LIVERPOOL’S status as a global music industry brand gains yet more momentum this week with the inaugural Dubai Sound City.

Run by the team behind Liverpool Sound City, the music industry conference and festival will see some of the biggest names in music flocking to the sunshine.

Organisers say it is the first music festival and conference of its kind ever to be held in the emirate.

It follows the success of Liverpool Sound City, held for the second time this year. The event has attracted hundreds of bands to the city, with the conferences drawing some of the industry’s biggest decision-makers.

It is not the first time a Liverpool music business brand has become a global franchise.

Superclub Cream, started by James Barton, is now a world-wide phenomenon, with events in Poland, Spain, South America, Mexico and this year in Abu Dhabi.

Organised by the team behind Liverpool Sound City and New Dawn, Dubai Sound City begins on Thursday and will showcase the best of the British music scene to an international audience.

Echo and the Bunnymen will be joined by a host of acts including Ian Brown, Happy Mondays, The Human League, Super Furry Animals, The Wombats, Alphabeat, Gabriella Cilmi, Ocean Colour Scene and The Farm.

Festival director and LIPA lecturer Dave Pichilingi said: “Everything is shaping up to be the most amazing three days the UAE has ever witnessed. We will be presenting over 40 bands on 10 stages in the most beautiful settings throughout Dubai.

“Everything is coming together and teams in Liverpool and Dubai are burning the midnight oil to deliver what will be the most amazing winter festival in the sun.

“We are flying in over 100 bands, including loads of Liverpool favourites like legends Echo and The Bunnymen, Sound City favourites The Wombats, up and coming starlets Sound Of Guns and the office favourites Wave Machines.”

Also heading to the UAE will be South African New Wavers Dirty Skirts and Parlotones, The Courteeners, who are gearing up to release the follow up to their top 10 album St. Jude, electro king Kissy Sell Out, Futureheads, MOBO award winner Nitin Sawhney, Irish rockers Aslan, and Doves.

Dubai's burgeoning local music scene is just as important, and the best local bands will share stage time with the top acts.