The Dutch trance DJ and producer and co-owner of Armada Music is famously known for his beloved weekly radio show, “A State of Trance,” which attracts more than 15 million listeners from over 26 countries.

He is the recipient of numerous awards, including “Best Trance Artist,” “Best European DJ” (2009), “Best Global DJ” (2010), the Buma Cultuur Pop Award in 2008 and the “Gouden Harp” — the highest distinction a Dutch artist can get — in March 2010. Furthermore, on Queensday 2011, Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands named Armin Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau. Even more, his album, “Mirage” (2010), reached golden status in The Netherlands, selling more than 250,000 copies just three months after its release.

Recently, Armin made his first visit to Abu Dhabi where he performed for over 4,000 fans at the FLASH Forum in Yas Island in what was the most anticipated clubbing event of the year. The sold-out concert, organized by the region’s premier live events company, FLASH Entertainment, was the final Forum party of the summer.

There, Armin performed his headline set complete with state-of-the-art laser, light and video into the early hours of Friday, playing hits from “Mirage,” “Mirage-the Remixes,” as well as older classics, after opening acts from Audio Tonic and Jochen Miller.

Just prior to his show, Arab News caught up with the trance master backstage who was humbled by the enthusiasm of his Middle Eastern fans.
 

The love with the Middle Eastern fans really started in 2005-2006 when I performed in Dubai, Bahrain, Jordan and then Beirut. There’s something with trance and the Middle Eastern people. Also, so much music comes from Arab countries, so it’s really great to have such a connection with these people. It is really something special.

You might think this is normal for me to play for 5,000 people, but it’s not. It is very special to have such a connection with the crowd with so many people really anxious to see me. It’s really fantastic. I’m very thankful.
 

“Mirage” is the biggest project I’ve ever worked on and it has the most tracks — all based around the theme: Mirage. The album features BT, Christian Burns, Ferry Corsten, Adam Young and Nadia Ali. It is brand new music with different styles — trance being the main style — but, I have a little experimentation with house, progressive and even some rock on the opening track, so it’s pretty exciting!
 

Favorite song from the album is a little bit difficult to say. I always say it’s like asking a mother what her favorite child would be. You know what I mean? I don’t have a favorite son or daughter — I love them all. Every track for me has a personal story… my favorite track to play out is really difficult to say because it depends on the people.
 

I think all of the Armin Only concerts for me were really special because a) I tour with all the people that I made the album with, and most of them are my friends, and b) we really are like a close family, so it’s so much more fun.
 

Well, I’m a lawyer. I finished my law degree in 2002, even though I can’t remember anything from it anymore! But, I think it’s very important to stress that I’m not the best DJ in the world. I was voted the most popular by DJ Mag, which I am very happy and thankful for because it’s the people that vote and that’s what matters to me. But, it’s not the first thing that goes through my mind when I wake up in the morning. Instead, it’s more like “Ferry Corsten is coming today. We’re going to work on a track together, I’m so excited!”

For me, I do what I love and I do it because of the people, because of you and because of the fans that read this interview. I don’t do it because I’m No. 1 or want to be No. 1. I love this music so much; it’s really hard to explain, but I don’t focus on being the best.
 

I think “A State of Trance 500 — World Tour,” as it was five events in five cities across five different continents in five weeks. It connected the world so much. I was so happy with that!
 

My ultimate dream is to make music, be a happy man and do what I love. Life is not about money or success, but about sharing good times with friends, playing beautiful music and sharing the energy — this is what I want to do.
 

Well, first I’m going to be a dad. My wife is expecting our first in three weeks. She’s at home now; it wasn’t really easy for me to go away, but I didn’t want to disappoint my fans. That’s the first thing on my schedule. I also just started my Ibiza residency at Space last night, which is new for me. So, this summer I will be touring really hard and working on a new compilation, “Universal Religion Part 5,” which I hope I can finish in September.

Of course, I’m also promoting my new album, “Mirage-The Remixes,” which was released on June 16.
 

Never! It’s a never-ending tour, and you’re part of it!
 

Well, we’re looking at dates, maybe for New Year’s Eve. I will be playing again in Dubai, I’m sure. So, for sure I will be back, but I don’t have a date yet. Keep checking my website www.arminvanbuuren.com for updates. But, I will never forget my Middle Eastern fans, especially the people in Beirut. They know I have a really special connection with them because of the Armin Only show.
 
Unlike many DJs, Armin goes on stage without a prepared set to play. Instead, he chooses what songs he will play depending on the people. One thing is for sure: He never disappoints.