IN ACT: The Collective Pushing Saudi’s Techno Scene to New Heights

In November 2024, Saudi’s leading techno brothers Hassan and Abbas Ghazzawi, aka DJ/producer duo Dish Dash, and their lifelong friends Mahmoud Zidan and Bassel Enab, debuted their own label and party series IN ACT with an epic two-day launch party, headlined by global techno trailblazers, Mahmut Orhan and Colyn.

The party brought a cutting-edge audio-visual experience with a distinctive edge that sat IN ACT a part, positioning it as a pioneering platform and a movement redefining the future of the techno scene in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region.

True to its name, IN ACT embodies the Dish Dash brothers’ ethos of constant motion and innovation. The label aims to reshape Saudi Arabia’s electronic music landscape, blending bold sonic experiments with a commitment to community-building. By spotlighting emerging regional talent, collaborating with fashion and art collectives, and crafting exclusive releases, IN ACT serves as a creative hub where music, art, and culture can converge.

We caught up with the DJ/producer duo Dish Dash, Mahmoud Zidan  (Artist Booking Manager) and Bassel Enab (Management & Marketing Director) – the masterminds and key figures behind IN ACT – uncovering the genesis of the brand, and the quartet's ambitious mission to revolutionize the electronic dance scene in Saudi Arabia and anchor it on the global map.

What inspired your decision to launch IN ACT as a label and party series, and how does it reflect Dish Dash’s journey and vision within the electronic music scene?

Hassan Ghazzawi: It’s our passion project. As a team, we’ve been friends for over 15 years, and this is the first time we’ve come together to create something on this scale. IN ACT reflects our journey in the electronic music scene and the bond we’ve built along the way.

Bassel Enab: We wanted to create something that embodies the energy, creativity, and movement that define us as individuals and as a team. IN ACT is where our shared vision comes to life—a space where innovation thrives and where we can connect with people through the rhythm and momentum that inspire us every day.

What is the mission of IN ACT, and how do you see it contributing to the growth of the electronic dance community in Saudi Arabia?

Bassel Enab: Our mission is to elevate Saudi Arabia’s music scene by introducing immersive, cutting-edge experiences that resonate deeply with our audience on multiple levels.

It’s not just about throwing events or parties; it’s about fostering a sense of community and inspiring creativity within Saudi Arabia’s electronic music culture. We also aim to create lasting memories by releasing a single after each event, forging a meaningful connection with the community. Beyond that, we’re collaborating with local and regional fashion brands to launch exclusive releases, blending music and style to further deepen IN ACT’s cultural impact.

Why did you choose the name ‘IN ACT’ as a moniker for the brand, and what significance does it hold for you as Dish Dash?

Abbas Ghazzawi: The name ‘IN ACT’ is deeply personal and symbolic for us as Dish Dash. It references our name—the ‘I’ from Dish and the ‘A’ from Dash—highlighting the unity that defines us. It embodies our ethos of creativity, momentum, and the relentless drive to stay in sync and always in motion. It’s a reflection of our ongoing journey to push ourselves and our audience toward new horizons in music and art.

The region’s electronic music scene is diverse and competitive. How do you plan to set your brand apart from other event organizers and record labels?

Mahmoud Zidan: Our bold vision sets us apart. We’re here to challenge norms and redefine what the underground scene in Saudi Arabia can be through immersive visuals, carefully curated artist collaborations, and exclusive experiences that merge music, art, and fashion.

We’re also collaborating with designers from various creative backgrounds to bring fresh concepts to the electronic music scene. It’s an additional layer of expression, aimed at building something that leaves a lasting impact on both the local and regional scenes.

Were there any challenges you faced while setting up IN ACT, and how did you handle them?

Hassan Ghazzawi: Bringing a vision as ambitious as IN ACT to life in Saudi Arabia has definitely come with its challenges. But this isn’t just driven by us—it’s a team effort, supported by people who genuinely believe in the concept.

We’ve had moments where we worked for over 30 hours without sleep, pushing ourselves to ensure IN ACT was everything we imagined. That level of commitment and passion is what sets us apart. We face challenges head-on and always find a way forward together. That’s what makes IN ACT so special—it’s built from the heart.

How do you approach lineup curation for your events?

Mahmoud Zidan: Curation goes beyond just booking big international names. It’s about crafting a journey for our audience—something fresh yet deeply rooted in the local scene.

As a record label, how do you plan to leverage IN ACT’s platform to support and spotlight emerging talent from Saudi Arabia and the region?

Abbas Ghazzawi: Each IN ACT event comes with a unique sound, and that’s no coincidence—it reflects our diverse lineups. Through the label, we’re transforming that energy into something lasting.

It’s not just about showcasing one sound; it’s about creating a mix of the music we discover, love, and want to share. After each event, we plan to release a track or remix that keeps the momentum alive while spotlighting local and regional talent. It’s about extending the IN ACT journey beyond the event itself.

Can you share a sneak peek into your upcoming collaborations, experiences, and releases? 

Mahmoud Zidan: We’re working with incredible creators to combine music and visual art in ways that feel fresh and unexpected. It’s important for us to present something relatable and memorable.

Hassan Ghazzawi: We’re also developing a merch line in collaboration with regional designers, connecting fans with the brand’s ethos and energy.

Mahmoud Zidan: It’s like wearing the energy of IN ACT.

Hassan Ghazzawi: Exactly. The goal is to make IN ACT part of a lifestyle—creating a sense of belonging that grows with every interaction.

Mahmoud Zidan: For our next project, we’re teaming up with artists from Egypt and vocalists from Lebanon. It’s going to be something special. For us, it’s all about surprising people and keeping the energy alive.

Looking ahead, what are the long-term plans for IN ACT, and how do you envision its impact on Saudi Arabia’s cultural and musical landscape?

Bassel Enab: Our long-term vision is to establish IN ACT as a global icon for innovation in music. We want to continue shaping Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape while putting the region on the map as a leader in electronic music.

If you told me a year ago I’d spend more time on Saudi beaches than in Egypt, I’d have laughed. But that’s the IN ACT effect—we’ve worked tirelessly to create something authentic in Saudi Arabia. We’ve built a family and created an impact that we’ll never forget.

Now, the dream is to take what we’ve built and share it with the world. We’ve got big plans—Egypt, Ibiza, Japan, and more. But we’re not in a rush. These things take time, and we want to do them right. Each event takes immense effort, but the impact it leaves makes it all worth it.