SOUNDSTORM Set to Launch in Riyadh with Comprehensive Safety and Security Measures for the Region’s Largest Music Festival

MDLBEAST, Saudi Arabia’s leading music entertainment company, has unveiled a comprehensive safety and security strategy for Soundstorm, designed to ensure a seamless and exceptional festival experience for attendees. The festival will take place in Banban, Riyadh, from December 14–16, bringing together nearly 200 renowned local, regional, and international artists.

The plan includes extensive security protocols and logistical arrangements both inside and outside the festival grounds, exceeding international festival standards by more than 25%. Implementation will be overseen by more than 350 local and international supervisors with expertise in crowd management, safety, and event security. Soundstormis expected to welcome over 150,000 attendees daily across eight stages, with the largest stage accommodating up to 100,000 guests.

From the moment attendees arrive at the parking areas, which can accommodate up to 86,000 vehicles, trained teams will guide them through four secure entry gates. An integrated mobility system has also been developed to facilitate movement across the 1.2 million square meter festival site. More than 2,000 security personnel will be deployed throughout the venue, supported by over 350 additional patrol officers operating outside festival hours to ensure the safety of the surrounding areas. In addition, over 200 360-degree surveillance cameras will monitor the entire festival site.

These measures are designed to safeguard guests, ensure smooth entry and movement throughout the venue, provide immediate support and emergency response, and enforce a zero-tolerance policy toward violations of festival regulations and MDLBEAST policies. This also includes preventing breaches of Saudi public decency laws, harassment, and unauthorized access to the venue.

As part of its commitment to fostering a safer and more respectful entertainment environment, Soundstorm will feature five dedicated “Respect” initiative centers operated by 56 trained supervisors. The initiative aligns with MDLBEAST’s code of conduct and promotes an inclusive and respectful festival culture that prioritizes the wellbeing and safety of all attendees. This year’s procedures also allow supervisors to issue formal warnings and document violations before behavior escalates to the level requiring removal from the festival.

Festival regulations prohibit face coverings except for religious reasons, as well as harassment, abusive language, or inappropriate behavior of any kind. Attendees are also expected to respect the privacy of others and refrain from photographing individuals without consent. Prohibited items include weapons, illegal substances, fireworks, laser pointers, drones, sticks, whistles, and air horns.

To further support enforcement and reporting, the festival has introduced a QR-based reporting system available across stages, walkways, and public areas. Four evacuation and removal centers will also operate in coordination with security authorities to address serious violations.

Comprehensive emergency response and medical support plans have also been put in place, including eight first aid centers distributed throughout the venue and supported by more than 20 ambulances and specialized medical teams.

In addition, the festival has established a dedicated communications system enabling attendees to access information, share feedback, and request assistance through the MDLBEAST app, the “Respect” initiative, on-site information points, and designated support staff across the venue. The MDLBEAST app provides festival updates, artist information, performance schedules, ticket purchasing, venue maps, transportation guidance, and prayer tent locations.

Festival services will also extend beyond the venue through support points located across shopping centers, Riyadh Airport, and fuel stations along Highway 65.