This weekend, Dubai becomes ground zero for the future of electronic music. Beatport Presents IMS Dubai 2025 is back for its second edition (Nov 13–14), bringing together culture, technology, finance, and world-class talent in a two-day summit that’s equal part industry think-tank and nightlife takeover.
IMS Dubai isn’t just about talks, it’s a signal of how serious the Middle East is about carving out a sustainable, homegrown electronic music ecosystem. By centering voices from MENA (Middle East & North Africa) and blending them with global industry leaders, the summit becomes a bridge between worlds, culturally, creatively, and commercially.
Here are some of the most anticipated conversations, reveals, and performances:
Industry Panels That Push Boundaries:
- Tech & Finance Room
Music in Games & Virtual Concerts will explore how gaming and virtual worlds are upending traditional music revenue and fan engagement. Another major focus: AI in Music Production, diving into how artificial intelligence is shaping the creative process, and what ethical lines are being crossed or redrawn. - Music & Culture Room
- The Past, Present & Future of MENA Nightlife brings together regional nightlife pioneers to reflect on how dance culture in the Middle East has evolved, and where it’s going.
- Get Played, Get Paid: Royalties in the Middle East tackles compensation for creators in the region, discussing licensing and sustainable business models.
- A powerful conversation titled No Scene Without the Scene: Investing in Grassroots underscores just how important local underground movements are for cultural longevity.
- And for a deeply resonant debate: The Habibification of House Music examines how Middle Eastern motifs are being integrated, or appropriated, in global club culture.
Faces to Know: Speakers & Artists Making Waves
This edition of IMS Dubai features an impressive roster of artists, executives, and visionaries:
- HUGEL: The global DJ/producer joins as a keynote speaker, sharing his journey and insights into how Middle Eastern influences shape his sound.
- Nicole Moudaber: A techno legend, she’ll sit down for an intimate talk about her creative process and how she channels emotion into her studio work.
- Bedouin (Tamer Malki & Rami Abousab): The Jordanian–Egyptian duo known for their deep, soulful electronic sound are part of the speaker lineup.
- Misty: Egypt’s house maestro, representing the local electronic music heritage.
- Rolbac: A Lebanese heavyweight in electronic music, adding regional authenticity and perspective.
- DJ Habibeats, Josh Baker, Vanco, AYA, Sarah Hardan, Gawdat, These names round out a diverse and forward-thinking artist-speaker line-up.
- Elie Saba: Managing Partner at ADDMIND Hospitality, speaking in a keynote about the evolution of nightlife in the region and how Dubai nightlife is shaping up.
Nightlife & Events: When the Summit Turns Into a Party
The days may be for panels, but the nights are all about immersive experiences:
- Don’t miss Beatport Live: Sunset Sessions on Nov 14. Picture poolside vibes at 25hours Hotel, with surprise DJs and the iconic Museum of the Future forming the backdrop.
- Adriatique will bring their visually stunning “X” show to the Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience on Nov 15, a production-first performance that promises cinematic energy.
- Other nightlife gems: closing party at Soho Garden’s HIVE, and takes overs at Surf Club, Be Beach, and more.
What to Watch For
Here are a few emerging themes and “things to look out for” during the summit:
- The Rise of Regional Identity
From MENA nightlife’s evolution to the “habibification” of global sounds, there’s a clear exploration of how Arab culture is redefining electronic music, not just borrowing, but reimagining. - Tech’s Role in Music’s Future
With sessions on AI, gaming, web3, and online communities, IMS Dubai is spotlighting how technology could reshape the way music is created, shared, and monetized in the region. - Investment in Sustainability
Panelists are discussing how to build long-term creative ecosystems, not just through big festivals, but via grassroots scenes, mentorship (like the Women in Music scheme), and equitable business models. - A Global-Local Fusion
By bringing together international heavyweights like HUGEL and Moudaber with regional visionaries, the summit underscores the cross-pollination shaping the future of dance music.
IMS Dubai 2025 isn’t just a conference, it’s a statement. With its mix of thought leadership, visionary artists, and late-night performances across the city, it’s setting a blueprint for what electronic music in MENA (and beyond) could become. Whether you’re part of the industry, a creative, or just a music lover, this weekend’s summit is one to watch, it’s where ideas meet beats, and culture meets possibility.
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