Jayesh Veralkar on building Vinyl Souk and collaborating with 25hours Hotel One Central

This New Year’s Eve, vinyl sets the tone at 25hours Hotel One Central

Founded and run by Jayesh Veralkar alongside co-founder Serina Pinheiro, Vinyl Souk is a grassroots music platform built around records and community.

What began as a shared passion for vinyl and analogue culture, Vinyl Souk has grown into one of Dubai’s most distinctive independent music experiences. 

Vinyl Souk brings together DJs, artists, collectors and curious listeners through curated events that prioritise connection over convention. Now firmly rooted at 25hours Hotel One Central, Vinyl Souk has found a natural home within the hotel’s creatively charged spaces. 

Can you share how Vinyl Souk first came to life through 25hours Hotel One Central, and what inspired the partnership?

Vinyl Souk came to life as a way to bring people together through records. I’ve been a resident in Dubai for nine years, and my wife and I both come from strong music backgrounds shaped by the music scenes of cities like Bombay and Delhi.

We felt there was room for a platform that encouraged genuine cultural exchange. When it came to choosing a home, 25hours Hotel One Central was an obvious choice.

The Analogue Circus on the first floor, in particular, was one of the key factors. Its extensive (good) vinyl and cassette collection already reflected everything we believe in. It was an opportunity to listen to music from a genuinely exciting collection while working in the hotel’s free co-working space.

Vinyl culture there isn’t decorative - it’s lived, played, and shared - which made the partnership feel completely natural.

How does hosting Vinyl Souk at 25hours Hotel One Central enhance the vibe and overall experience of the event?

25hours Hotel One Central elevates Vinyl Souk beyond a traditional record fair or party. The hotel’s open, design-led environment encourages people to explore and connect. You might arrive to dig through records, stay for a DJ set, discover a film screening, or strike up a conversation with someone new. 

Music exists alongside food, art and design, which aligns perfectly with our philosophy of creating platforms, not just events. The space allows the community to form organically offline.

How does Vinyl Souk celebrate cross-cultural music and grassroots talent?

Diversity is central to Vinyl Souk. Dubai is unique in the way it brings together so many cultures, and we reflect that in our programming. There’s no single genre or scene - our sound moves between soul, funk, hip-hop and global music. We’re intentional about supporting grassroots talent - we also champion women artists, regional DJs and live performers. It’s not about representing one culture but about creating a space where different voices are heard and respected equally.

What makes the Vinyl Souk Marketplace stand out for visitors interested in art, craft and design?

At its core, Vinyl Souk is a souk - a market - and the marketplace reflects that idea of exchange. Vinyl Souk is not purely transactional. Visitors meet the makers, learn about their process and understand the stories behind the work.

It creates a deeper connection and strengthens the creative ecosystem around the event.

Vinyl Souk goes beyond events. How do you continue to build community throughout the year?

We don’t just create parties - we build platforms. Over the past two and a half years, Vinyl Souk has expanded to include educational elements such as DJ workshops, panel talks and film screenings. We run a monthly event series and maintain an active community across social platforms.

We’ve also developed a growing digital archive through SoundCloud and YouTube, including recordings captured within 25hours Hotel One Central, allowing the experience to extend beyond the physical space.

If you could take home one record from the event, which would it be and why?

Such a tough question! Hmm, it would have to be Made in the Emirates, Volume 1. The record captures everything Vinyl Souk stands for; its original contemporary music created in the UAE. 

It features musicians, including Emirati artists, Omani musicians and other regional collaborators. It’s all about documenting the sound of the region and time. And we’re excited about what’s next with Volume 2. 

Catch the next Vinyl Souk at 25hours Hotel One Central on 31 December from 6pm!

Visit: vinylsouk.com