After 17 years in Ibiza, IMS is expanding to the Middle East.
The annual electronic music convention announced on Thursday (September 12) that it will host the first edition of IMS Dubai on November 14-15 at W Dubai – Mina Seyahi.
The two-day event will feature speakers from the MENA region from YouTube, Warner Music Group, Anghami, Believe and more, alongside artists and local event organizers such as Morocco's Oasis Festival, Dubai's Soho Garden and Groove on the Grass and Beirut's Factory People.
In addition, non-Middle Eastern speakers will represent companies and brands such as Tomorrowland, Defected Records, CAA, WME, He.She.They and the Association For Electronic Music.
The opening address will be delivered by Maha ElNabawiits managing editor Billboard Arabia. Other speakers will include Alok BatraCEO of The Pacha Group and Five Hospitality. Janet Ashakhead of YouTube music in the region. and more. Participating artists include Iranian producer Deep Dish and Saudi producer Cosmicat. As with the Ibiza event, IMS Dubai will be hosted by BBC Radio Pete Tongwho is also a co-founder of IMS.
The two-day conference will feature 13 panel discussions, with topics such as navigating the music industry in the MENA region; a look at cultural tourism with a focus on Ibiza and Dubai. Investors in the MENA region. regional talent buyers; the development of labels and streaming in the region; the underground scene in Dubai. focus on the Egyptian market; MENA women in music; and more.
Tickets for the event go on sale on September 19.
“For nearly two decades, the International Music Summit has brought together the global electronic music community each year in Ibiza to explore industry trends, innovations and challenges facing our diverse community,” the IMS founders said in a joint statement. “To have a global impact, IMS seeks to be where change happens, which is why we have also hosted three editions of IMS Asia Pacific in Shanghai and one in Singapore, five IMS Engage events in Los Angeles and three IMS College events in Malta. IMS Dubai will make its debut in the United Arab Emirates, marking a strategic expansion into the Middle East and North Africa.”
Organizers note that the conference “will not receive any government or cultural funding or incentives for this initiative.” Digital download platform Beatport acquired a majority stake in IMS 2023, with event support also coming from Pioneer DJ owner AlphaTheta.
“Our goal is to inspire continued growth, support and investment while addressing the unique cultural challenges that musicians and startups face,” the statement continued. “Electronic music culture is based on long-standing principles of bringing people from different backgrounds together on the dance floor. Music has the power to unite and we all have a role to play in creating safer spaces for all. a principle that IMS and Beatport proudly stand behind.”
The MENA region is indeed a current bustling growth market for electronic music and more. The IFPI Global Report 2024 found that total MENA revenue grew by 14.4% in 2023 after rising 26.8% in 2022. According to IFPI, streaming revenue accounted for 98.4% of the region's market in last year.
