HOP Events, the cultural and entertainment platform under PANTHEON ACR, is planning a major expansion that could bring more live music, storytelling and cultural events to audiences in Dubai and other international cities.
The company says it plans to operate across 25 cities over the next 24 months, including Dubai, London, New York, Doha and Singapore.
Its expansion plan includes more than 250 experiences each year across 75 venues and arenas, with the company targeting more than one million attendees annually.
Dubai remains part of the expansion
For audiences in the UAE, Dubai is among the cities included in HOP Events’ planned international footprint.
The platform has already hosted live experiences featuring artists including Lucky Ali, Nancy Ajram, A.R. Rahman, Arijit Singh, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Rishab Sharma.
The company says its events are intended to extend beyond concerts and entertainment, with plans to include music, storytelling, art and other cultural experiences.
New events platform focuses on culture
HOP Events chairman Kalpesh Kinariwala said the expansion is intended to develop a broader cultural platform rather than simply increase the number of events.
“Our goal has never been to build an events company,” said Kinariwala.
“We’re building a platform where culture becomes a catalyst for connection. We live in an increasingly global world where people carry different stories, identities and experiences. Shared cultural experiences have a remarkable ability to bring those people together, spark dialogue, create understanding and foster a genuine sense of belonging. That is the opportunity we see for HOP.”
The company recently hosted a Dubai gathering featuring storyteller Laksh Maheshwari, bringing together editors, media figures, influencers and cultural voices.
Part of PANTHEON ACR
HOP Events operates within PANTHEON ACR, which combines art, culture and real estate under three connected business areas.
According to the company, HOP represents the cultural arm of the platform, with a focus on creating experiences involving established artists as well as emerging creative voices.
Kinariwala said the longer-term objective is to create experiences that remain meaningful beyond the event itself.
“The moments people carry with them for years are rarely the biggest,” Kinariwala added.
“They are the moments that make us feel connected, inspired, understood or part of something larger than ourselves. Whether through music, storytelling, art or conversation, those experiences remind us of our shared humanity. That’s what we’re building through HOP. Not simply a series of events, but a long-term platform for culture, community and belonging.”
