Balad Beast 2025: The Final Countdown to Jeddah's Ultimate Celebration of Music and Heritage
Joining them on stage are globally renowned headliners such as Metro Boomin, Michael Kiwanuka, Tiwa Savage, Gunna, and 21 Savage, who bring their international appeal and diverse musical styles to the festival.
From Dish Dash's cutting-edge electronic beats, merging local sounds with global house and techno, to Lil Eazy's fresh fusion of hip-hop and R&B, the festival promises to offer something for every music lover. DJ Baloo, a key figure in Saudi Arabia's electronic scene, will play his electrifying sets, showcasing the best of local talent, while Vinyl Mode, the leading DJ/Producer in Jeddah's underground dance scene, will captivate audiences with his unique vinyl-only sets.
Regional acts like Hamdi Ryder from Tunisia will bring North African rhythms to the festival, blending them with modern tech-house beats, while Disco Misr, a trio from Egypt, will transform Arabic classics with their retro-futuristic disco-funk twist
'Balad Beast is a truly unique music and art festival, blending Saudi culture with modern artistry in the heart of Jeddah's UNESCO World Heritage district of Balad.By projecting incredibly crafted visuals on the historic buildings, we fuse traditional elements with cutting-edge stage production, offering music lovers a multi-stage, multi-genre experience where music can be enjoyed at every corner. This event brings together renowned international headliners and emerging local and regional talent, while also showcasing Jeddah's rich history and its immense potential to become a thriving hub for music and art in the region.' Said Ramadan Alharatani, CEO at MDLBEAST.A Well-rounded Festival JourneyBalad Beast offers more than just music – it delivers a fully immersive, multi-sensory experience, featuring:Pepsi Activations: Engaging on-site experiences from Pepsi, Aquafina/Gatorade, and Sting, infusing the festival atmosphere with energy and excitement.
The Balad Beast Merch Collection: This year's collection is inspired by Al Balad's iconic Roshan windows and cats, and includes limited-edition Since 2087 x Hadeed jerseys, celebrating Jeddah's vibrant football culture.
Where Music Meets History: The Historic Jeddah Revitalization ProjectBalad Beast 2025 is set against the stunning backdrop of Al Balad, coinciding with the ongoing Historic Jeddah Revitalization Project, a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030. Launched in 2021, this ambitious initiative is breathing new life into the district by restoring its centuries-old architecture and preserving its cultural heritage.Spanning 2.5 square kilometers, the project focuses on the preservation of 638 heritage houses, 36 historic mosques, and five historic markets. The development of Al-Arbaeen Lake Park, featuring green spaces, bike paths, and art installations, invites visitors to experience Jeddah's rich cultural tapestry.
The revitalization also includes the restoration of local restaurants, enhanced building facades, and the creation of new landmarks such as Culture Square. Events like the Red Sea Film Festival and World Heritage Day anchor Al Balad's role as a hub for art and cultural exchange, with the goal of attracting 20 million visitors annually by 2035.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Weekly
07-08-2025
- Gulf Weekly
Shields up!
A beloved children's book written by a Bahraini author has been made into a cartoon series, and officially released this week, teaching young minds valuable lessons in gratitude, integrity, patience and more. Faris wa drou'oh Al-asher ('Faris and his 10 shields') penned by Nada Fardan hit the shelves back in 2015, and is a collection of 10 short stories, each dedicated to a particular 'shield' or virtue. The Sanad resident had originally submitted her work at the popular Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity and after receiving a positive feedback and praise from the jury, decided to publish it. However, the idea for it to be adapted as an animated series Durro'a Al-Faris ('knight's shields') struck last year after Saudi writer Fahad Al-Qahtani reached out to Ms Fardan, and the duo worked with animation company Cartologia to bring the tales alive in a rhyme format. Over the last year, three of the 10 episodes were created and the first episode of the series was screened at Abdulrahman Kanoo Cultural Centre in Riffa during an event. It also featured a themed competition for children, an interactive session singing the rhyme featured in the cartoon, and a book signing, among other things. Nada emphasised that the series delivers authentic Arabic content rooted in local cultural and environmental values. 'I'm thrilled to see that my story will now reach a wider audience,' Nada told GulfWeekly. 'Our goal is to reinforce identity, instill a sense of belonging, and present engaging, value-driven stories that maintain the simplicity and excitement children love. 'This is a big project and we're in the process of working on the remaining episodes. The first three are available on my YouTube channel (@al-nadaworkshops),' the 39-year-old added. The series revolves around young Faris ('knight' in Arabic), who faces life's battles with unwavering courage and resilience thanks to his shields or virtues that guide him – the Shield of Self-Confidence, which empowers Faris to believe in himself; the Shield of Cultural Difference, which celebrates diversity and understanding; and the Shield of Gratitude, fostering appreciation, among others. According to the architect-turned-full-time-author, she always strives to write stories that can resonate with children from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, with some of her books featuring characters with special needs, nodding to her inclusive approach. One of her recent titles Manba'a Al-Jood ('source of bounty') was officially unveiled at the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival this year and highlights the idea that something good can only be built on strong, noble foundations. Her first children's book One Trunk Away – the heartwarming tale of Harry, a young elephant, and his mother, who gently encourages him to face new challenges on his own – also released this year. 'We are considering having English subtitles for the animated series (Durro'a Al-Faris), so more children can enjoy it,' Nada revealed. Other books by the author include Faris fi zaman Al-goos ('Faris in the Pearling Age'), Ebtisamet Shamoosa ('Sunny Smile'), and Hamama Nodi ('Nodi the dove').
