Beatport Presents IMS Dubai returns for its second version on November 13–14, 2025, hosted on the vibrant 25hours Hotel One Central in Downtown Dubai. The primary section of programming has been unveiled, and it’s stacked with international icons, regional energy gamers, and forward-thinking curators redefining digital music within the SWANA area.
Visionary Hosts & Keynotes
This yr’s summit will likely be co-hosted by BBC Radio 1’s Pete Tong and Saudi-UK DJ and cultural power Nooriyah, each passionate advocates for the inventive explosion occurring throughout the Center East and North Africa.
Featured keynote expertise consists of international DJ/producer HUGEL, Lebanese-British techno titan Nicole Moudaber, and genre-blurring duo Bedouin, alongside regional tastemakers like Egypt’s Misty, Lebanese favourite Rolbac, and nightlife chief Elie Saba (AddMind). Tech and trade perception will come from Sofia Ilyas (Beatport), Samer Jamal (Meta), and Jade (Manufacturing unit Folks).
The launch of Beatport Presents IMS Dubai final yr confirmed simply how a lot power, creativity and ambition exists in our neighborhood within the SWANA area. Digital music right here is on an thrilling upward trajectory, creatively, culturally, and as an evolving market with thrilling alternatives for progress and collaboration. I’m thrilled to return and co-host alongside Nooriyah. Beatport Presents IMS Dubai supplies the proper backdrop to carry our values to life whereas showcasing and celebrating the wonderful music and expertise rising from the area.
Pete Tong
Nooriyah added: “The SWANA area is without doubt one of the most inspiring locations in digital music proper now, stuffed with creativity and progress. This summit supplies a platform to have a good time unimaginable artists, amplify the voices of the area, and create significant connections that can assist form the way forward for our tradition throughout SWANA and past.”
Summit Themes & Cultural Focus
IMS Dubai 2025 will deal with pressing matters shaping the way forward for music, together with:
- AI in music manufacturing
- Market give attention to Lebanon
- Homegrown festivals & grassroots infrastructure
- Diaspora identification in international scenes
- The ‘habibification’ of home music
- Ladies in music management
- Style x music crossover
The summit may even debut the MENA Ladies in Music mentorship powered by Little Pink Book, increasing entry and visibility for feminine creatives throughout the area. This initiative underscores IMS’s mission to push for extra fairness and inclusion throughout the digital music area not simply within the West, however globally.
A second room centered on Finance & Expertise will discover Web3, gaming, AI instruments, investments, and music manufacturing, all curated in partnership with Beatport Join. These periods goal to attach rising creators with infrastructure-level insights to navigate music’s digital transformation.
Networking flooring will likely be energetic throughout each days, with stay DJ units hosted by Mixmag MENA and Kiss FM, making a soundtrack for spontaneous connections and artistic collisions.
From Daytime Dialogue to Nightlife Takeover
As with final yr’s version, IMS Dubai 2025 seamlessly blends convention content material with curated nightlife programming, permitting delegates to expertise the town’s booming digital scene. Official afterparties embody:
- Beatport Reside at Monkey Bar (Nov 13)
- Occasions at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Expertise, Surf Membership, Be Seaside, Reunion, and the long-lasting Helipad rooftop venue
With occasions stretching throughout November 12–16, the summit evolves right into a citywide takeover, with Dubai itself changing into the canvas for inventive expression.
Badge Entry & Data
- Early Chicken Badges: Already bought out
- Discounted Badges Out there: For full-time college students, under-27s, and individuals of dedication
- Extra Data: IMS Dubai Website.
As curiosity surges, extra audio system, panel matters, and night programming are anticipated to be revealed within the coming weeks.
The primary wave of audio system features a numerous combine of world and regional leaders (A-Z): Ahmed El Ganzoury (GNK Group), Ahmed Hameed (Soundscapes/Noctuary), Amira Guetif (Sole DXB), Ayman Hariri (VERO), Baloo (MDLBEAST), Cynthia Nasr (Minab Studios), Dimitri Khater (Cover Doha), Emile Hokayem (Aegis Competition), Elie Saba (ADDMIND Hospitality), Fady Nageed (Dazed MENA), Farsa, HUGEL, James Khoury (Scorching Axis), Jade (Manufacturing unit Folks), Keena, Lara Kays, Mai El Mokadem, Mayssa Karaa (Berklee Abu Dhabi), Megatronic, Misty, Moody Jones (DIRTYBIRD/EMPIRE), Nada Al Elhabi (MDLBEAST Basis), Nicole Moudaber, Nooriyah, Onur Ates (Mixmag MENA), Pete Tong, Pierre Carnet (MASSIVEMUSIC MENA), Roberta Hickey (Beatport Group), Rolbac, Samer Jamal (Meta), Sofia Ilyas (Beatport Group), Suhel Nafar (EMPIRE), Timmy Mowafi (SceneNoise), Triopolism, Wassim Bou Malham (Manufacturing unit Folks), and Yara Temsah (Scorching Axis).
