From Dubai to London: The Musical Odyssey of Abbas Sharif Alaskari

When you listen to Abbas Sharif Alaskari play the guitar, you're not just hearing notes—you’re hearing stories from two worlds. A seasoned guitarist, composer, and producer, Alaskari’s career is a rich tapestry woven between the cultural vibrancy of the UAE and the musical heritage of the UK. His journey from the bustling creative hubs of Dubai to the historic stages of London is more than a change in geography—it's a reflection of a life shaped by contrast, migration, and reinvention.

Born in the UK, Abbas began his musical journey amid the raw grit of British rock. “Growing up, I was obsessed with the emotional depth of bands like Pink Floyd, the power of Led Zeppelin, and the sonic experimentation of Radiohead,” he recalls. With guitar in hand, he immersed himself in the underground music scene, eventually earning a Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Music Performance from the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) in London. It was during these formative years that he started to explore the boundaries of genre, blending rock with world music textures.

In 2013, after completing his postgraduate studies in Music Production and Sound Design at SAE Institute in Dubai, Alaskari’s creative path took a transformative turn. Living in the UAE for a decade, he became deeply influenced by Middle Eastern musical traditions. “Dubai was where I rediscovered music through a different lens,” he says. “It wasn’t just about performing anymore—it was about understanding sound culturally and spiritually.”

That understanding came to life through Desert Echoes, the Dubai-based fusion rock band Alaskari co-founded. Serving as lead guitarist and co-composer, he helped craft a sound that married Arabic maqam scales and rhythmic patterns with the structure and energy of progressive rock. Over ten years, the band released three studio albums—Echoes of the Dunes, Sands of Sound, and Lost in the Mirage—each serving as a sonic bridge between East and West. Tracks like “Caravan Dream” and “Mirage Sequence” showcased his innovative use of fretless guitar, mimicking the tonal qualities of the oud while grounded in rock sensibility.

But Alaskari’s role in the UAE music scene wasn’t confined to the stage. He became a sought-after music producer and sound engineer, collaborating with local Emirati artists and international acts. His work at Soundscape Studios contributed to numerous independent films, commercials, and experimental projects that reflected the UAE’s evolving art scene. He also gave back to the community, leading masterclasses at Berkeley Abu Dhabi and workshops at Dubai Opera House, sharing his knowledge of fusion guitar and production techniques.

In 2023, Abbas made a heartfelt return to London—a move that marked the next chapter of his musical evolution. Now based in the UK once again, he’s working on a highly anticipated solo project titled "Between Two Worlds", an album exploring the emotional and musical tension between his two homes. “There’s a longing in this album,” he says. “It’s about finding peace in duality—culturally, musically, personally.”

Alongside his recording work, Alaskari teaches fusion techniques at the British & Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM) in London and mentors musicians globally through his online music academy, focusing on the integration of Middle Eastern and Western styles.

His return to the UK has been marked by notable performances at festivals like the Cambridge Folk Festival and Glastonbury Emerging Talent Showcase, where his genre-defying sound has earned him recognition among both traditional and contemporary music audiences.

From London’s underground clubs to Dubai’s eclectic venues and back again, Abbas Sharif Alaskari’s odyssey is a testament to the power of music as a cultural connector. His work continues to break barriers, not for the sake of novelty, but to tell stories that resonate across borders.