Beatport Presents IMS Dubai will officially kick off with an unmissable pre-party on Wednesday, November 12, as Nicole Moudaber takes over Reunion DXB, Dubai’s nightlife destination from the renowned Factory People collective.
Free entry for delegates subject to capacity.
Start your summit experience with a complimentary buffet breakfast in the beautiful Nomad Courtyard at 25hours Dubai One Central.
Join the Beatport team for an exclusive morning session to hear the latest company updates, discover what’s next for the platform, and connect with fellow delegates before the summit officially begins.
Connect with fellow delegates on our exclusive networking lounge in Juña on the 6th floor of 25hours Dubai. With stunning view overlooking the Museum of the Future, soundtracked with DJs all day long.
Delegates can also enjoy a refreshing serve of Jameson signature drinks at the Green Sofa Stage, a creative hub where artists and music lovers come together to share stories, spark conversations, and celebrate emerging talents.
Welcoming all delegates to Beatport Presents IMS Dubai 2025.
Exploring how gaming and virtual worlds are reshaping music experiences, revenue models, and artist engagement through real case studies and partnerships.
In partnership with SceneNoise, IMS Dubai is excited to present a landmark discussion bringing together trailblazers and makers of nightlife across the MENA region, voices with decades of lived, hands-on experience building scenes, launching festivals, running clubs, and influencing electronic music culture.
This session will traverse the arc of the region’s dance music history, from clandestine early gatherings to festivals of thousands - while interrogating the forces transforming its future. We’ll touch on creative tension, commerce, identity, access, and evolving norms: how to hold on to the radical inclusivity of the early rave scene, even as scale and sophistication escalate.
How do we balance integrity, community, and financial viability? In a region of varied regulation and social contexts, what does a “safe and open” nightlife look like? And how do behavior, etiquette, status, and “space design” e.g. VIP areas, backstage, phone policies, door and dancefloor rules - shift over time?
From artists to venue owners, meet the pioneers redefining the underground electronic scene across the region. This discussion uncovers the side of SWANA you may not even know exists; where bold voices challenge convention, push boundaries, and shape the region’s evolving music culture.
Join Alex Tripi, CEO of the Pete Tong DJ Academy, for an exclusive conversation with techno icon Nicole Moudaber. Together they’ll explore Nicole’s Studio process — from how she translates emotion into sound, to the mindset behind timeless records. Expect golden nuggets on studio flow, self-expression, and the discipline that turns ideas into signature tracks.
Nada Alhelabi will spotlight the incredible five-year journey and future vision of XP Music Futures, highlighting its role in shaping the MENA region’s music ecosystem. From nurturing local talent to building a sustainable creative infrastructure, XP is driving real cultural and industry transformation.
Visual arts are increasingly an integral part of electronic music, driving new directions in both experience and artistic presentation. This session, presented by Groove Atelier, explores how visual arts shape sound, space and cultural identity within today’s electronic music ecosystem. It focuses on the interplay of visual arts and electronic music, from events as an exhibition site to the symbolic value created when musicians and visual artists forge multifaceted and immersive experiences.
A true powerhouse of electronic music, Nicole Moudaber has built a global career as a DJ, producer, label head, and event curator. In this intimate keynote interview, she shares her journey and the challenges and triumphs that shaped her path, offering inspiration and insight into a notable career spent at the forefront of club culture.
Building on last year’s conversation at the summit, this session takes a closer look at the evolution of rights management in the UAE and across the wider region. As the industry grows and venues multiply, the question of fair remuneration for artists and producers becomes increasingly urgent.
This discussion explores the systems, partnerships, and technologies needed to ensure creators are paid when their music is played. From licensing challenges to implementing sustainable frameworks, we will examine the path toward a transparent, equitable ecosystem that supports local and international talent alike.
IMS Accelerator, powered by KOR Protocol, is a global search for the next generation of music start-ups. Meet three emerging companies pushing the industry forward and shaping the future of music.
Behind every thriving music industry lies a strong grassroots foundation; community spaces, underground movements, and emerging talent. This session examines why investing in these pillars is crucial for long-term cultural and economic growth in SWANA's electronic music and club scene. We'll explore how local initiatives are cultivating resilience, how global players can responsibly contribute, and what it takes to create an ecosystem where creativity flourishes from the ground up.
