Saudi Arabia’s XP Music Futures Conference is set to hold its fifth edition from December 4-6, 2025, at Riyadh’s JAX District. Organized by MDLBEAST, the conference combines daytime industry sessions with nighttime performances, continuing its dedicated focus on the MENA region’s music and creative industries.
The 2024 edition attracted 5,130 attendees, featured 121 daytime sessions, showcased 100 nighttime acts, and included 380 speakers. The 2023 event welcomed over 190 speakers and hosted 76 sessions, marking a 46% increase from the inaugural 2021 edition.
This year, the conference will spotlight India as a featured country, highlighting its vibrant music scene. Announced performers include Zeyne, Shamma Hamdan, Aziz Maraka, Moontalk, Lina Makoul, and Bab L’ Bluz. Nighttime programming will feature Sama Abdul Hadi, Yousef representing Circus Records x Mahool, along with MDLBEAST Records artists such as Yazeed Fahad and Autostrad.
Nada Alhelabi, General Manager at MDLBEAST Foundation, said:
“Reaching our fifth year is a milestone that reflects the incredible growth of XP Music Futures and the wider music ecosystem in our region. What began as a bold idea has evolved into a global platform that attracts artists, innovators, and leaders from every corner of the industry.”
She added:
“This anniversary is not just about celebrating our journey so far, but about looking ahead with even greater ambition to inspire, empower, and elevate music culture in the region.”
### Industry Sessions and Themes
The conference sessions will explore industry collaboration and regional development. Highlights include:
– **Accelerating Talent: Anghami, Moja, and the Music Commission** – examining how public institutions and private platforms collaborate on artist development.
– **Goastflower Presents: SaMuC (Saudi Music Community)**
– **PopArabia: Guide To Sync Licensing In The Middle East**
– **Modern Heritage: Archiving, Sampling & Reimagining Heritage Through Sound**
XP Music Futures operates around four core pillars: talent, scene, impact, and innovation.
### Partnership with the Saudi Music Commission
XP Music Futures partners closely with the Saudi Music Commission to foster the local music ecosystem and promote Saudi talent. Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, commented:
“Over the past five years, Saudi Arabia’s music ecosystem has grown at an extraordinary pace. It is a testament to the talent, creativity, and collaboration driving this transformation.
“At the Music Commission, we are proud to partner with platforms like XP Music Futures that empower artists, inspire innovation, and strengthen the professional foundations of our industry. Together with MDLBEAST and our wider network of partners, we are building the future of music in the Kingdom—one defined by opportunity, diversity, and global connection.”
### MDLBEAST Foundation Programs
The event will feature several MDLBEAST Foundation initiatives:
– **HUNNA**: Providing mentorship and networking opportunities specifically for women in the music industry.
– **Hearful**: A hearing health awareness campaign partnering with Arabtone to offer hearing tests and earplugs.
– **Sound Futures**: Connecting startups with investors to foster innovation in music technology.
– **Artist Management Bootcamp**: A curriculum designed to develop emerging industry professionals.
### Competitions and Showcases
Other initiatives include **XPERFORM**, now in its fourth season. This vocal talent competition streams on the Arabic streaming platform Shahid and is powered by VOX. The show premiered on October 27 at VOX Cinemas, Roshn Front in Riyadh. Judges include Shamma Hamdan, Aziz Maraka, Dafencii, and Rawan Al Fassi. Contestants require at least three “Yes” votes during auditions to advance, with 12 moving forward. The Battle Round featuring the top six contestants will take place on December 4, followed by the finale on December 5 during XP Music Futures. The winner will perform at SOUNDSTORM 2025.
The **PWR CHORD** guitar competition returns for another year, hosted by Gigi Arabia, founder and CEO of Heavy Arabia Entertainment. Judges include acclaimed artists and producers such as Gus G. (known for working with Ozzy Osbourne and FIREWIND), Dr. Ray Hitchins, Hans-Martin Buff (audio engineer for Prince), and Faisal Alamy (Executive Director of Corporate Services at MDLBEAST and guitarist in the band 9Six6).
Open to guitarists of all genres, applicants submit 3-5 minute videos, with 10 finalists selected to compete at XP Music Futures. From there, four advance to the semi-finals, which feature a 2-versus-2 format, culminating in a final round to crown the champion.
### Additional Experiences
Riyadh’s JAX District will host numerous brand activations, including Fujifilm and YouTube, drum circles, jam sessions, and karaoke spaces. The **XP Dance Battle** will feature international dancers competing for training opportunities.
The **DemoLab** offers hands-on sessions with audio equipment, while the **XP Market** features regional fashion and design. The **Warehouse** will serve as a late-night venue for artist showcases, adding to the vibrant festival atmosphere.
XP Music Futures continues to cement its position as a leading global music conference and festival, driving innovation and celebrating the dynamic culture of music across the Middle East and beyond.
*Source: Music Business Worldwide*
https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/saudi-arabias-xp-music-futures-conference-to-return-for-5th-anniversary-edition-in-riyadh-in-december/
