Every week What’s On speaks to the men and women behind the music scene in Dubai. This week, Greg Dufton, boss of Think Events, Marketing and PR, the team behind Sandance and a whole lot more.

Where are you originally from? A beautiful and historic town, called Hull, in the UK. I’m hoping your readers have never seen Hull.

When did you come to Dubai? Nine years ago.

What do you do here? I started as an events manager for a night called Deep, at Trilogy, and then worked in various other event manager roles, mainly in nightlife at venues like 360º, The Apartment (now Mahiki) and Chi.

I’m now managing partner of Think Events, Marketing and PR, which I started with my business partner four years ago. We have a little black book filled with the best artists and DJs in town and work very closely with Atlantis on their Sandance festivals.

What: Sandance
Where: Atlantis, The Palm
When: November 15
How: Taxi to Nasimi Beach, Atlantis
Cost: From Dhs295
Info: sandance.ae 

First impressions of the city? Third world meets Star Wars.

Have those impressions changed? Third world meets Star Wars with a diamond encrusted Millennium Falcon flashing me in the fast lane.

Favourite place to eat in Dubai? Sushi Counter. I eat there four times a week. Nice atmosphere and always good food.

Favourite place to catch up with friends? All my catching up is done at the events we are running, but the Madinat Jumeirah is a great place to go for a few drinks.

Favourite club or music event? Aside from Sandance and Younique, which we work with, I would say Audio Tonic at 360º.

Favourite international DJ? DJ Yoda.

Favourite Dubai-based DJ? There are loads of good DJs here, but most recently I’ve been loving DJ Soul Ninja’s beats.

What do you do when you need some ‘me’ time? Watch documentaries about war – I’m just a fun guy to be around.

How would you sell Dubai to someone who has never visited the city? Great weather, good food and happening nightlife – but bring a large credit card.

What’s the secret to success in Dubai? Contacts.

What’s your top tip for getting the most out of the city? Try not to let the negatives get you down and never try to get a taxi post-brunch at 4pm on a Friday.

greg