Saudi Arabia’s XP Music Futures Conference will hold its fifth edition from December 4-6, 2025, at Riyadh’s JAX District.
The MDLBEAST-organized conference combines daytime industry sessions with nighttime performances, continuing its focus on the MENA region’s music and creative industries.
The 2024 edition drew 5,130 attendees, featured 121 daytime sessions, showcased 100 nighttime acts, and included 380 speakers. The 2023 edition welcomed over 190 speakers and featured 76 sessions, marking a 46% increase from the inaugural 2021 event.
This year’s conference will spotlight India as a featured country. Announced performers include Zeyne, Shamma Hamdan, Aziz Maraka, Moontalk, Lina Makoul, and Bab L’ Bluz. The nighttime programming will feature Sama Abdul Hadi, Yousef representing Circus Records x Mahool, and MDLBEAST Records artists including 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.”
“Reaching our fifth year is a milestone that reflects the incredible growth of XP Music Futures and the wider music ecosystem in our region.”
Nada Alhelabi
Added Alhelabi: “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.”
Sessions will examine industry collaboration and regional development. “Accelerating Talent: Anghami, Moja, and the Music Commission” will look at how public institutions and private platforms work on artist development. Other sessions include “Goastflower Presents: SaMuC (Saudi Music Community),” “PopArabia: Guide To Sync Licensing In The Middle East,” and “Modern Heritage: Archiving, Sampling & Reimagining Heritage Through Sound.”
The conference operates around four pillars: talent, scene, impact, and innovation. XP Music Futures partners with the Saudi Music Commission to develop the local music ecosystem and promote Saudi talent.
Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, said: “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 at the event include HUNNA, which provides mentorship and networking for women in the music industry, and Hearful, a hearing health awareness campaign partnering with Arabtone to offer hearing tests and earplugs.
Sound Futures, meanwhile, connects startups with investors, while the Artist Management Bootcamp presents its curriculum focused on developing industry professionals.
Other initiatives include XPERFORM, a vocal talent competition in its fourth season, streams on Arabic streaming platform Shahid and is powered by VOX.
The show premiered October 27, at VOX Cinemas, Roshn Front in Riyadh. Judges are Shamma Hamdan, Aziz Maraka, Dafencii, and Rawan Al Fassi. Contestants need at least three “Yes” votes from judges during auditions to advance, with 12 moving forward.
The Battle Round with the top six contestants takes place December 4, and the finale is December 5 during XP Music Futures. The winner performs at SOUNDSTORM 2025.
PWR CHORD, a guitar competition, also returns for another year. Gigi Arabia, founder and CEO of Heavy Arabia Entertainment, will host.
The judges are Gus G., who has worked with Ozzy Osbourne and the band FIREWIND; Dr. Ray Hitchins, a guitarist and producer; Hans-Martin Buff, an audio engineer who worked with Prince; and Faisal Alamy, Executive Director of Corporate Services at MDLBEAST and guitarist in the band 9Six6.
The competition accepts guitarists of all genres. Applicants submit a 3-5 minute video, with 10 finalists selected to compete at XP Music Futures. Four advance to semi-finals, competing in a 2-versus-2 format. The top two face off in the final round for the title.
Riyadh’s JAX District will host brand activations from Fujifilm and YouTube, drum circles, jam sessions, and karaoke spaces.
The XP Dance Battle features international dancers, with the winner receiving training opportunities. The DemoLab offers hands-on sessions with audio equipment, and the XP Market features regional fashion and design. The Warehouse serves as a late-night venue for artist showcases.Music Business Worldwide