Dubai’s only emo, pop punk, and alternative rock nightlife experience returns to Al Barsha for a throwback night that goes until 3 AM.
If you grew up with Paramore, My Chemical Romance, or Blink-182 permanently lodged in your playlist, there’s a night in Dubai coming up with your name all over it. Emo Nite Dubai is back on Friday, May 2, taking the stage at HighSo in Al Barsha, and it’s exactly what it sounds like, a full-throttle night of emo, pop punk, and alternative rock with zero radio filler and a crowd that actually knows every word
What Is Emo Nite Dubai?
Emo Nite Dubai is the first emo, pop punk, and alt nightlife experience in the Middle East, and it was started by three people who genuinely love the genre. Pedro Maggion, Rami Boraie, and David Celis launched the event as a passion project, each coming from a different country but sharing the same obsession with the music.
Maggion moved to Dubai in 2021 and thought his concert days were done. He met Celis, a fellow Blink-182 fan, in 2022, and eventually linked up with Boraie in early 2025. From there, Emo Nite came together, not as a commercial club concept, but as something personal. The events steadily drew a loyal crowd, with regulars returning, new friendships forming, and the organizers themselves growing closer through the process.
The playlist isn’t curated to please everyone. It’s specifically for people who want emo, pop punk, metalcore, and alt rock, nostalgic anthems and newer tracks from the alternative scene, played loud, all night.
What to Expect on May 2
The night starts at 8 PM and runs to 3 AM at HighSo, Al Barsha. Expect sing-alongs, chorus-heavy heartbreak tracks, and the kind of crowd that’s genuinely there for the music. Eyeliner optional but encouraged.
Tickets are priced at AED 80 and are available at the door only. No pre-sale, no online booking, just show up.
The Venue: HighSo Al Barsha
HighSo Al Barsha is a contemporary lounge with a sophisticated atmosphere, featuring spacious seating, modern graphics, custom-made furniture, and Asian-themed wall art with cool accents and funky lighting. It’s also a venue that regularly hosts live music nights, which makes it a natural fit for something as high-energy as this.
The menu features international flavors and drinks curated by expert mixologists, so the night has both the music and the setup to match.
Who Should Show Up
The short answer: anyone who had a punk or alt phase and never fully moved on, or anyone curious about the genre and looking for a low-pressure way to get into it. The organizers describe it as a space with no judgment and no gatekeeping, open to longtime scene veterans and newcomers alike.
Dress how you want. The point is to be there.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, May 2, 2026
- Venue: HighSo, Al Barsha, Duba
- Time: 8 PM – 3 A
- Tickets: AED 80 (door only)
- Music: Emo, Pop Punk, Alternative Rock
Follow Emo Nite Dubai on Instagram at @emonitedubai for updates, and visit emonitedubai.com for more on upcoming events.
Cover Image: AI-Generated for Illustration Purposes
