Every December, the sands north of Riyadh transform into a world of rhythm, light and unforgettable music. For 2025, MDLBEAST Soundstorm returned from December 11 to 13 as a three-day celebration of global artistry and local culture that drew fans from across the world to Saudi Arabia’s Banban desert.
Pop, electronic, hip-hop and alternative music collided across multiple stages, turning the desert site into a vibrant festival city alive with energy. With a mix of international stars and regional talents, Soundstorm 2025 marked one of the biggest music gatherings the Middle East has ever seen.
A Lineup That Spanned the Musical Spectrum
This year’s Soundstorm lineup was ambitious. International icons such as Post Malone, Cardi B, Pitbull, Kaytranada, Benson Boone, Ava Max, and Major Lazer were scheduled to light up the stages, while electronic music lovers had plenty of choices from both global DJs and rising talents.
The festival’s schedule reflected its diversity. From early evening performances by artists like Balqees and Korolova to late-night sets by DJ Snake, ARTBAT and Fisher, each day offered a unique blend of sounds and atmospheres for fans of all tastes.
Hundreds of performers graced more than a dozen distinct stages, inviting audiences to explore sounds ranging from heart-pounding electronic beats to soulful vocals and hip-hop rhythms. Such breadth helped establish Soundstorm not just as a music festival but as a cultural hub that celebrated creativity across genres.
The Soundstorm Experience
What sets Soundstorm apart from many traditional festivals is the scale and feel of the event itself. Rather than simply hosting concerts, the organizers built an immersive environment where fans could wander between stages, art installations and dedicated festival zones that added layers of spectacle to the experience.
Over three nights, the grounds north of Riyadh buzzed with energy long past sunset. Each evening’s performances ran into the early hours of the morning, with gates opening in the evening and music continuing until around 4:30 AM.
For many attendees, Soundstorm was not just about watching performances. It was about connecting with others who love music, discovering new artists, and capturing moments that underlined the shared joy of live entertainment.
Soundstorm’s Place in Saudi Arabia’s Entertainment Growth
Since its start in 2019, Soundstorm has become more than a festival. It is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s expanding entertainment scene and its ambition to bring major cultural experiences to the region. Each edition draws fans not just for the music, but for the sense of community and the shared thrill that only a live event of this scale can offer.
As the lights dimmed on Soundstorm 2025, fans left with memories of breathtaking performances, new musical discoveries and the promise of even bigger celebrations in the years ahead.