Gulf Weekly
31-07-2025
- Gulf Weekly
All eyes on the music
Serving up a softer, more contemplative side of their signature Afro-Khaleeji sound, Bahraini fusionists Majaz have released the fourth single from their upcoming EP. Titled Aini, the song dropped on July 25 and introduces a sonic shift for the group, which is known for its energetic, upbeat rhythms. Built around the term of endearment 'aini' which translates in Arabic to 'my eyes' or 'my beloved' and is commonly used across Khaleeji dialects, the track embodies compassion and empathy. 'This song reveals a different side of Majaz,' the band's guitarist Hameed AlSaeed told GulfWeekly. 'It highlights the more chill vibe of our Afro-Khaleeji sounds. 'Musically, it stands in contrast to the rest of the EP, which is much more energetic.' The lyrics in Aini serve a dual purpose. On the surface, they appear as a heartfelt conversation with a loved one. But beneath that is a broader commentary on the gradual erosion of deep human connection in the digital age. The double meanings throughout the song make it relatable on multiple levels, whether listeners interpret it as a love ballad or a reflection on modern disconnection. 'The song sheds light on the importance of human connection in a world where real, deep human interactions are becoming increasingly scarce, gradually losing their significance and weight amidst the ever-evolving ways through which the age of information shapes the way we communicate,' Hameed explained. In keeping with the band's commitment to preserving and evolving Khaleeji musical heritage, Aini incorporates 'Sawt Shami', a rhythmic pattern rooted in 'Fann As-Sawt', an urban art form that has played a significant role in Gulf music for centuries. While the band often experiments with Khaleeji rhythmic foundations, the use of 'Sawt Shami' in this track signals a deliberate nod to 'one of the timeless pillars of Khaleeji musical heritage', repackaged in a modern aesthetic. 'The song was written in mid-2022 and we have also played it live in many of our shows, where it got shaped into the final version,' bassist Salah Alawi added. 'The challenge was testing the song couple of times in front of the audience before hitting the studio.' The single follows Ya Lala (a vocable commonly used in Khaleeji culture and music as a display of joy and care-free sentiments), Heila Hei (a generational Bahraini phrase with no particular linguistic meaning), and Ala Wain (Arabic for 'to where'), which have received praise for their creative fusion of genres. Like its predecessors, Aini will be part of Majaz's upcoming and as-yet-unnamed five-track EP, which is expected to be released by the end of 2025 or early 2026. Made up of Bahrainis Hameed, Salah, cellist Jehad Al Halal, and Saudi percussionist Abdulla Faisal, the quartet is currently planning shows across the region. Aini is now streaming on all major platforms.
Daily Tribune
09-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Tarqan Charms Bahrain Stage
TDT | Manama Families across Bahrain are in for a wave of childhood memories as celebrated Spacetoon composer and performer Tariq Al Arabi Tarqan prepares to take the stage next week during the Bahrain Summer Games. Tarqan will lead two musical performances on Wednesday and Thursday as part of the Bahrain International Book Fair, hosted at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) is presenting the event in strategic partnership with Bayonne Al Dana Theatre, bringing one of the Arab world's most recognisable children's music stars to local audiences. The second edition of Bahrain Summer Games has doubled in size compared to its launch year, expanding its footprint and programming to cater to a broader family audience. Visitors will find interactive zones featuring Arabic and English theatrical performances, gaming sections, creative workshops, and live meet-and-greets with beloved cartoon characters. Festivalgoers holding general tickets will have access to Tarqan's musical performances, while premium ticket packages with added services are also on offer for fans seeking an enhanced experience.
