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Video of matcha rave in Dubai sparks confusion online: 'I thought this was AI-generated'
A rooftop matcha-themed dance party in Dubai has gone viral, but reactions are mixed.
A video of a rooftop matcha-themed dance party set against the Dubai skyline has gone viral, sparking questions. In the clip, a group of partygoers can be seen gently swaying to music, sipping matcha drinks, and sampling matcha ice cream, all while a live DJ spins tunes in the background.
The video's caption read: “And you thought matcha was boring?" It described the dance party overlooking Dubai’s stunning skyline as “electric” and asked viewers if they would "hit up the next one?”
In a statement to HT.com, Villa Sage and Angel Cakes, the organisers of the party shared their vision for the gathering.
“We wanted to create an experience that married two of our biggest passions: the serene, ritualistic culture of matcha and the high-energy joy of dance. We aimed to show that you can dance and celebrate fully—without the need for alcohol that usually accompanies rooftop parties. By replacing cocktails with matcha mocktails and timing the event at sunset, we ensured guests could wake up the next morning feeling refreshed, without compromising their well-being or wellness routines,” they said.
‘This is not a rave’
While the clip racked up thousands of views on Instagram and X, not everyone was sold on the “rave" aspect of the party. Many users poked fun at the mellow vibes and questioned whether the hype matched the energy of an actual rave.
“I honestly thought this was AI-generated,” wrote one user. “This is definitely not a rave, and I know this as an old-school raver,” a third added.
Overall, most commenters seemed baffled by the concept of a matcha rave. "How are you making a rave around matcha? It’s just a green tea," asked another confused viewer.
Others were surprised that matcha stole the spotlight, rather than Dubai’s viral pistachio-and-knafeh-filled chocolate bars, which recently took the internet by storm and sparked worldwide demand.
A new party trend
Matcha and coffee raves are quickly becoming the latest “Gen Z-approved alcohol-free movement in Dubai”, according to a report by Vogue Arabia.
The report stated that Dubai's elites are choosing to let go of weekend late nights, hangovers, and ‘Sunday scaries’ ahead of their packed working week and opting for a smarter and healthier alternative, with minimum side-effects.
“In a city that thrives on high-energy experiences, we're curating a new kind of luxury—one that fuels you, rather than drains you,” Ali Hassoun of PEAQ, Dubai's first social wellness club, told Vogue Arabia.
