Behind-the-Scenes: Preparing for a High-Profile Magic Event in Dubai

A a magician behind One With Magic, my life is about weaving moments of wonder that linger long after the curtains close. Based in the dazzling city of Dubai, I’ve had the privilege of performing for some of the world’s most influential people. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain to share the whirlwind of preparation behind a VVIP gig set for September 23rd, 2025—just a few days away. My agent called me with a cryptic brief: “Nabeel, it’s VVIP, private, and I can’t share the client’s name yet. Bring your absolute best.” In a city where VVIP could mean royalty, a global tycoon, or a celebrity icon, the mystery only fuels my drive to deliver a show that’s nothing short of magical.

It’s September 20th, 2025, and I’m in my Dubai studio, surrounded by decks of cards, custom props, and the faint hum of anticipation. This gig is a black box—no venue details, no guest list, just “Dubai” and “VVIP.” In a city of extravagance, that could mean a palatial villa on the Palm Jumeirah or a yacht docked at Dubai Marina. I’ve learned to embrace the unknown; it’s part of the magician’s code. My focus is on preparation, ensuring every detail aligns to create an unforgettable experience.

Physically, I’m treating this like a high-stakes mission. I’ll be driving to the venue—Dubai’s traffic can be unforgiving, especially in elite neighborhoods. I’m mapping routes in advance, ensuring my car is pristine and ready. A smooth journey sets the tone; I need to arrive calm, not caught in a Sheikh Zayed Road jam. Appearance is my first trick: I’m opting for a tailored black suit, crisp white shirt, and a sleek tie—polished yet understated, letting the magic take center stage. Elegance in presentation signals to the audience that they’re in for something extraordinary.

The mental game is where the real magic brews. I’m prioritizing eight hours of sleep the night before to keep my reflexes razor-sharp. Magic demands precision; a single fumble could break the spell. On the drive, I’ll play positive music—upbeat tracks from Coldplay or local UAE artists—to build that overconfident swagger. Confidence isn’t arrogance; it’s the belief that countless hours of practice will shine through. I visualize the performance: the gasps, the smiles, the moment when skepticism turns to awe. Elegance is my mantra—smooth gestures, seamless transitions, like a symphony of illusions. In magic, attitude is the ultimate trick; it’s the misdirection that makes the impossible feel real.

This mindset has carried me through some of my proudest moments. Performing for the Crown Prince of Bahrain was a pinnacle. As a Bahraini, born on that island with dreams of entertaining the world, it was surreal to perform at a royal gathering. The Crown Prince was hooked, chuckling at a card trick that seemed to defy logic. My family back home was over the moon—calls flooded in, their pride palpable. “Nabeel, you’ve made Bahrain proud!” they said. It was a reminder that magic transcends borders, uniting people in wonder.

Then there was the Ambani family from India. I was flown in for one of their legendary events—opulent decor, elite guests, and an electric atmosphere. Performing close-up magic for Mukesh Ambani and his circle was intense; their sharp minds missed nothing. A mind-reading routine left them speechless, with one guest joking, “Nabeel, you’ve got magic in your blood!” It reinforced that attitude—overconfident yet elegant—can turn a performance into a memory.

The Royal Family of Azerbaijan was another highlight. At a diplomatic event in Dubai, I blended Eastern mysticism with modern illusions, levitating objects and predicting choices. Their warm applause taught me that elegance earns respect, while confidence sparks innovation. It’s not about deception; it’s about enchantment.

Celebrity encounters at spots like Nobu Dubai have also shaped me. I’ve done impromptu magic at tables with stars like Mo Salah, who called my coin vanish “unbelievable,” and Shah Rukh Khan, who dubbed me “the best magician in the world.” Those moments hone your ability to stay poised under scrutiny, delivering magic that feels personal.

But one gig stands above the rest: performing for Shah Rukh Khan and his family at his Palm Jumeirah villa. It started with a chance encounter at Nobu, where I did a quick card trick at his table. SRK was floored, and to my shock, he invited me to perform for his son Abram at his stunning villa. I prepared meticulously for that 30-minute show, curating a setlist of kid-friendly tricks with a touch of Bollywood flair. On the day, I faced Shah Rukh, his family, and 20 of their friends, all seated before me in a luxurious living room overlooking the sea. My heart raced, but I channeled that energy into overconfident elegance. Every trick landed—Abram’s eyes lit up at a levitating toy, and SRK’s laughter echoed through the room. The standing ovation at the end, with SRK personally thanking me, remains one of the best moments of my life. It was a testament to preparation meeting passion.

For this September 23rd gig, I’m drawing on that experience. My setlist mixes classics like the ambitious card routine with bespoke illusions, possibly weaving in cultural nods if the client leans Eastern. I’m packing backup props—nothing ruins a show like a faulty gimmick. Mentally, I’m scripting interactions, anticipating reactions, and practicing that elegant poise. The unknown client—perhaps a sheikh, a tech mogul, or a global star—adds intrigue, but my goal is clear: make them forget the world for a moment.

As the date nears, excitement surges. From Bahrain’s shores to London’s film studies at Metropolitan University, and now Dubai’s vibrant stage, magic has been my way of spreading joy. The mindset? Treat every gig like the performance of a lifetime—overconfident in execution, elegant in delivery.