VII Dubai - Honing a premium leisure destination

Satish Sanpal, owner of VII Dubai, tells us what makes it an international hotspot for partygoers and those who simply want to unwind

Just as Dubai bustles with business opportunities, it is also alive with endless leisure options. So, when Satish Sanpal arrived to the UAE, he was simply smitten with the city's nightlife scene, and its charming vibe inspired him to transform this passion into an ambitious venture.
In late 2019, he'd made a decision to acquire a club as a birthday gift to himself, which he'd then rebranded and nurtured into what is currently one of the city's hottest leisure spots, VII Dubai.
"Owning a club is something that I've always wanted, and I wanted to create a space that would give visitors different options to unwind. VII Dubai is divided into three parts - a terrace, lounge and club. Each section boasts of a different ambience, giving guests a one-stop destination for a memorable evening. We also have an exclusive VIP area that requires reservations," said Sanpal.
Based in the five-star Conrad Hotel, VII Dubai is set at an enviable location on Sheikh Zayed Road, and attracts around 500 visitors on any given day. The prestigious hotspot caters to an international audience with themed nights and hosts some of the top DJs in the UAE to keep the crowd hyped. Sanpal added that each day attracts a different audience - with R&B/Hip Hop tunes on Mondays, House and Techno on Wednesdays, Afrobeats on Thursdays, and Indian hits on Fridays.
Considering the intense competition in the vicinity, Sanpal said that the key to keeping VII Dubai high on the list of sought-after destinations is to stay motivated by challenges and constantly innovate, inspire and exceed expectations.
"VII Dubai has gone through quite a number of changes since we have taken over. It has improved in terms of quality, variety, and promoters. We have also upgraded the performers at our club and bring in the best DJs to take over the stage. The presentation of food and beverages is impeccable. All this contribute to VII Dubai's premium club status," Sanpal said.
The 27,000 sq ft premium club also undergoes regular renovations, further supported by its permit to operate 24 hours a day.
"Dubai is such a diverse city that attracts visitors from all over the world, and with Expo 2020 around the corner, we're expecting a very good response for the club scene. As much as this area is all about business, after work it's always time to play. Tourists often look forward to partying. So we're in the right game," he added.
Thanks to its strong marketing campaigns, VII Dubai appears high on most search engines as a go-to destination for those new to the UAE. Despite VII Dubai's renowned status, Sanpal and his team do not rest on their laurels and continue to promote the joint with exciting features. The owner also has plans to open another club in prime locations in the UK and US.
"Personally-speaking, an achievement close to my heart is the fact that our guests are happy with what VII Dubai has to offer. I appreciate that we have a brilliant team onboard who understand each other and work together towards success," said Sanpal.
Speaking about the UAE as a destination for business, Sanpal is enamoured with Dubai and plans to continue to invest with future ventures here.
"I have travelled and lived around the world, but there's no place as comfortable and safe for entrepreneurs such as the UAE. Dubai, in particular, is a haven for its diversity, incredible transportation options, and well-developed infrastructure. Crime is almost non-existent compared to major well-known cities, and running a business is convenient and safe with equal opportunities for all," he said, adding that the stringent rules and regulations further add to its attractiveness.

• KT Engage