Global pop band Now United in Dubai ahead of search for new member from Mena region

The band will welcome their 16th member in September while in the UAE

Four members of Now United are in Dubai as the band finalises its search for a 16th member, this time from the Mena region. Instagram

With 15 members from 15 different countries, it’s fair to say that Now United – and their fan base – are truly global.

And fans of the group in the UAE will be pleased to know that four band mates are in Dubai on the hunt for a new member from the Mena region.

Touching down in the emirate in mid-August, four of the band's female members – South Korean Heyoon Jeong, German Sina Deinert, Russian Sofya Plotnikova and Australian Savannah Clarke – have spent time exploring Dubai and rehearsing, after spending more than five months apart owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

The girls are staying at the Paramount Hotel in Downtown Dubai, and have posted a series of videos to the band’s YouTube channel, which has more than 5.5 million subscribers, showing their time in the emirate.

Between the strict rehearsal and recording schedule, the band members visited Green Planet and took a trip to the desert, where they went dune bashing and camel riding.

Their trip has also coincided with the release of their latest single Feel It Now, which was recorded and filmed by members at their homes around the world during lockdown.

The band will welcome their 16th member in September while in Dubai. A boot-camp event will feature online auditions from finalists, before the winner is announced and joins the group.

The global pop group has members from countries including South Korea, Germany, Mexico, China, the Philippines, Senegal, Canada and more.

Simon Fuller, the man behind the Spice Girls and reality show American Idol, manages the group and has spent the past few months on the hunt for a member from the Middle East and North Africa, after initially announcing the vacancy in November.

At the time, Fuller said of his search: “Now United is all about incredible young talent coming together to share their passion for music and dance, and to represent their unique backgrounds in a positive spirit. The Mena region has such rich and diverse musical influences.

“We are looking forward to finding extraordinary talent who will represent the region on a global stage, whether they are from Riyadh, Amman, Beirut, Cairo, or anywhere else in this wonderful part of the world.”