Was that real? Banker by day, magician by night!

A stage illusionist, mentalist, and close-up magician in the Arab World — say hello to “The Real Aladdin.” Moein, who lives in Dubai, performs across the UAE and internationally; his talent and dedication have made him one of the most respected performers in his field in the Middle East.

Moein Al Bastaki’s work is pure entertainment; he has no supernatural powers and doesn’t claim to have them. He has an exciting story about his connection with the Gulf and India, and from whom he learned the trade tricks. His grandfather and his crew would collect pearls from the Gulf waters, then travel by traditional dhows (sailing vessels) to the Indian coast; once they arrived in the Indian port, Surat, they would trade pearls with local merchants and traders. These pearls would often be used in jewelry or other luxury items, and the trade played a significant role in the historical connections between the Gulf region and India. The magician Moein’s grandfather learned from was one of the students of the most revered PC Sorcar. When Moein was a bit older, his grandfather taught him the magic; the rest is history.

Moein has introduced numerous new illusions to the Arab world, continually identifying and creating new tricks to astound his audiences. Armed with his elegant charm and sophisticated humor, he never fails to leave every spectator in disbelief at his mastery of this fascinating art. He has appeared on many TV shows, including MBC and Dubai One. He has performed for several high-profile Arab and international celebrities over recent years, including John Travolta, Mike Tyson, and John Cena.

What’s your earliest memory of creating art?

I tried some tricks while performing for my family; it was my worst performance!

If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I would love to collaborate with David Copperfield and show him what the Arabian Night Magic Show would be like.

How do you come up with the titles for your pieces?

It is usually connected to the specific organization, person, or TV show that wants us to perform.

What’s the most unusual source of inspiration you’ve ever had?

My culture and family, the atmosphere and history of my origins, and my grandfather’s stories.

Which would you choose if you could only use three colors, instruments, or software for the rest of your life?

The ability to continue to read people’s minds, mesmerize people, and the color red because it is the color of love.

What piece of art do you take the most pride in and why?

Mentalism and hypnosis. Mentalism because it was always my childhood dream to be able to know what people are thinking about, and hypnosis to help myself and others to combat their phobias.

Do you have any quirky rituals or habits when you’re in your creative zone?

I call my mother and ask how her day was. Other than that, I go through the whole flow of the show and rehearse it in my head.

If your art had a soundtrack, what would be the top three songs on it?

It will be a scary, suspenseful music; and The Greatest Showman if I am feeling happy.

What’s your favorite art-related joke or punch?

Bringing the husband/wife conflict to my magic and making it relevant to the audience.

How do you deal with a creative block?

I take a break from it, watch a movie, and not think about it, and the next day, the answer comes to me.

What’s the most memorable reaction someone has had to your work?

Running away from the theatre, leaving all their belongings on their seat, and not even coming back to collect them.

If you could turn any book into a piece of art, which one would it be?

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to AI aspiring to replace artists?

Please mind your business and stop interfering with mine.

When Moein was a bit older, his grandfather taught him the magic; the rest is history.

What would you be doing if you weren’t an artist?

Being a father and focusing on my children.

What’s the strangest place you’ve ever found inspiration for a piece?

Maldives. It is a magical and majestic place that keeps my mind away from anything and everything.

Can you describe your art in three words?

Was that real?

What’s your favorite part about the process of creating art?

I meditate, sit in my garden, enjoy the fountain, the trees, and the birds singing while sipping my coffee to throw the troubles back into the world and find my answer.

If you could have your artwork displayed anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Vegas (USA) to prove that talent from this part of the world could also attract lots of people to the theatre.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you as an artist?

That I am a banker by day.