From F1 to ‘In Act’: Dish Dash’s Vision for Saudi Electronic Music
Saudi duo Dish Dash is cruising Saudi Arabia's electronic music scene with innovative sound, their new platform "In Act," and collaborations.
The Saudi brothers Abbas and Hassan Ghazzawi, better known as Dish Dash, have long been at the forefront of creating a safe and accessible space for electronic music in Saudi Arabia. Their sound, characterized by its powerful, punchy beats and deep techno roots, reflects their commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing innovation. Known for their experimental approach, Dish Dash has become a staple at high-profile events like Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi and MDLBEAST, where their performances continue to captivate audiences.
Excited to take their mission further, Dish Dash are launching "In Act," a new platform designed to showcase cutting-edge electronic music and stunning visuals. This initiative aims to establish a vibrant dance music scene in Saudi Arabia, providing a stage for both local and international artists to share their work. For the debut edition, they have invited Colyn and Mahmut Orhan to perform this Friday.
Additionally, the duo is focusing on their latest release, "Keep The Love Alive," a track with an intriguing backstory. Written by the legendary Armin van Buuren, the song was released on Mahool Records—home to the MiddleBeast festival, a major platform highlighting local talent from the Arab world.
Dish Dash is here with 6AM to talk about influence on the scene, their projects, gratitude and fututre plans.
Hi Dish Dash! Thanks for taking the time to talk to 6AM. How are you both doing?
We’re doing great, thank you! It’s always a pleasure to connect and share what we’ve been working on.
You’ve been described as one of the most influential DJs for Saudi Arabia’s electronic music scene. What inspired you to create a safe space for this music and culture in your country, and what challenges have you faced along the way?
Thank you—it’s an honor to be part of this growing scene. We’ve faced a lot of challenges, but I’m not sure we can mention all of them, haha! Overall, we overcame them, and where we are now feels like a blessing and a dream come true.
Your latest release, Keep The Love Alive, has such an incredible backstory with Armin van Buuren being involved. How did this collaboration come about, and what does the track mean to you personally?
Keep The Love Alive is a track that holds a very special place in our hearts. The story behind it is remarkable. During a Wim Hof Expedition, we met Koen Brouwer, a renowned guitarist. He shared a song he had co-written with Armin van Buuren during a writing camp. The track had never been released, and we instantly saw its potential. We worked on it, poured our hearts into it, and a year later, it was officially released under Mahool Records. Seeing Armin’s name in the credits is a huge honor for us. It feels like all the pieces just fell into place.
The track has been released on Mahool Records, which is such a unique platform for showcasing Arab talent. How does being part of this label resonate with your mission to spotlight local and regional artists?
Mahool Records, as MDLBeast’s sub-label, is doing amazing work by focusing on the melodic techno side of the industry. It’s incredible to see a platform that highlights so many talented artists from the region. The label is bridging the gap between regional and international artists, creating a strong connection between the two worlds.
Your project, In Act, sounds like a game-changer for the electronic music scene. For those who don’t know, can you briefly describe it and share the vision behind this platform? How do you see it shaping the future of dance music in Saudi Arabia?
We’re setting the game—it’s no longer just about the music. IN ACT is about creating a full experience—a combination of sound, visuals, and large-scale production. It’s about taking things to the next level and educating the scene on how to elevate standards to reach an international level. Our goal is to inspire and set a benchmark for what events in this region can be.
You’ve played at massive events like Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi and MDLBeAST. How do these high-profile performances influence your approach to music and live sets?
In all the sets we play, we aim to make them unique and special for our audience. MDLBeAST Soundstorm, in particular, is always a major highlight. It’s the event where everyone—artists and fans alike—gives it their all. The energy is unmatched, and it pushes us to deliver our best, think creatively, and craft unforgettable performances.
Thank you both for taking the time. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for having us! We’re so grateful for the support from our fans and the community. The journey wouldn’t be possible without them, and we’re excited for what’s ahead. To everyone reading, keep an eye on IN ACT and our upcoming projects—we’re just getting started!
