About Anthony Younes

For nearly 30 years, Anthony Younes has been a key player in shaping the Middle East's most memorable live events. As the innovative CEO of Chillout Productions and the visionary founder of the celebrated Dubai Jazz Festival, Abu Dhabi Jazz Festival, The Jazz Garden Series, and numerous other events, he has significantly transformed the entertainment scene in the region. From creating jazz experiences to launching large-scale cultural events like The Classic Rock Experience Series and Festival, Anthony's bold vision has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. His unwavering passion for creativity and connection continues to inspire and spark imagination.

About.

From Vision to Legacy: What started in 2003 as a niche jazz event, The Dubai Jazz Festival has evolved into one of the world's most renowned music festivals. Under Anthony's leadership, Chillout Productions has successfully connected global superstars with regional audiences, hosting iconic artists like Santana, Sting, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, and John Legend, among many others. Learn More

Anthony brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, having more than 25 Years consulting for various government entities and venue developers. His goal is to design and create exceptional entertainment experiences that leave a lasting impression on audiences.

Anthony Younes In A Conference Room with the team

Anthony Younes with the production team on stage

The Beginning.

The early days were challenging as there was no proven track record for such an event in the region. It was only after the first night of the inaugural edition that a major corporate sponsors, Philips, Skywards, Cadillac, Visa, MeBank and Phillip Morris committed to multi-year deals, which helped grow the festival.

Over time, the Dubai Jazz Festival expanded beyond jazz into a more diverse array of music including pop, rock, blues, and soul, featuring international stars such as Santana, Sting, Deep Purple, John Legend, Maria Carey, Sir Tom Jones, Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Toto, James Blunt, Train, David Gray, Macy Gray and One Republic just to name a few. Learn More

This programming diversity helped attract broader crowds and deepen the festival's appeal. Learn More

From Stadiums To Intimate Stages:

Curating World-Class Experiences In The Region!

The Awards.

Under the leadership of Anthony Younes, Chillout Productions has successfully organized a variety of music festivals, receiving numerous awards for its outstanding quality and innovative strategies. This includes multiple Best Music Festival Awards from prestigious events like the Time Out Dubai Nightlife Awards, WhatsOn Awards, Ahlan Awards, and Middle East Event Awards.

The festival started as a small jazz gathering but has evolved into an exciting and lively music experience. Throughout the years it has drawn in hundreds of thousands of attendees, not just from the UAE, but also from the GCC, the Levant, and many other corners of the globe, turning it into a truly global celebration of music.

Grand Spectacles, Personal Connections:

Designing Unforgettable Live Experiences Across Every Stage.

Navigating the Journey:

The journey was characterized by a series of highs and lows, presenting numerous challenges along the way.

These included dealing with the unpredictability of market instability, engaging in negotiations regarding artist fees, and facing the complexities involved in attracting international talent to the region.

Nevertheless, the festival managed to persevere through these difficulties, primarily due to the strength of its solid corporate partnerships and the steadfast loyalty of its devoted fan base.

Their continued support played a vital role in ensuring the festival's success despite the hurdles encountered.

The Highlight:

Anthony recalls highlights such as the sold-out 2015 program, which brought Chris Botti and Sting together to the stage alongside Santana, John Legend, Toto, James Blunt and David Gray, as proof of the festival’s power to surpass expectations and craft truly remarkable live music experiences.

Redefining the Event Landscape:

Delivering World-Class Production from Arena Heights to Intimate Nights.

The Partnerships.

The festival has evolved over the years by embracing innovation and introducing engaging activities and interactive digital platforms, including social media and the Anghami Sessions, which highlight emerging regional talent alongside renowned global artists. This transformation has been supported by the invaluable partnerships Dubai Tourism, the city of Dubai, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Festival City, solidifying the festival's status as a leading cultural event in the region.

Strategic collaborations, particularly with Emirates Airlines, enhanced its global profile. Under the Emirates Dubai Jazz Festival brand, these partnerships attracted a diverse audience and solidified the festival's position in the international music scene.

Where Vision Meets the Stage:

Engineering World-Class Entertainment Experiences Throughout the Middle East.

About Chillout Productions:

Chillout Productions, established and headed Anthony Younes, is acknowledged as the premier independent music and events agency in the region. The agency is celebrated for its production of significant events, including:

Dubai Jazz Festival,
Abu Dhabi Jazz Festival,
The Jazz Garden Series,
The Classic Rock Experience Series.

And many other events and festivals.

Chillout Productions has created memorable experiences that extend beyond festivals, hosting special concerts that have thrilled fans locally and internationally. One of the most notable events was the iconic, sold-out Queen + Paul Rodgers concert in 2008, which made a lasting impact on all who were there.

Mastering the Spectrum of Sound and Scale:

Bringing Global Standards to Every Stage in the Region.