International Music Summit Announces Dubai as Host of New Edition

This November, the International Music Summit (IMS) will expand to Dubai, bringing the global electronic music community to the MENA region.

The International Music Summit (IMS), a leading platform in electronic music, is launching its first-ever edition in Dubai this November. The organization has been a leading force pushing for positive change in the sector through culture, education, and community. After nearly two decades in Ibiza and other regions of the globe, it’s reaching a new territory in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, where opportunity is bustling for the music industry.

IMS Dubai intends to inspire continued growth, support, and investment while addressing the unique cultural challenges that musicians and start-ups face in the industry. The two-day summit, backed by AlphaTheta and Beatport, will be held at the W Hotel Dubai – Mina Seyahi on November 14-15, with Pete Tong as the official host.

The debut edition of the event will feature MENA-based speakers from YouTube, Warner Music Group, The Pacha Group , Anghami, Billboard Arabia, PopArabia, and other experts from Soho Garden, Groove On The Grass, and Factory People. Additionally, speakers from Tomorrowland, WME, Defected Records, HE.SHE.THEY, and the Association For Electronic Music (AFEM) will offer insights into their work and the influence of cross-culture integrations.

To make a global impact, IMS seeks to be where change is happening, which is why we’ve also hosted three editions of IMS Asia Pacific in Shanghai and one in Singapore, five IMS Engage events in Los Angeles, and three IMS College events in Malta. IMS Dubai will debut in the United Arab Emirates, marking a strategic expansion into the Middle East and North Africa. IMS, majority owned by Beatport, will not receive government or cultural funding or incentives for this initiative.
IMS Founders

Topics include navigating the MENA music industry, the growth of streaming platforms, and taking Arabic artists to the big stages. The event will also host exclusive evening performances across the city. This includes a Thursday show hosted by local collective Duck Soup and another at Soho Garden’s Playroom focused on emerging female talent from the region.

IMS Dubai badges go on sale on Thursday, September 19. Discounted rates for students, under-27s, and People of Determination will be available. Further, in its continued efforts to support sustainability within the industry, 1% of proceeds will be donated to IMS’ climate action partner, EarthPercent.

Purchase your pass to be a part of the conversations shaping our industry’s future and stay up-to-date by visiting the IMS website. Those interested in submitting speaker or session applications can do so on the FAQ page.

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