Dubai-based promoter Center Stage Management (CSM) has finally found success with its Desert Rhythm Festival, selling out the first day and reporting healthy figures for the second. It's been a long slog for CSM, after the inaugural festival was dampened by 9/11 and the second attempt – in 2006 – was dogged by further complications.

"The government decided to move the weekend, so the festival took place over Eid Holiday," says CSM's Mathilde Montel. "It meant that most people stayed in with their families or went out of town for a family vacation."

Dubai-based promoter Center Stage Management (CSM) has finally found success with its Desert Rhythm Festival, selling out the first day and reporting healthy figures for the second. It's been a long slog for CSM, after the inaugural festival was dampened by 9/11 and the second attempt – in 2006 – was dogged by further complications.

"The government decided to move the weekend, so the festival took place over Eid Holiday," says CSM's Mathilde Montel. "It meant that most people stayed in with their families or went out of town for a family vacation."

The late October festival, headlined by Kanye West and Mika, was third time lucky for CSM, although the unexpected closure of the Dubai Country Club meant a last minute switch of venues to Dubai Media City. "We're pretty relieved it all went so well, and we've got some great feedback," Montel says.

CSM is steadily building a portfolio of festivals in Dubai, and also setting its sights internationally. In addition to the established two-day Desert Rock Festival which takes place in March, CSM is launching a new one-day event in April 2008. Urban Desert Festival has confirmed Akon as headliner, and the event will also take place in South Africa. (Johannesburg on 11 April and in Cape Town on12 April).

"We've confirmed the venue for Desert Rock Festival but we’re still looking for the other two festivals next year," says Montel. "Dubai Media City is very central and has great access, but unfortunately, it's a little limited for space. It is hard to find a venue big enough where you can grow as a festival."