Apparently, ‘Diva throws parties, not events’ – what does that mean, then?
I think a lot of the events being put on here are pretty dull and boring, hence they are not parties! I just got bored and frustrated at the misuse of venues and laziness of some of the promoters here. For me, people here rely too much on the beauty of the surroundings or the venue to carry their nights, so they don’t put in the effort to create what I consider to be a proper party vibe. It shouldn’t be about about being seen in a cool place, it should be about letting your hair down with your mates in an environment where everyone is just having it! So instead of moaning about it, I thought I would get off my high horse and do something about it. And just like that, Diva was born.
If the night is for divas, does that mean we have to be selfish and mean to everyone?
No not at all – I think there are enough of those places already! You won’t find any of our divas being horrible to anyone, they just want to party! Everyone is welcome to the Diva nights.
Is the dress code for Diva suitably fancy and glamorous?
Our members and followers are some very sharp dressers and very attractive people indeed. So much so that we have even have a modelling agency requesting to be present at our next night to see how many talents they can spot! But I think people know that with a brand like Diva that they have to step it up a bit anyway. It’s nice to see people make an effort and not slobbing about in the usual trainers, jeans and 80s-style T-shirts. We love our crowd, they are the most gorgeous party animals ever and we feel very proud to have them with us.
What about ladies whose fellas don’t like dressing up?
Get rid of him! If he can’t make an effort for his girl then what is she doing with him? This isAbu Dhabi, so act accordingly! Though I must say that people here do make far more effort than back home in the UK.
Tell us a bit about the venue.
Embassy was a venue I had my eye on since going to the opening night last year. It’s a truly gorgeous venue and perfect for the kind of night we provide there. The layout is great and the crowd is just so responsive to the music we play.
What kind of music can we expect on the night?
I believe that if you have access to the best talent locally then you should nurture them and utilise them as much as possible. We have a great relationship with most of the DJs here and look forward to working with the pick of the crop. Our main residents are our very good friends DJ Christian and Matthew Charles. Christian was amazing on our opening night and will never disappoint – that’s why we love him so. Matthew, meanwhile, is a former resident of Mambo and Pacha in Ibiza, is a veteran in house music and truly knows how to play to the crowd. A night with him on the decks is like doing a four-hour workout. We will be bringing international DJs over at some point too, but I believe in looking after your own at first, so we’re letting the local lads do their stuff for now.
If you were Mariah Carey, what would you demand on your rider?
A guest list entry to Diva, I suppose, as it’s possibly the only thing she hasn’t already got. Call me, Mariah!
Diva is held every second Friday at Embassy from 10pm-3am, Dhs100.
