After 17 years of annual conferences on the island of Ibiza, the International Music Summit has announced its expansion to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with the new IMS Dubai 2024. Taking place at the W Hotel Dubai — Mina Seyahi on November 14th and 15th, the two-day event will bring together industry leaders, acclaimed artists, and thought leaders across the electronic music space to explore one of the scene’s emerging new hubs.
Co-hosted by IMS co-founder and BBC Radio 1’s Pete Tong and supported by industry heavyweights AlphaTheta and Beatport, IMS Dubai aims to gather key industry pioneers in one of MENA’s cultural hubs for a forum on trends and opportunities in the region. With a focus on technology, music, and culture, the Summit looks to celebrate MENA artists and innovators while also fostering investment and entrepreneurship in the region’s growing electronic scene.
Key speakers already announced for the Summit include Billboard Arabia’s Maha ElNabawi, Aloki Batra of Five Hospitality, and YouTube’s Head of Music MENA Janet Ashak, among others. Also present will be Salam Kmeid, Head of Content Marketing for Anghami, the Arab World’s first legal streaming and digital distribution platform. Iconic festival Tomorrowland will present their new Terra Soli glamping venture, while Defected Record’s Nathan Jordan will share insight into the challenges the label faced before successfully entering into the region.
IMS Dubai will also feature a keynote interview with the pioneering Iranian-born duo Deep Dish, alongside rising stars like Yas Meen Selectress and British-Lebanese DJ Saliah. The event will provide a platform for local and international talent to engage in discussions ranging from navigating the MENA music industry to royalty challenges and cultural tourism. Announced topics so far also include Market Focus: Egypt, MENA Women in Music, Taking Arabic Artists to the Global Stage, and more.
Badges for the International Music Summit Dubai go on sale starting today, September 19th, with discounted rates for students and People of Determination. Proceeds from the event will support IMS’s climate action partner EarthPercent, reinforcing IMS’s commitment to using electronic music as a force for positive change globally. Find all badge and conference information at the IMS Dubai website.