Alharatani highlighted MDLBEAST’s commitment to growing talent, building the regional scene, and advancing the creative economy
MDLBEAST can reveal that more than 370 music artists and experts will light up RIYADH’S LOUDEST WEEK, which kickstarts with the XP Music Futures (28 – 30 November), followed by the region's largest music festival SOUNDSTORM (1-3 December).
With less than a week to go, the details were revealed during a special preview event where Ramadan Alharatani spoke to media representatives and influencers and showcased what awaits the hundreds of thousands of music lovers.
In his speech, Alharatani highlighted MDLBEAST’s commitment to growing talent, building the regional scene, and advancing the creative economy – all through creating unique music experiences and platforms for music to thrive. A recent survey showed the impact that MDLBEAST had on the music scene in Saudi Arabia, with 89% of young Saudi artists and musicians seeing MDLBEAST as an opportunity to grow, develop and empower the Kingdom’s art and music talents. Additionally, the survey showed that 84% of young Saudi musicians and creatives now believe they have opportunities for success in Saudi Arabia.
MDLBEAST CEO Ramadan Alharatani
Alharatani tapped into the infinite potential of artists in the Kingdom and the region who are keen to build their music careers and grow the nation’s creative scene. With major transformation happening, the creative economy has never had so much opportunity for sustainable growth.
According a recent report published by MixMag Asia, the MENA music market saw the largest and fastest growth in 2021 compared to the rest of the world, achieving a remarkable 35% growth to reach $89 million in value.
“This is perfect timing with Saudi Arabia going through a very positive transformation across all sectors thanks to the vision and support of our leadership. This growth will continue for the coming years and MDLBEAST wants to play a leading role in supporting it,” Said Alharatani.
“Music and entertainment also play a significant role in contributing to the economy – highlighted by the fact that SOUNDSTORM goers generated an estimated spend of SAR 395million outside of last year’s festival during the event period. On the other hand, XP Music Futures is helping bring in global investment and partnerships through the relationships we’ve built,” added Alharatani.
SOUNDSTORM 2022 will be headlined by its diverse genre, with the participation of some of the world’s bestselling artists – including Bruno Mars, DJ Khaled, Marshmello and Post Malone – ensuring a variety of styles for all music lovers to enjoy. Arabic music lovers will also revel in performances by Egypt’s Hamaki, Amr Diab, and Mohammed Ramadan, as well as Lebanese superstars Nancy Ajram and Myriam Faris, and iconic Saudi Arabian singer Rabeh Saqer.
Ramadan Alharatani spoke to media representatives and influencers and showcased what awaits the hundreds of thousands of music lovers
XP Music Futures, the music conference, which gets underway in Riyadh on November 28, will take place at the capital’s JAX district. Industry pioneers including Mathew Knowles, Hardwell, Amy Thomson and Elyanna will join hundreds more leading music movers and shakers for panel and solo speaker sessions across XP’s Day Program.
“This year, our visitors to XP Music Futures Conference will witness some of the best music experts sharing their experiences and knowledge, as well as the world’s top artists firing up the stage to ensure a week they will never forget,” added Alharatani.
MDLBEAST has confirmed that the region’s biggest music festival will get even bigger, with the SOUNDSTORM site doubled in size, tripling parking capacity. General Admission ticket holders will be offered parking on site.
Premium ticket holders will now enjoy elevated viewing zones, VIP parking, and dedicated access at the main VIB entrance. As for the VIB ticket holders, they will have all the benefits of premium tickets plus additional perks unique to their respective tiers. These include lounges, exclusive stage viewing areas, complimentary food offerings and access to exclusive festival merchandise – all being an upgrade from SOUNDSTORM 2019 and 2021.
“Our focus for this year’s SOUNDSTORM is to enhance the visitors’ experience across all aspects, all the way from their journey to the moment they leave and everything in between,” concluded Alharatani. “We have upgraded our safety and security measures with more than 3,800 security personnel on site – an average of one security guard for every 35 attendees. The whole venue is monitored by more than 300 CCTV cameras, and the collaboration with security and medical authorities has been at the highest level to ensure everyone enjoys a seamless and safe festival.”
Tickets for both XP Music Futures (28-30 November) and SOUNDSTORM (1-3 December) are available now via the XP Music Futures and SOUNDSTORM 22 websites.
