Set for November 14th-15th, 2024, at W Hotel Dubai.
Photo credit: IMS Dubai – Website
International Music Summit (IMS), the thought-leadership platform at the heart of electronic music’s culture, education, industry, and wellness, announces the inaugural edition of IMS Dubai. Supported by AlphaTheta and Beatport, IMS Dubai will take place on November 14–15 at W Hotel Dubai – Mina Seyahi.
For 17 years, IMS has united the global electronic music community in Ibiza. Now, recognizing the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s growing importance, IMS is expanding to Dubai.
This two-day summit will explore music, finance, culture, and technology in MENA, with a focus on investment and business growth. It will celebrate the region’s innovative music and cultural heritage, spotlighting key artists and visionaries. Dubai’s selection underscores its growing influence in global music, blending traditions with modern arts. The city’s vibrant nightlife and DJ scene make it an ideal hub for fostering cross-cultural collaborations.
Key speakers include Maha ElNabawi (Billboard Arabia), Aloki Batra (Five Hospitality & The Pacha Group), Janet Ashak (YouTube), Karima Damir (Warner Music ME), and Salam Kmeid (Anghami). Regional experts and international brands will also participate, discussing topics ranging from industry navigation to cultural tourism. Artist speakers include Deep Dish, Abdell Rahman, Saliah, Yasmeen Selectress, and Parvané. IMS co-founder Pete Tong will interview Stryv.
The summit will cover diverse topics, including navigating the MENA music industry, cultural tourism: Dubai & Ibiza duality, meeting regional investors and talent buyers, growth of labels & streaming in MENA, Dubai’s underground scene, market focus: Egypt, IP evolution in music, women in MENA music, royalties in the Middle East, and globalizing Arabic artists.
Evening events will showcase local and international talent, featuring performances at Farrago, Soho Garden’s Playroom, and Hive. The IMS founders emphasize their goal to inspire growth and address cultural challenges in the region. They highlight electronic music’s unifying power and the importance of creating safe spaces for all.
IMS has a history of international events, including summits in Los Angeles, Shanghai, Singapore, and Malta. IMS Ibiza 2024 hosted 1,500 delegates from 54 countries. Badges for IMS Dubai will be available from September 19, starting at dh435, with discounts for students, under-27s, and People of Determination. One percent of proceeds will go to EarthPercent, IMS’s climate action partner.
For more information and to submit speaker applications, visit IMS official website here.