A primer on how blockchain and tokens are redefining ownership, royalties, and fan participation. Understand the evolving regulatory landscape, discover unique case studies and meet the leaders shaping the industry.
From club culture to couture, the worlds of electronic music and fashion have never been more connected. Today’s DJs are not only shaping sound but setting trends - influencing everything from streetwear to high fashion runways. As fashion houses collaborate with music icons and style becomes an extension of performance, a new cultural movement is emerging where rhythm meets design. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that dives into the artistry, influence and identity at the heart of this creative convergence.
Meet the people building the next financial system. TheBlock. brings together companies, institutions, and operators across the full value chain of virtual assets. Learn more about their role in the Middle East.
A rare chance to step inside the world of Bedouin with duo Tamer Malki and Rami Abousabe joined by their agent Steve Hogan (WME) and manager Jazz Spinder (Three Six Zero). Together they reveal the creative, strategic, and business dynamics that power one of electronic music’s most in-demand acts.
Insights from leading investors in MENA backing the next generation of music and entertainment ventures. Learn more about what they look for in the current fundraising landscape from VCs to family offices.
Across the world, Arab artists are challenging stereotypes and redefining what it means to be a global musician. We'll be taking an in-depth look at how the Arab diaspora amplifies regional sounds on international stages, blending traditions with contemporary influences and pushing creative boundaries. This session will explore a cultural exchange that enriches both the diaspora and the home scene, creating a powerful feedback loop that elevates SWANA’’s presence worldwide.
TAKKUUK is a new audio visual installation and soundtrack from EarthSonic, BICEP, visual artist Zak Norman and filmmaker Charlie Miller that explores the lives, communities and challenges facing artists indigenous to the Arctic region. The project features the renowned Northern Irish electronic duo BICEP - otherwise known as Andy Ferguson and Matthew McBriar - collaborating with a number of indigenous artists, including Katarina Barruk, Andachan, Sebastian Enequist (from Sound of the Damned), Tarrak, NUIJA, Niilas and Silla.
A presentation highlighting IMS Dubai’s nightlife partners. Discover the venues, brands, and experiences shaping the region’s vibrant scene as each partner takes the stage to share their story, vision, and impact on the industry.
Join Addmind Managing Partner Elie Saba as he shares the story behind one of the region’s most influential hospitality groups and its expansion into global entertainment. In this keynote, Saba reveals the years long journey of bringing Ushuaïa, Ibiza’s iconic open-air experience, to Dubai and how Addmind continues to shape the future of nightlife, culture, and destination experiences across the Middle East. He will also share the growth of Addmind's events agency Studio A that is transforming nightlife in venues from Be Beach and ONGAKU to LITT and White.
Join us for an exclusive evening of networking and connection as the global music community comes together at the Beatport Presents IMS Dubai Industry Mixer.
Presented by U-Nation, Live Nation, and Ticketmaster. Meet industry peers, forge new collaborations, and celebrate the first day of the summit Guests will be welcomed with a complimentary drink on arrival as we set the tone for an inspiring summit filled with conversation, creativity, and community.
Monkey Bar 25hours Dubai One Central (6th floor)
Free entry for delegates
A high energy celebration of the region's thriving music scene showcasing some of the most exciting talent from across Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan & Qatar.
Featuring: Gawdat (Egypt), Special Guest (Lebanon), Misty (Egypt), Keena (Jordan), A.M.R (Qatar)
Monkey Bar 25hours Dubai One Central (6th floor)
Free entry for delegates
Connect with fellow delegates on our exclusive networking lounge in Juña on the 6th floor of 25hours Dubai. With stunning view overlooking the Museum of the Future, soundtracked with DJs all day long.
Delegates can also enjoy a refreshing serve of Jameson signature drinks at the Green Sofa Stage, a creative hub where artists and music lovers come together to share stories, spark conversations, and celebrate emerging talents.
Lebanon’s electronic music scene is a vibrant and defiant blend of creativity, innovation, and global influence, shaped by decades of overcoming conflict and building community. With Beirut as its cultural centre, the scene has become a beacon for forward-thinking sound and artistic expression.
