most notable figures in this scene is Mustafa Ismail, also known as 'Freek.' A Somali rapper born and raised in the UAE, he has toured across the UK and shared the stage with heavyweights like Future, Gucci Mane, and Wu-Tang Clan.

'There’s a culture here,' said Ismail. 'There’s a story to be told, and those of us who grew up in the UAE want to hear the story of a kid who grew up in Dubai. That’s the essence of hip-hop.'

In 2022, the scene gained momentum with the launch of GXR Records, which represents 14 UAE-based artists, including Freek. Alongside it, RAPDXB emerged as a platform curating playlists and hosting interviews, and recently released its first album featuring some of the UAE’s top rappers.

'The hip-hop scene in Dubai is rapidly evolving,' said Ismail. 'If you compare it to what it was a decade ago, the difference is massive. And it’s only going to get bigger from here.'

Watch the video to discover more about the rise of hip-hop in Dubai.