How one independent venue became an unexpected lifeline for local artists.
Dubai: When Nicky Ramchandani posted on social media that his Dubai food hall was offering paid gigs to local artists, the response was immediate. “Within five minutes, I had around 30 messages from different musicians,” he recalled.
The surge in interest was striking, but not entirely unexpected. Since March, the conflict linked to the US-Israel-Iran war had led many venues across the UAE to scale back events and pause live performances. While the city is gradually reviving its music scene, for artists who rely on regular gigs, that temporary silence came at a significant cost.
Ramchandani hadn’t fully realised the impact until a friend and local musician pointed it out. “It never crossed my mind that this community was being affected too,” he said. “There are so many artists with families to support who depend on a steady income.”
That realisation prompted him to step in—turning his venue into a much-needed lifeline for struggling performers.
On a Saturday morning at Neighbourhood Food Hall in Dubai Motor City, the results of that open call are on full display. Lana Hamideh adjusts her microphone, strums a few chords and eases into an acoustic cover of Britney Spears’ Oops!… I Did It Again. Diners sway, with a few quietly singing along.
“I’ve only been performing live for a month,” said Hamideh, a Montenegrin-Syrian architect and singer based in Dubai. “Getting a gig right now is a huge opportunity for me.”
“I’ve called Dubai home for a year, and I’ve just entered my first month as a performing musician. Music has been my dream since childhood, and after years of pursuing it, this gig isn’t just an opportunity—it’s a chance to share my music.” — Lana Hamideh
It’s not charity, it’s principle
Despite receiving a wave of messages from musicians willing to perform for any amount, Ramchandani and his team chose not to take advantage of the situation.
“We had people saying they would work for anything, but we didn’t do that,” he said. “We set a monthly budget—it’s not 100 per cent of what they’re used to, but it’s about 70 per cent, roughly Dh1,000 a day, and it’s funded by us.”
The response was immediate—and often deeply personal. “One musician told us he has a ten-month-old child and that this would help him cover his rent.”
For Ramchandani, his business has always been rooted in community—bringing people together to support small, independent restaurants. Extending that same ethos to Dubai’s local music scene felt like a natural next step.
Passing it forward – why established artists are bringing others into the room
One of those voices is Mohammad Al Zarooni, an Emirati artist who works in HR by day and fronts indie pop and rock outfit Zarooni Sound Society in his free time. He has been pursuing music seriously for the past two years.
He discovered the initiative the way many now do—mid-scroll. “I came across a video of Neighbourhood Food Hall’s open call,” he said.
“I thought it was an amazing initiative—blending breakfast with support for local artists. So I messaged them, and Nicky responded.”
But for Mohammad Al Zarooni, it wasn’t just about performing. It was about paying it forward—spreading the word to emerging artists like Lana who also needed a platform.
“There are so many talented local musicians in the UAE who need this right now,” he said. “They get a chance to showcase their talent, their songwriting, and earn a bit of income that had been set back.”
A community where everyone wins
For those who might see it as a marketing move, Ramchandani is quick to clarify his intent. “My whole goal is to create a community where everyone wins,” he said.
“The aim isn’t just to give artists a gig—it’s also about providing exposure. Customers enjoy the experience, our restaurants benefit, and the artists gain both income and visibility. Everyone wins in the end.”
Ramchandani is also candid about his position. His business was less affected than others, as most of his customers are local residents—giving the food hall a level of stability that many venues did not have.
But that didn’t mean they were unaffected. In the early days, sourcing certain imported ingredients became a challenge, forcing the team to find quick alternatives—yet raising prices for customers was never an option.
“We have a strong community that supports us and shows up for us,” he said.
“The majority of our customers are residents—this is a local spot. We rely less on delivery, with only about 25 per cent of sales coming from it. When the conflict began, we were still able to stay busy and continue welcoming people because we focus on creating an experience. We started with bingo in March, and now we’re supporting local musicians.”
For many, Neighbourhood Food Hall is more than just a place to eat—it’s a space where communities come together to support small, independent restaurants that serve food with soul. Without places like it, a city loses something intangible, yet instantly felt.
Dubai doesn’t just recover—it comes back louder
Every city faces its share of challenges. What defines it is not the disruption itself, but how it rises in response—and for Nicky Ramchandani, Dubai has never failed that test.
With two decades in the city’s restaurant industry, he has seen setbacks and successes alike, yet his belief in Dubai’s resilience has never wavered.
“I always bet on Dubai—and I always will. I’ve called this city home for over 20 years. I’ve watched it grow into what it is today. Dubai isn’t just a city to me; it’s a community—a place where people plant roots, build dreams and lift each other up. Those of us who believe in Dubai know that its greatest strength is its resilience.”
— Nicky Ramchandani, founder of Neighbourhood Food Hall
“I bet on Dubai,” he added. “I don’t see it as just a city—I see it as a community. I’ve been through recessions, Covid, even closing four restaurants. It’s not like I haven’t faced failure.”
For Ramchandani, Dubai’s strength goes beyond its polished image. It lies in the people who choose to build their lives here—those who show up, adapt and keep believing.
“I know Dubai will continue to grow,” he said, “because the people who live here—they know it.”