For many, nightlife and dance floors offer more than just entertainment, they serve as a vital escape from the country’s ongoing challenges and provide a space for connection and release. Musically diverse, the scene spans a broad spectrum of genres, including house and minimal, with a new generation of homegrown artists gaining increasing recognition on the global stage.
Iconic venues, pioneering promoters, and world-class DJs have helped shape a community that is both deeply rooted in local identity and globally connected. The Lebanese diaspora continues to expand the scene’s reach, building creative bridges through international collaborations, record labels, and festival stages.
A snapshot of emerging trends shaping AI, data, and innovation across the music tech landscape.
Real-world lessons from Web3 pioneers building sustainable value beyond the hype.
A presentation highlighting IMS Dubai’s nightlife partners. Discover the venues, brands, and experiences shaping the region’s vibrant scene as each partner takes the stage to share their story, vision, and impact on the industry.
Vanco and AYA peel back the layers on the runaway summer anthem Ma Tnsani (Yalla Habibi), a track that blends Arabic vocals with Afro-house energy and has taken over dancefloors, radio, and playlists worldwide. They'll talk about how the song came together, why listeners everywhere are connecting with its sound, and what its global success says about the power of culture, identity, and sonic fusion in today’s music landscape.
Examining how music rights and catalogs are becoming the next frontier for global investment.
Homegrown festivals are powerful cultural anchors, shaping identity, nurturing talent, and fueling local economies. This session analyses the role these events play in building sustainable creative ecosystems and offering platforms for regional artists to thrive. From boutique gatherings to large-scale productions, desert raves to urban activations, we'll be joined by the region's powerbrokers and innovators to look at how homegrown festivals foster community, attract international attention, and influence the global perception of Middle Eastern and North African music culture.
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept, it’s a tool actively shaping how music is made, shared, and experienced. In this discussion, we explore AI’s impact on the creative process within the SWANA region, balancing its transformative potential with the ethical and cultural questions it raises. Can algorithms truly replicate artistic authenticity? How do we protect originality in an era of machine-generated music? This session navigates the opportunities, risks, and responsibilities that come with integrating AI into music production in a region rich with heritage and innovation - as well as identifying some of the key new tools that leading electronic music producers are using right now.
In celebration of the launch of the Little Pink Book x SceneNoise MENA Women in Music mentorship scheme, this session brings together female powerhouses from across the industry to share their influences, career journeys, and the importance of visibility. They’ll explore why having women in senior roles and in headline slots is essential to inspire, empower, and pave the way for the next generation of talent.
Join an inspiring conversation between Pete Tong and rising UK artist, producer, and educator Josh Baker as they explore the journey from the classroom to the mainstage. Known for his You&Me brand, events, and education platform, as well as his cutting-edge Syntho music production courses, Josh has become a leading voice in shaping the next generation of electronic music talent. Together, Pete and Josh will dive into the evolution of artist education, the creative process behind production, and how to build a sustainable career in today’s fast-changing electronic music landscape.
Mahraganat was born in the streets and neighborhoods of Cairo, in the heart of everyday life. It started as a raw and honest form of self-expression, a way for young people to tell their stories, reflect their realities, and celebrate their identity. What began as small underground street parties has grown into one of Egypt’s most powerful and influential music movements.
Today, Mahraganat is far more than just a genre, it’s a cultural force. It shapes how young people speak, move, and think. By blending traditional Egyptian rhythms with electronic beats and bold lyrics, it creates a sound that’s deeply local yet resonates globally, capturing attention far beyond our borders.Discover the role of technology, local communities, and global platforms in driving the genre.
This session highlights some of the most influential producers from the region, joined by key industry figures offering their perspective from behind the scenes. Together they will explore the creative forces to discover your unique style as a producer, the challenges of breaking through, and the opportunities emerging for talent in a rapidly evolving market.
A presentation highlighting IMS Dubai’s nightlife partners. Discover the venues, brands, and experiences shaping the region’s vibrant scene as each partner takes the stage to share their story, vision, and impact on the industry.
