Soundstorm Festival & Its Impact on Saudi Arabia

Ahead of the 2023 edition of Soundstorm Festival, we take a moment to take a look at MDLBEAST, the organisers who have been defining the burgeoning music scene in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Set to rage through Riyadh from December 14th to the 16th, the next Soundstorm Festival will once again feature international superstars and emerging regional talents as headliners, repeating an unprecedented achievement that it had been pulling off since 2019. In light of this success, and the opening of their new headquarters in the JAX district of Diriyah, Riyadh, MDLBEAST has taken the opportunity to share the findings of a new study highlighting its socio-economic impact across the Kingdom and the region in 2022.

The ‘Socio-Economic Impact Study’ conducted by MDLBEAST reveals a remarkable shift in perceptions since the launch of Soundstorm Festival, with 83% of participants from Saudi Arabia now recognizing music and entertainment as a viable career path. Even more striking, 82% of respondents acknowledged the pivotal role these sectors play in expanding women's workforce participation.

Beyond changing perceptions, the study underscores the tangible benefits of the festival, with 18,000 direct and indirect job opportunities generated, highlighting the thriving potential of the music and entertainment industries but also their capacity to drive societal change and economic growth.

“As a Saudi company, our contribution to creativity and music makes the Saudi people feel proud,” Ramadan Alharatani, CEO of MDLBEAST tells SceneNoise. “It also cements our leadership in the music sector and our capacity to interact with the local and global talents, introducing Saudi music to the world.”

In 2022, MDLBEAST allocated a substantial 63% of its spending towards bolstering Saudi businesses, artists, and employees, underlining their commitment to local growth. Furthermore, MDLBEAST's events proved to be a global magnet, drawing in 10,000 tourists, with significant representation from Europe (35%) and the Americas (30%). 77% of attendees also viewed MDLBEAST festivals as a pivotal force in solidifying Saudi Arabia's status as a tourist destination.

“In addition to showcasing a constellation of international stars, SOUNDSTORM 2023 will provide unique opportunities for local talents to perform and connect with musicians and artists from around the world,” Talal Albahiti, MDLBEAST Chief Operating Officer and Head of Talent Booking & Events adds.

On August 24th, the festival announced the first batch of tickets for Soundstorm 20223 with four tiers, ranging from General Admission to VIB, VIB+, and VIB Balcona tickets. As the festival has attracted attendees from across the globe since its inception, the upcoming edition promises to be MDLBEAST's biggest yet, continuing its tradition of pushing boundaries.