MENA Showcases Taking Over Amsterdam Dance Event '26 Oct 21 - 25

The world’s largest annual electronic music conference and festival, Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), returns for its 30th edition from October 21st to 25th, with a programme that heavily focuses on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), bringing regional artists, labels and organisers to the centre of the international circuit.

Since launching in 1996, ADE has grown into a major global meeting point for artists, industry professionals and electronic music communities worldwide. Its five-day programme spans daytime panel discussions and workshops, followed by a myriad of parties and showcases across the Dutch capital after dark.

Occupying some of Amsterdam’s most storied venues, ADE 2026’s MENA showcases signal a turning point for regional artists stepping onto these stages. The region is no longer just a lucrative touring destination for international headliners; it is exporting its own raw, unfiltered culture while demanding greater industry equity, booking leverage and direct access to global distribution. What was long framed as an isolated periphery has quietly matured into one of the world’s most creatively rigorous electronic music ecosystems.

Ahead of this year’s edition, we highlight the MENA nights taking over ADE’s nightlife, from Sandbox Selects to Kollectiv Records and more.

Listening Session & Bites with Disco Arabesquo | October 21st

Venue: Van Eesteren Museum

Time: 21:30–03:00

In this listening session, Dutch-Egyptian DJ Disco Arabesquo will share his collection of vinyl and cassettes that captures the world of Egyptian film music from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

Sandbox Selects | October 22nd

Venue: Garage Noord

Time: 14:00–21:30

Lineup: Aly Goede, Misty, Jess, Anthea, Courtesy, Andre Zimmer

Sandbox Selects is an independent event series by Egypt’s Sandbox Festival, offering a more intimate clubbing experience and a one-day tribute to the festival’s spirit and the community its organisers, Nacelle, have built over the past 12 years.

Toka Musik x Black Camel Records Pop-up with AlphaTheta | October 22nd

Venue: Millesime Vintage

Time: 16:00–20:00

Lineup: Pan, Patch, Robin Nicolas, Pierre Locher

Beirut-based music platform Toka Musik and Dubai-based label Black Camel Records are joining forces for an intimate daytime party where attendees can mingle, shop, and tune into a selection of minimal, tech and deep house grooves rooted in Dubai and Beirut’s vibrant music scenes.

Borderline Showcase | October 22nd

Venue: Smokey Club

Time: 18:00–06:00

Lineup: Adassiya, A Drop, Omar Arafa, Aftersunday, Baron, Essence, Jawora, Jerry M, KZ & Cake, Rolbac, Leon, Luca Saporito, Maqossa, Moana, Nadrums, Neshow, Stasti Sanlin, Vanee

The showcase is a 12-hour party marathon by international events brand and artists agency Borderline, bringing together 18 DJs representing 11 different nationalities under a singular, "borderless" vision of underground club culture within the MENA region and beyond.

All Night Long Records Label Night | October 22nd

Venue: Hotel Arena

Time: 22:00–04:00

Lineup: Acid Arab, NTO, Mandragora

A rave in a church hosted by international electronic label All Night Long, spanning the full spectrum of electronic music with MENA-adjacent sounds and influences from traditional North African rhythms and Oriental music.

Habibis World | October 23rd

Venue: Cafe40

Time: 20:00–03:00

Lineup: MR.Bellakoud, Rogyne, ZOLOLO, Zouflebouf, Blue Mush, Dr. Prime, Soes, 2AD.

A North African and Arab diaspora night by cultural platform and event collective Habibis World, bringing a blend of traditional Arabic rhythms like dabke and contemporary global club sounds like amapiano, afrohouse and hip-hop.

Kollectiv & Friends: ADE Wrap Up | October 25th

Venue: 50:HERTZ House & Techno Cafe

Time: 21:30–03:00

Lineup: Hady Tarek, Paar Muzik, Prince, ODY, Yves Eaux, JP Lantieri, Helaly

Egyptian DJ and producer Fady Tarek’s Kollectiv Records closes ADE with a regional and international roster spanning deep house, progressive rhythms and indie dance, bringing label regulars and close collaborators together with guest selectors.