Dubai is home to some of the world’s most high-end clubs, but there’s also an underground thriving off the beaten track. Speaking to artists and key figures from venues in the city, DJ Mag explores how the city caters for international crowds and those looking for VIP experiences while also providing space for a homegrown scene to flourish.
A deep dive into one of the most recent partnerships shaping the future of music business. Learn about the deadmau5 catalogue acquisition and the vision of the partnership.
In recent years, Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza have become an extraordinary stage for electronic music, with performances from global artists redefining what’s possible at historic landmarks. Following the groundbreaking Anyma show, this session pulls back the curtain on how such monumental productions come together, from navigating heritage site restrictions and technical challenges to shaping narratives that resonate worldwide. Led by Venture Lifestyle and P+US, the team behind these cultural milestones, the discussion explores how music, history, and cutting-edge creativity converge to deliver experiences that are not only spectacular, but also culturally significant.
In today’s music ecosystem, online communities aren’t just for fans, they're becoming essential engines for growth, influence, and opportunity. Join leaders from Sony Music, Beatport, Meta and more to explore how artists are harnessing online followings not only for engagement, but as leverage to land meaningful collaborations, build long-term careers, and stay true to their artistic identity.You’ll hear real-world stories, strategies for authenticity, and insights into the evolving digital tools and platforms that empower artists to connect, create, and thrive.
A presentation highlighting IMS Dubai’s nightlife partners. Discover the venues, brands, and experiences shaping the region’s vibrant scene as each partner takes the stage to share their story, vision, and impact on the industry.
Across the Middle East, a new wave of producers, DJs, and sound innovators is redefining electronic music. From grassroots collectives in Cairo to studio labs in Dubai, creators are merging tradition, technology, and digital culture to shape a unique regional sound. Exploring the Next Gen by Beatport.io celebrates this movement spotlighting how education, access, and new tools are breaking barriers and empowering the next generation of music creators. Together with SAE Institute Dubai, the session explores how structured learning and cutting-edge tools are unlocking creativity across MENA.
Inspired by Mai El Mokaden’s Dazed ME article, we explore what happens when Arab culture becomes the new texture in global house music; aestheticised, algorithmised and sometimes appropriated? This session dives into the “habibification” phenomenon: the borrowing of Middle Eastern sounds, styles, and symbols, often stripped of their meaning, for club tracks, desert raves, fashion, and social media. Join artists, label reps, and culture-makers as they examine where the line is drawn: when is it celebration, and when does it become exploitation?
The way artists collaborate with platforms, brands, and labels has transformed dramatically in recent years. This session featuring speakers from EMPIRE, YouTube, Pixelynx and more explores what makes partnerships truly valuable today, from harnessing online communities as leverage to ensuring authenticity in every collaboration. The discussion will look beyond short-term campaigns to how strategic partnerships can fuel long-term career growth, highlight standout global and regional examples, and uncover the new opportunities digital engagement is opening up for artists across SWANA and beyond.
Join global DJ and producer HUGEL for an intimate keynote exploring his journey from breakout success to becoming one of the most in-demand names in electronic music. He’ll share the story behind his career, creative evolution, and how Middle Eastern influences shape tracks like Majnuna and Two Aladdins, offering a rare glimpse into the artistry behind his signature sound.
As day turns to night, join us poolside at 25hours Hotel for Beatport Live: Sunset Sessions, a special evening featuring an exciting surprise lineup of some of the most dynamic and in-demand names in dance music today. With the iconic Museum of the Future backdrop enjoy the perfect vibes to unwind, connect, and celebrate the close of two inspiring days at Beatport Presents IMS Dubai.
Poolside 25hours Dubai One Central (6th floor)
Free entry for delegates subject to capacity
Adriatique, the acclaimed duo of Adrian Shala and Adrian Schweizer, are set to bring their revolutionary X show back to the Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience on Saturday 15th November 2025. After a spectacular, sold-out debut in 2024, the pair return with an even more ambitious production that will once again transform Dubai’s skyline into the stage for one of electronic music’s most forward-thinking performances.
Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience
Free entry for the first 250 delegates
Arrive early to avoid disappointment!
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The final closing celebration of the summit at Dubai's bohemian beachfront spot. Stay tuned for lineup announcements!
Free entry for delegates subject to capacity.
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