

From Riyadh to Dubai: Music Lights Up the Region
By Sara Wael
November 20 2025
From Riyadh to Dubai: Music Lights Up the Region
By Sara Wael
November 20 2025
In recent years, the Arab region has emerged as a rising music destination, where local talent converges with international acts. From Riyadh to Dubai, music events now span from live performances to industry conferences and creative workshops, covering genres from jazz and hip-hop to techno and Khaleeji music. Together, they showcase an unprecedented era of growth and diversity in the Middle Eastern music scene.
As the year comes to an end and concert season kicks off, here’s a look at some of the most exciting upcoming music events in the region, each highlighting the energy and creativity of the Arab music landscape:
Riyadh Music Week – Saudi Arabia
From December 4 to 13, 2025, the Saudi Music Commission will host the second edition of Riyadh Music Week; a comprehensive event merging conferences, live shows, and workshops.
The program includes XP Music Futures, the International Artist Management Forum, and the Billboard Arabia Music Awards, all culminating in the Soundstorm festival. Participants will explore the creative and commercial momentum driving Saudi Arabia’s growing music industry while discussing sustainable development and policy frameworks for its future.
Sole DXB – UAE
In Dubai, art, music, and fashion converge at Sole DXB, returning from December 12 to 14, 2025, at Dubai Design District. The festival features live performances by global and regional artists, talks, workshops, exhibitions, and fashion showcases.
This year’s lineup includes regional names like Zeyne, Shabjdeed, and Al Nather, alongside international acts such as Naïka, Tyla, and Kaytranada.
Riyadh Season – Saudi Arabia
Kicking off its 2025–2026 edition in early October and running through March, Riyadh Season offers a range of cultural and entertainment experiences, with music at its core, particularly celebrating Khaleeji and Arabic pop performances across multiple stages in Riyadh.
For Riyadh Season, the line up doesn’t get fully announced at the beginning, rather than announcing a few events every month. You can know more about the upcoming festivals by visiting webook.com .
Visa For Music – Morocco
Since its launch in 2014, Visa For Music has established itself as the leading platform for musical diversity across Africa and the Middle East. Held in Rabat from November 19 to 22, 2025, the festival brings together artists, industry professionals, and cultural innovators to foster dialogue, exchange, and collaboration.
This year’s lineup includes Moroccan group Sadafa and Palestinian pianist and singer Issam Elias among many others, and will be held at several venues at the city center.
SoundStorm by MDLBEAST - Saudi Arabia
Returning to its 6th edition on the 11th til 13th of December, SoundStorm will turn Riyadh into the city of sound, with a line up full of artists from all over the world. Key performers will include international names like Post Malone, Cardi B, Halsey, Pitbull, in addition to local artists like Manal, DJ Aseel, Alaa Jazaeri and more.
Dubai Shopping Festival - UAE
From December 5 to January 11, 2026, the Dubai Shopping Festival will host a vibrant concert series at the Coca-Cola Arena. The lineup opens with a show by Nora Fatehi, followed by a diverse roster of regional and global stars including Halsey, Hany Shaker, Mai Farouk, and more.
Beirut and Beyond International Music Festival - Lebanon
From December 4 to 6, the Beirut & Beyond International Music Festival returns to Beirut at Metro Al Madina, bringing three days of performances, talks and more.
The lineup features Tunisian DJ and sound-artist Deena Abdelwahed, the acclaimed electronic innovator Nicolás Jaar and more names from the Arab world and beyond.
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