Dubai, September 25, 2025: Dubai’s nightlife has always mirrored the city’s cosmopolitan character, but the rise of Simbly South marked something different. It wasn’t just a new venue, it was the moment South Indian culture found a global stage. At the heart of it stands Jim Thomas, entrepreneur and cultural architect, who turned an idea into an identity that now shapes how the diaspora experiences music and cinema in the Gulf.
Jim’s professional path began far from the spotlight. After an early career in FMCG, he entered the fragrance industry and went on to manage houses such as Bvlgari, Valentino, Burberry, and Salvatore Ferragamo across the UAE. It was here that his instinct for the unconventional became clear. He was among the first to bring Escentric Molecules, a cult fragrance label from the UK, into the region through Al Tayer, showing an ability to introduce niche ideas to wider audiences.
That instinct later gave rise to Simbly South in 2013, the world’s first premium nightlife concept built around South Indian culture. For Jim, it was never just about opening a club, it was about creating a cultural manifesto. Long before South Indian cinema was embraced as pan-Indian identity, Simbly South was already remixing its music and spirit into Dubai’s luxury nightlife, setting the stage for a new wave of recognition.
Over the past decade, the brand has become a touchstone for the community. More than 350 artists and film stars have walked its stage, from Anirudh Ravichander and Gopi Sunder to actors including Tovino Thomas, Venkat Prabhu, Jiiva, Soubin Shahir, Joju George, Nyla Usha and even actor Mohanlal from Indian cinema. Bands like Avial, Agam, and Thaikkudam Bridge have drawn packed crowds, while film promotions and success parties have turned the venue into what many describe as the red carpet for South Indian cinema abroad.
Jim’s work has always extended beyond nightlife. During the Kerala floods, he helped mobilize relief through Mohanlal’s Viswasanti Foundation, reinforcing his belief that cultural leadership must carry social weight. Recognition followed, with the Masala Awards honoring his brand and his inclusion in the ITP Hot 100 Influential list (2017)placing him among the Middle East’s creative figures of note.
Today, Jim continues to consult on nightlife concepts for investors while shaping bespoke experiences such as silent discos for global names including Tag Heuer, Heineken, and PlayStation. Away from the stage, he directs part of his profits to animal rescue shelters, binding commerce with compassion.
From perfumes to performers, from cinema to community, Jim Thomas has consistently given South Indian identity a stage worthy of Dubai’s global spotlight. In doing so, he has shown that nightlife can be more than entertainment, it can be culture, celebrated at its highest form.