The International Music Summit will expand to Dubai, its organisers revealed today.
Held annually in Ibiza, the landmark summit has become one of the most influential gatherings in the electronic music industry and has served as a hotbed of innovation and growth throughout its 17-year history. From top record label executives to emerging DJs, IMS attracts a diverse range of attendees who come together to discuss industry trends, explore new technologies and celebrate culture on a global scale.
The inaugural IMS Dubai, hosted by Pete Tong, will take place on 14-15 November at the W Hotel – Mina Seyahi in collaboration with AlphaTheta and Beatport. The event is said to focus on “investment, entrepreneurship and business growth” while also “celebrating the MENA region’s innovative music and rich cultural heritage, highlighting the artists, collectives and visionaries driving its evolution.”
IMS will not receive government incentives or funding to carry out its expansion in the region, according to its founders.
“Our goal is to inspire continued growth, support and investment, whilst addressing the unique cultural challenges facing musicians and startups,” the summit’s founders said in a press release. “Electronic music culture is built on long-standing principles of bringing people from diverse backgrounds together on the dance floor. Music has the power to unify and we all have a role to play in creating safer spaces for everyone – a principle that IMS and Beatport proudly stand behind.”
Boosted by a series of high-profile acquisitions and venue openings, Dubai’s nightlife sector is booming. The owners of the iconic Tomorrowland festival opened a palatial desert resort, Terra Solis, in 2022, billed as “a unique glamping experience in the Arabian dunes.” Dubai-based hotel giant FIVE acquired Pacha Group, one of Ibiza’s most illustrious nightlife institutions, in 2023 in a deal valued at $330 million.
A few months later, the organisers of Romania's massive UNTOLD festival launched a branch in Dubai, calling it the city's “first mega festival”. A new open-air “superclub”, WHITE, also opened in Dubai Harbour, thanks to a groundbreaking show headlined by South African dance music icon Black Coffee.
Confirmed speakers for the first IMS Dubai include Aloki Batra, CEO of FIVE Hospitality and Pacha Group; Janet Ashak, Head of MENA at YouTube Music; Karima Damir, Head of A&R at Warner Music Middle East; and Maha ElNabawi, Executive Editor at Saudi Arabian BillboardThe latter will be in charge of giving the opening speech.
Representatives from several renowned electronic music labels will also be present at the summit, including Tomorrowland, HE.SHE.THEY., Defected Records and the Association for Electronic Music. As for artists, speakers include Deep Dish, Stryv, Cosmicat, Yasmeen Selectress and Parvané, among others.
Credentials for IMS Dubai will go on sale on Thursday 19 September. More information is available via the summit website. website.
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