HUGEL, Nicole Moudaber & Bedouin Join Co-Hosts Pete Tong & Nooriyah Plus Industry Heavyweights From AddMind, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Dazed MENA, DJ Mag, EMPIRE, Factory People, Meta, SceneNoise & more!
Beatport Presents IMS Dubai, back in the MENA region for a two-day takeover at 25hours Hotel One Central. A two-day summit exploring the intersections of Music, Culture, Finance, and Technology across the MENA Region
November 13 & 14
25hours Hotel, One Central
BADGES AVAILABLE HERE
Gearing up for its highly anticipated second edition, Beatport Presents International Music Summit (IMS) Dubai, officially announces its first round of speakers, topics, and evening event partners.
Hosted by IMS co-founder and legendary BBC Radio 1 Broadcaster Pete Tong alongside Saudi-born and UK-based DJ, producer, and presenter Nooriyah, Beatport Presents IMS Dubai today announces its first speakers and keynote participants. Global superstar HUGEL joins the summit as a keynote speaker, alongside Lebanese-British techno sensation Nicole Moudaber, Bedouin made up of Jordanian Tamer Malki and Egyptian-American Rami Abousab, Egypt’s beloved house maestro Misty, Lebanese heavyweight Rolbac, ADDMIND’S managing partner Elie Saba, The Beatport Group’s CCO Sofia Ilyas, Meta’s Strategic Partner Manager Samer Jamal, and Factory People’s co-founder and resident DJ Jade.
The summit will also host the MENA premiere of the new film from legendary Northern Irish duo Bicep, TAKKUK.
Pete Tong says – “The launch of Beatport Presents IMS Dubai last year showed just how much energy, creativity and ambition exists in our community in the SWANA region. Electronic music here is on an exciting upward trajectory, creatively, culturally, and as an evolving market with exciting opportunities for growth and collaboration. I’m thrilled to return and co-host alongside Nooriyah. Beatport Presents IMS Dubai provides the perfect backdrop to bring our values to life while showcasing and celebrating the amazing music and talent emerging from the region.”
Summit Content & Key Themes
IMS Dubai’s second edition will tackle the most pressing issues shaping the global and regional industry. From a market focus on Lebanon, AI in music production, diaspora identity, grassroots investment, homegrown festivals, and the ‘habibification’ of house music to the intersection of music and fashion, the summit promises bold conversations and forward-thinking insight. It will also mark the launch of the MENA Women in Music mentorship scheme powered by Little Pink Book, a platform that spotlights female talent & women in music through events, panels, and showcases.
The ‘Finance & Technology’ Room 2, will spotlight conversations at the cutting edge of tech, web3, gaming, investment and finance, with a dedicated section on production presented by Beatport Connect. Speakers for this room will be announced soon.
Additionally, a networking floor will feature live DJs throughout both days, hosted by Mixmag UAE and Kiss FM.
Nooriyah says – “I’m so excited to be joining Beatport Presents IMS Dubai as co-host this year alongside Pete Tong. The SWANA region is one of the most inspiring places in electronic music right now, full of creativity and growth. This summit provides a platform to celebrate incredible artists, amplify the voices of the region, and create meaningful connections that will help shape the future of our culture across SWANA and beyond.”
As day turns to night, delegates will experience Dubai’s nightlife across the city. Highlights include Beatport Live at Monkey Bar on 13th November and partner events at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience, Surf Club, Be Beach, Reunion, and Helipad from Wednesday 12th – Sunday 16th November, cementing IMS Dubai as a true citywide takeover.
With early bird tickets sold out and last year’s summit a complete sell-out, demand for this year is higher than ever. Discounted badges are also available for full-time students, under-27s, and persons of determination.
Expect additional speaker, topic, and evening programming announcements in the coming weeks. For full details around this year’s event, visit the official website of the summit.
First Speakers (from A-Z)
Ahmed El Ganzoury – CEO & Founder, GNK Group | Ahmed Hameed – Co-Founder, Soundscapes/Noctuary | Amira Guetif – Project Manager, Sole DXB | Ayman Hariri – Co-Founder & CEO – VERO | Baloo – Creative Director, MDLBEAST | Cynthia Nasr; Co-Founder, Minab Studios | Dimitri Khater – Founder, Hide Doha | Emile Hokayem – Founder, Aegis Festival | Elie Saba – Managing Partner, ADDMIND Hospitality | Fady Nageed – Content Director, Dazed MENA | Farsa – Artist | James Khoury – Managing Director, Hot Axis | Jade – Founder & Resident DJ, Factory People | Keena – Artist | Lara Kays – Senior Event & Project Manager, Freelance | Mai El Mokadem – Writer & Journalist, Freelance | Mayssa Karaa – Artistic Director, Berklee Abu Dhabi | Megatronic – Artist | Moody Jones – General Manager, DIRTYBIRD & EMPIRE Dance | Nada Al Elhabi – General Manager, MDLBEAST Foundation | Onur Ates – Managing Director, Mixmag MENA & Groove Atelier | Pierre Carnet – Managing Director, MASSIVEMUSIC MENA Roberta Hickey – Director of MENA, The Beatport Group | Samer Jamal – Strategic Partner Manager, Meta | Sofia Ilyas – CCO, The Beatport Group | Suhel Nafar – Head of WANA, EMPIRE | Timmy Mowafi – Co-Founder & Managing Partner, SceneNoise/MO4 Network | Wassim Bou Malham – Founder, Factory People | Yara Temsah – Head of Production, Hot Axis
International Music Summit (IMS) was created in 2007 by five influential industry professionals. A thought-leadership platform for industry, culture, and education in electronic music, the organisation champions ethical and sustainable growth and aims to be a catalyst for positive progress and transformation from the boardroom to the dancefloor. The flagship annual event of IMS, IMS Ibiza, unites thousands of delegates from across the global ecosystem of electronic music, incorporating a three-day summit, the IMS Business Report, and the iconic IMS Dalt Vila closing celebration at the island’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. IMS Ibiza is co-hosted by Pete Tong and Jaguar (both BBC Radio 1), alongside long-term sponsor AlphaTheta.
Beatport is the world’s largest music store for DJs. Since 2004, it has supported the global DJ community by connecting them with fans and providing the tools to elevate their careers. Through Beatport Live & Interactive, the brand delivers unique live event experiences that deepen the connection between artists and audiences. Its online editorial platform, Beatportal, celebrates and amplifies electronic music culture worldwide. Beatport also leads key community initiatives, including the $150,000 annual Diversity + Parity Fund and Beatport Next, its flagship artist development program, both reflecting a commitment to building a more inclusive, representative, and forward-thinking electronic music industry.
Perched in the heart of Dubai, facing the iconic Museum of the Future, 25hours Hotel One Central brings a fresh and unconventional spirit to the city. Located in the Dubai World Trade Centre and steps away from the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) , the hotel is perfectly positioned—just three metro stops from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, and a 15-minute drive from the beach.Rooted in storytelling, the hotel reimagines the ancient Bedouin tradition of the Hakawati—the desert storyteller—through bold design, cultural references, and immersive experiences. A hub for locals and travellers alike, 25hours invites guests to come as they are, offering a playful and relaxed take on hospitality in a city known for its classic luxury. Whether you’re here for work or play, every corner of the hotel is an invitation to connect, explore, and be part of the story.
UFO Network brings you music news daily! See more news here
