Strabane mans musical odyssey in the desert

Fresh from a three-month stint in the opulent city of Dubai, Tyrone’s multi-talented musician and photographer, Gav Kelly, has opened up about his transformative experience in the lavish playground for the wealthy.

The Strabane man’s journey, marked by cultural immersion, culinary delights, and unexpected surprises, paints a vivid picture of life in the desert paradise.

Gav’s adventure commenced with a unique opportunity offered by McCafferty’s Bar, a Donegal-owned establishment with multiple outlets in Dubai. Originally slated for a three-month residency in one of their Spanish locations before the pandemic – Covid ultimately scuppered that plan – Gav seized the latest chance to relocate to the sun-kissed state.

One week after his return, Gav – somewhat ironically for someone who’s just been in the sun – is nursing a cold.

“No sooner was I home but this happened,” he laughed. “As soon as I hit the Irish air I began to get sick; three months in Dubai not one bit of sickness and as soon as I’m home this happens.”

Arriving in Dubai in early October, Gav found himself in the vibrant suburb of Jumeirah Village Circle, right across from McCafferty’s. The initial days proved a bit daunting, but he quickly adapted, navigating not just the locale but also the scorching 40+°C heat that greeted him “like a ton of bricks.” Despite the initial challenges, Gav appreciated the friendly atmosphere and the absence of trouble in this multicultural melting pot.

“Going to a new country on your own is always a bit strange and the nerves were there, for definite,” he said. “I stayed in a wee apartment in a suburb of the city right across from McCafferty’s. It took a few days to get fully settled in and get the lay of the land but I soon got used to the area – and the 40+C heat.

“The area itself was brilliant. It was a lovely melting pot of cultures and people all out for a bit of craic. I was reading a lot about what was going on back home and it’s a completely different lifestyle here; everyone was so friendly with zero trouble.”

spare time

Apart from his regular spots performing in McCafferty’s, the Strabane man also tried his hand at sky-diving and water sports, as well as taking visits to the desert.

One of the other exciting things about being in a new country can be trying the local delicacies. Gav admits he ‘played it safe’ when it came to eating but praised the place as a Mecca for food lovers with all manner of international cuisine on offer. One thing people do worry about when on holiday is prices, with Gav saying Dubai can be hit and miss.

“Dubai can be expensive for some things; a pint of beer would be around £10 and, if you’re into activities they can also cost a bit and there are the obvious high-end malls. To counterbalance that, traditional Souks are fairly reasonable as are taxis getting to and from places. It all depends on what you want to do.”

Inevitable homesickness kicked in a little around Christmas. That said, he was so busy he says, ‘I didn’t have time to be homesick.’ The feeling was alleviated somewhat by a surprise visit in November.

Gav continued, “I got a phone call to come and help shift some music gear in the bar one day and, as I walked in I looked in the corner and saw my parents sitting there! I had no idea they were coming, a complete shock. It was amazing to see them and I made sure they didn’t leave without seeing as much of Dubai as possible.”

The question on everyone’s mind is whether Gav would consider another stint in Dubai. With the offer to stay on or return at another time, he’s taking a thoughtful approach.

“Dubai was a wonderful experience, but it’s always nice to be home. We’ll see,” he teases, leaving the door open for potential future adventures in the desert paradise.

Gav Kelly’s journey encapsulates the essence of an expatriate’s life in Dubai – a blend of cultural richness, culinary delights, homesickness, and unexpected joys. As he contemplates the next chapter, the musical odyssey in the desert remains a captivating chapter in the life of this Strabane artist.