It took $3 million (Dh11 million) and ‘just under a month’ to transform O1ne nightclub in Abu Dhabi into MAD, the latest party hub to arrive on Yas Island.
“Since opening in November, MAD has welcomed an A-list crowd and hosted performances by some of the biggest names in music, including Ne-Yo, Tinashe, Jeremih, Jason Derulo and Tinie Tempah. 2016 will be full of excitement when it comes down to artists we will be bringing; T-Pain performed on January 1, and I will leave the rest as a surprise for the time being,” said Tony Habre, CEO of Addmind, the company behind the White and Iris brands in Dubai, and several others in Beirut, Lebanon.
With a capacity of 1,800 and a size of 1,565 square metres, MAD is the biggest indoor venue of its kind in the UAE, said Habre. The club’s multi-million revamp included 360-degree projection mapping, animated LED screens, four full-colour crowd-scanning lasers, as well as “the latest sound technology”. One thing that MAD retained from its predecessor, however, was its graffiti exterior.
“In life, I’ve followed the ‘why fix something that’s not broken’ motto, and can confidently say that was the pure reasoning behind keeping the graffiti walls,” said Habre. “They are phenomenal. In addition, MAD Beirut had graffiti on the interior and this was essential to brand’s identity.”
Habre dished on how MAD aims to democratise the nightlife scene, and what kind of entertainment its guests are in for throughout the week.
What was the concept behind MAD Night Club?
Our presence in the Abu Dhabi market for over seven years with our previous nightclub Eight and Iris Yas Island has taught us that Abu Dhabi residents want and like to party, but have limited options, which result in them going to Dubai every weekend. With MAD, we are trying to change that and give them a good reason to stay.
Can you describe the ideal MAD client?
MAD aims to democratise the nightlife scene, with less emphasis on tables and big-spenders. It’s a totally different feel, as I don’t like pretentious clubs. MAD is a place where you come to have fun. Walk-in customers are a club’s heart and soul. We welcome people who celebrate madness, people who want to have fun and let out their crazy side.
What’s the music like?
On MAD Thursdays the music includes high-energy, commercial sounds, the kind that make you want to dance after a long week. Resident DJs include Anthony Bassoulou, Devon Kosoko and DJAD. Every Friday we host URBN and dedicate ourselves to the best of urban music, courtesy of MAD resident DJs Dany Neville and Kosoko. Sunday is dedicated to Single’s Traffic Jam and Ladies Night, hence the music mainly caters to women. I wouldn’t want to define the genres, as that would do injustice to the night, but perhaps enough to say that the sounds are fun.
When are you open? Can people walk in or is booking a requirement?
MAD is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from 11pm-4am. Walk-ins are welcome, but bookings for tables are recommended due to limited space.
Why did you choose to open in Abu Dhabi rather than Dubai?
The nightlife scene in Abu Dhabi has its differences to Dubai, and we wanted to create something that would set a new norm to Abu Dhabi’s hospitality standards. We’ve been running White Dubai very successfully for the past two years, and I am proud to say that it is now a staple of Dubai nightlife, something which we are also trying to do with MAD in Abu Dhabi.
*For reservations, contact 055-8346262 or reservations@madyasisland.com.