International Music Summit announces debut edition of IMS Dubai

The International Music Summit (IMS) has announced the debut of IMS Dubai, marking its first expansion into the Middle East.

Scheduled for November 14-15 at the W Hotel Dubai – Mina Seyahi, this inaugural summit will delve into the intersection of music, culture, finance, and technology in the MENA region. For seventeen years, IMS has fostered global dialogue in electronic music, uniting industry leaders annually in Ibiza. Now, the summit has expanded to Dubai, recognizing the city’s pivotal role in driving investment and cultural innovation in electronic music. Supported by partners AlphaTheta and Beatport, IMS Dubai aims to celebrate the region’s vibrant music scene and explore emerging trends.

The event will feature a stellar lineup of MENA-based speakers, including Maha ElNabawi, Managing Editor at Billboard Arabia, and Janet Ashak, Head of Music MENA at YouTube. Discussions will cover various topics such as ‘Culture Tourism: Dubai & Ibiza Duality’ led by Aloki Batra and insights from Karima Damir of Warner Music ME. Anghami, the leading music streaming platform in the Arab world, will also be represented by Salam Kmeid.

Regional event experts will provide valuable perspectives, including Philipp Straub from Soho Garden and Deian Markov from Groove On The Grass. Notable international brands and figures, such as Nathan Jordan from Defected Records and Amir Ahmad from Reed Smith, will contribute their expertise. Artist speakers include Deep Dish, the pioneering Iranian-born house duo, and emerging talents like Yasmeen Selectress and Parvané. Stryv, a US-based Pakistani-born producer, will be interviewed by IMS co-founder Pete Tong.

The summit will address pressing topics such as navigating the MENA music industry, cultural tourism, and intellectual property in music. Evening events will feature local and international talent, including a celebration at Hive, Soho Garden.

IMS founders emphasize the summit’s goal to remain at the forefront of industry change. Having previously hosted events in Asia Pacific and the US, IMS Dubai represents a strategic move to engage with the dynamic MENA music landscape.

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Lyndsay Carreno

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