Metal East Records is an independent record store, record label and concert promotion company based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Founded in 2012 by Syrian-born Moutasem Kabbani, the business originally concentrated on supporting metal bands from the Middle East by distributing their recordings and helping them reach a wider audience. Kabbani had previously worked for Virgin Megastore, where he eventually became a regional music buyer. In 2013, he expanded Metal East Records into concert promotion, bringing international metal bands to Dubai while providing opportunities for local musicians. After operating primarily as a label and events company for more than a decade, Metal East Records opened its first physical record shop in September 2023, located at The B1 in the Al Barsha 1 district.

The shop carries a large selection of vinyl records, CDs, cassettes and band merchandise. Although heavy metal remains an important part of the business, the collection also covers classic rock, punk, alternative music, jazz, pop and other genres. Metal releases include material from international labels such as Nuclear Blast, Season of Mist and Napalm Records, alongside recordings by Middle Eastern bands. The store also sells turntables, speakers, guitars and other music equipment. The interior is relatively spacious, with high ceilings, dark brick walls and wooden record racks. Several guitars are mounted on the walls, including instruments associated with ESP, while framed and autographed album covers by bands such as Sepultura and Moonspell are displayed among the decorations. A large mural depicting musicians covers part of one wall.

Metal East Records has played an active role in developing Dubai’s heavy metal scene. The label has released albums by bands including Svengali, Nervecell and Ascendant from the United Arab Emirates, Anarchadia and Maysaloon from Syria, Atria from Iran and Medic from Egypt. As a concert promoter, the company has organised performances by international bands such as Grave, Lake of Tears, Krisiun, Aborted, Insomnium, Swallow the Sun and Lacrimas Profundere. It was also involved in organising Dubai Metal Fest in 2022 and 2023, bringing bands including Moonspell, Lacuna Coil, Pain and Septicflesh to the city. While the physical shop stocks a much broader range of music than the original label, Metal East Records has maintained its connections with the regional metal scene through its releases, concerts and merchandise.

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ADDRESS:
The B1 – Gate # 1 Parking – Gate # 2 Al Barsha 1 – Al Barsha – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

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