Words by GO! Dubai Press & Media

For more than two decades, Arash has turned music into a passport. From packed arenas and spectacular international stages to intimate moments away from the spotlight, the internationally renowned artist has built a career defined by energy, ambition and an unmistakable ability to connect cultures through music.

Born with Iranian roots and raised in Sweden, Arash carries two worlds with him. Today, Dubai is home — a city he says inspires his creativity, ambition and dreams for the future. Yet behind the global success is a man who understands exactly how much hard work it takes to make it in the entertainment industry.

We caught up with Arash for an exclusive conversation about his journey, family, Dubai and the exciting chapters still waiting to be written.

GO!: You have been performing around the world for more than 20 years. When you look back, what comes to mind first?

ARASH: Honestly, I feel grateful. Twenty years sounds like a long time, but when you love what you do, it goes incredibly fast. I remember the early days when I was dreaming about performing for people and making music that could travel beyond borders. There were so many challenges, so many doors that didn’t open.

But I kept going.

The entertainment industry looks glamorous from the outside, but behind every concert, every song and every success there are years of work. You have to believe in yourself even when nobody else does. That is probably one of the biggest lessons I have learned.

GO!: Your background is a fascinating mix of Iranian heritage and Swedish upbringing. How has that influenced you as an artist?

ARASH: It is a huge part of who I am. I have Iran in my heart and Sweden in my soul. I grew up with different cultures, different traditions, different sounds and different ways of looking at life.

For me, music has always been a bridge between those worlds. I don’t believe music needs a passport. A great song can make people dance together whether they speak Persian, Swedish, English, Arabic or something completely different.

My background gives me the freedom to take inspiration from many places. I don’t want to choose between cultures. I want to celebrate them all.

GO!: Was success something that came easily to you?

ARASH: Absolutely not! (Laughs.) People see the stage, the lights and the applause. They don’t always see the early mornings, the late nights, the travelling, the disappointments and the constant pressure to improve.

You have to work extremely hard in this business. Talent is important, but discipline is just as important. And you need patience.

There were moments when I thought, “Is this really going to work?” But I always had this feeling inside me that I had something to give. So I continued.

GO!: Today you live in Dubai. What does the city mean to you?

ARASH: Dubai is incredible. I love the energy here. There is always something happening, always something being created and always somebody dreaming bigger.

That inspires me enormously.

Dubai is also very international. You meet people from every corner of the world. For an artist, that is fantastic because you are constantly exposed to new ideas, new cultures and new possibilities.

I feel very comfortable here. Dubai gives me energy.

GO!: But living in Dubai also means being away from your family in Sweden. Do you miss them?

ARASH: Of course. Family is family. You can travel around the world, perform in front of thousands of people and have amazing experiences, but nothing replaces being with the people you love.

I miss Sweden. I miss my family, the atmosphere and those simple moments together. Technology makes it easier to stay connected, but sometimes you just want to sit around a table, laugh and spend time together.

Whenever I can, I go back. And when I am in Sweden, I really try to enjoy those moments.

GO!: After more than 20 years in the spotlight, what still motivates you?

ARASH: The excitement of creating something new!

I don’t want to repeat myself. I want to surprise people. I want to make music that makes you dance, music that makes you feel something and music that people remember.

There are still so many things I want to do. New music, new collaborations, new shows and projects that I can’t talk too much about yet. (Laughs.) But I can promise you there are exciting things coming.

GO!: Do you still have dreams?

ARASH: Of course! I think the moment you stop dreaming, you stop growing.

My dreams today are bigger than they were 20 years ago. I want to continue performing around the world, creating unforgettable experiences and exploring new areas of entertainment.

I also want to build projects that can live beyond one song or one concert. I want to create things that have a lasting impact.

GO!: What would you tell a young artist who is standing where you once stood?

ARASH: Believe in yourself, but don’t just believe — work.

Work when nobody is watching. Learn from every mistake. Don’t be afraid of rejection. And never compare your journey with somebody else’s.

Most importantly, protect your passion.

There will always be people who tell you that something is impossible. Sometimes they may even be right. But if you really believe in your dream, you owe it to yourself to try.

GO!: Finally, what can we expect from Arash in the future?

ARASH: Expect energy! (Laughs.)

I’m not slowing down. I have new music, new collaborations and exciting projects coming. I want the next chapter to be even bigger, more creative and more international.

I have spent more than 20 years travelling the world and making people dance. And honestly, I feel like I am just getting started.

Dubai is giving me new inspiration, my roots keep me grounded, my family keeps me connected to what really matters — and the future?

The future is going to be exciting.

And if there is one thing Arash makes clear, it is that the beat goes on. From Iran to Sweden, from European stages to the dazzling energy of Dubai, his story is one of determination, cultural pride and an unwavering belief that the biggest dreams are often the ones worth chasing.

With new music, ambitious projects and plenty more energy still in the tank, Arash isn’t looking back.

He is turning up the volume for the next chapter.