DREAM Voyage Season 5 Opening Act: The Goddess of the Sea
Committed to creating the most unforgettable lifestyle hospitality experiences, Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG) has redefined Dubai’s after-dark scene with its handful of incredible venues across the city. From the world-renowned dinner show, DREAM, to the lavish rooftop lounge, Mood, and the ultra-luxurious, high-energy nightclub, Stage, each of SHG’s nightlife venues offers premium entertainment, opulent décor, and top-notch service to deliver concepts that delight even the most discerning of partygoers – both in Dubai and abroad. With eight venues across the GCC, and four additional openings scheduled for 2024, there is a lot more excitement in store.
FOUR sits down with Marc Maroun, Managing Director of the nightlife division for SHG, to hear more about the group’s flagship dinner show experience, DREAM, and how this venue sets itself apart as a trailblazer in Dubai with its cutting-edge performances and elevated dining offerings.
Marc Maroun, Managing Director of the nightlife division for Sunset Hospitality Group
Can you provide an overview of your role as the Managing Director of the nightlife division at Sunset Hospitality? What are your key responsibilities in this position?
As a managing director, my primary responsibility is problem resolution. The larger the position, the greater the duty to ensure each venue operates smoothly, intervening in major situations beyond the on-site team’s capabilities. A typical workday involves evaluating venue performance, coordinating with owners across the GCC, collaborating with architects on new projects in Dubai, and overseeing marketing strategies. While addressing challenges consumes much of my time, I strive to lead with solutions. My daily routine includes managing creative teams, brainstorming concepts, and keeping our venues ahead in the industry. As the day ends, I attend exclusive events, explore new openings, and stay connected with the vibrant happenings in town, aligning with my active lifestyle and love for dining experiences.
DREAM Dubai is known for its vibrant nightlife scene. What strategies have you implemented to enhance the nightlife experience in the city?
DREAM Dubai is a homegrown concept that fills us with pride. Since our opening, we openly admit to having tweaked our original formula until it was perfect. We discovered that, unlike a play, a dinner show thrives on pure entertainment, and what’s entertainment without a festive vibe? Over time, we refined our performances, building up to a grand finale that culminates in a lively party. The music and the seamless integration of performances contribute to getting guests on their feet and immersed in the mood. We’ve taken it a step further by introducing upgrades like parades and visuals, amplifying the festive vibes. Crucially, our joyous team plays a pivotal role. Their enthusiasm is reflected in the overall atmosphere, making each night an exceptional dinner show experience.
Dining area of DREAM Dubai
Could you share some insights into the unique features and offerings that set DREAM Dubai apart from other nightlife venues in the region?
DREAM is more than a venue; it’s a dreamlike experience, starting with the captivating decor. Upon entering, guests encounter a giant installation inspired by the enigmatic Alice in Wonderland syndrome, creating a surreal ambience. Moving to the main floor, the venue boasts towering columns, arches, and chandelier domes meticulously designed to evoke the timeless beauty of ancient Roman temples. What sets DREAM apart is our cutting-edge visual projection mapping technology, providing an immersive and multisensory experience unmatched by competitors.
Another key factor to our success is the curated lineup of shows, where every detail, from costumes to performances and music, is thoughtfully put together. Complementing this is our 5-star menu featuring caviar, lobster, top meats, and fish, alongside our exceptional approach to service excellence. In summary, all these elements align seamlessly to create a unique and memorable evening and at DREAM, we’ve perfected every one of these aspects, making us the leading dinner show venue.
Dinner shows have become increasingly popular in Dubai. How has DREAM Dubai contributed to this trend, and what can visitors expect from your dinner show experiences?
DREAM Dubai has played a pivotal role in fueling the surge of dinner show popularity in the city, distinguishing itself with a truly unique and immersive experience. As one of the pioneers in this trend, our commitment shines through by consistently delivering 15 captivating shows each night, featuring a diverse range of performances, international acts, and talents spanning singing to dance and acrobatics.
Our steadfast dedication to offering a genuine dinner with a show sets us apart. Unlike others who deviate from this promise, guests trust our concept, ensuring a seamless fusion of dining and entertainment. Picture this while you dine; our shows open a grand opening act, and we continue to unfold shows every 10 minutes, creating a dynamic and continuous spectacle for guests to savour as they dine and enjoy the night.
Scallops with caviar as part of DREAM Dubai’s 5-star menu
With Dubai constantly evolving, how do you stay ahead of trends and adapt to changing customer preferences in the nightlife industry?
Staying ahead of trends requires constant exploration and exposure to diverse venues. It means being well-traveled, consistently observing industry developments internationally, and encouraging your team to think innovatively. It’s a challenging endeavour, but having been in hospitality for over two decades, I embrace it wholeheartedly. Even during my personal outings, I covertly observe and take notes because this continuous learning is the essence of the game. This commitment defines a true hospitality guru who thrives on evolving with the dynamic landscape of the industry.
The nightlife industry is highly competitive. What long-term strategies do you have in place to maintain DREAM Dubai’s position as a leader in this market?
DREAM unveils a fresh season every quarter, involving an extensive production process to introduce new costumes, themes, settings, performances, and international acts. Despite the challenges, it’s a commitment to delivering at least four seasons annually. This strategic approach aims to captivate repeat guests while simultaneously attracting a broader audience by aligning the shows with the current season.
What do you see as the future of dinner shows in Dubai? Are there any upcoming trends or innovations that you believe will shape the industry in the coming years?
Two years ago, the trajectory of dinner shows in Dubai indicated an increasing demand for immersive and distinctive experiences. Technological advancements, including advanced visual effects and interactive elements, played a pivotal role in shaping the industry. Looking ahead, I believe that while integrating new trends is essential, maintaining consistency and attentiveness to audience preferences will be paramount. Across Europe, the most renowned shows have sustained their success not by reinventing the wheel but by being consistently updated while staying true to their core essence.
DREAM Voyage Season 5: Mystic Bloom
To find out more about DREAM Dubai and book, visit the links below…
DREAM DUBAI
Address Beach Resort
The Walk – Jumeirah Beach Residence
Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Web: dreamdxb.com
Tel: +971 4 220 0224
Email: reservations@dreamdxb.com
Instagram: @dreamdubaiofficial
Facebook: @dreamrestaurantdubai