Latest news with #RamadanAlharatani
Vogue Arabia
4 days ago
- Business
- Vogue Arabia
Breaking Records: Reflections From MDLBEAST's Ramadan Alharatani
Back in the 90s during the early days of satellite TV, Ramadan Alharatani would record mixtapes when music debuted on MTV, and sell them at gift shops. Then, when he went to high school in the United States, he would return to Saudi during holidays with suitcases full of CDs that hadn't yet reached local stores, reselling them at his uncle's record shop. He never imagined that his personal passion for music would evolve into something more. 'It's still hard to grasp that what was once an underground music scene in my hometown, Jeddah, would evolve to a thriving music scene globally,' says Alharatani, who, as CEO of MDLBEAST, has helped elevate the local industry to global prominence. It all started with Soundstorm – a milestone for musical performances in the Kingdom. 'It was the first public event where men and women could be in the same space, enjoying live music together at scale. It marked a cultural shift and opened the door for a more inclusive music entertainment offering,' he reflects. In 2021, the event saw 700,000 attendees over four days, becoming a large-scale, multi-genre festival attracting visitors from Saudi and beyond. MDLBEAST's other flagship events – XP Music Futures, Balad Beast and A Thousand and One – spotlight talent while also supporting the next generation of Saudi artists through workshops and networking opportunities. And, its record label helps emerging Saudi talent release original music and reach global audiences. The platform has brought international stars to Saudi's sands too, from Eminem and Metallica to Camila Cabello and David Guetta. 'One thing global performers consistently highlight is the electric energy of Saudi crowds, who are young, passionate and deeply engaged,' shares Alharatani. Photo: MDLBEAST MDLBEAST is elevating the nation's offering of music festivals and events, and it's doing so within a cultural framework. At Keinemusik in AlUla for instance, the programme incorporated prayer breaks. 'This balance of global and local is key to our identity,' says Alharatani. 'Ultimately, music creates a sense of community. On the dance floor, people from different backgrounds, cultures, and countries come together, united by a shared love for music. It's in those moments that we focus on what connects us, not what separates us. With lights that illuminate the desert sky, and added effects from drones, pyrotechnics, lasers and massive LED screens, the festival has made international headlines as a 'Saudi rave'. This year, MDLBEAST plans to inaugurate a HiFi listening bar in Jeddah's historic Al-Balad as well as a members-only pool club concept, in addition to ongoing Esports World Cup and Formula 1 events. The momentum is only escalating, according to Alharatani: 'We're excited to keep growing, breaking Arab artists internationally, expanding our reach and working with partners to continue building a creative and subcultural ecosystem for the next generation.'
Identity
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Identity
MDLBEAST's Debut Edition of 1001 Festival, a Dazzling Success of Sound, Story and Imagination
A two-night journey with some of the best names in electronic music from local heroes to international superstars. This past weekend, the desert sands of Binban transformed into a realm of fantasy as MDLBEAST unveiled its latest festival concept, 1001 Festival. Drawing inspiration from the folk tales of the Middle East and beyond, the two-day event fused storytelling with the cutting edge of dance music, offering attendees an immersive experience that was truly like no other. Set against the backdrop of the Saudi desert, 1001 wove together a mythical universe with a stunning array of the most forward-thinking names in electronic music today. From the moment the gates opened, festival-goers were transported into a world where each stage told its own tale. The Qafilah Stage, reminiscent of a nomadic caravan, guided attendees through a journey of sound. With colorfully vibrant ships and traditional patterns, their bows adorned with camel heads carrying a DJ that keeps the caravan alive. Qasr, with its regal architecture, echoed the grandeur of sultans' palaces and ballrooms, The palace hosted many of the world-renowned DJs. While Bustan's treehouse DJ booth sat above the vines and floral installation, which painted a complete melody oasis. Sahaab, floating like a magic carpet with its motion-suspended stage wrapped in a sea of woven patterns, provided ethereal soundscapes that left the crowd spellbound by the shimmering LED lights. Ramadan Alharatani, CEO of MDLBEAST, comments on 1001's inaugural weekend: 'With 1001, we set out to create a new music experience that felt original to us. A world that pulls from our heritage but speaks to a global audience. Seeing so many people respond to that idea, and truly immerse in the festival for two amazing nights, is the kind of reward you can't plan for; it just happens when it's real.'
Trade Arabia
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Trade Arabia
MDLBEAST launches new ‘A Thousand And One' festival
MDLBEAST, a premier music entertainment company born and based in Saudi Arabia, has announced its latest festival concept, A Thousand And One. Taking place on April 24 and 25 in Riyadh, A Thousand And One will run from 4 pm to 4 am, with the last entry at 2 am. This new music, arts, and culture festival marks another milestone in the company's ongoing mission to expand the region's live events landscape and deliver world-class experiences to audiences in the Middle East and beyond, it said. A Thousand And One is a bold new addition to MDLBEAST's growing events portfolio, blending electronic music with immersive storytelling and experiences. The festival is designed to celebrate creativity and culture, offering a unique platform for international, regional, and local talent to showcase their artistry across the festival's multiple thematic stages. With a focus on breaking new ground in live events, MDLBEAST continues to raise the bar for music festivals in the region, reinforcing its commitment to driving the industry forward, the company said. Ramadan Alharatani, CEO of MDLBEAST, comments: 'A Thousand And One is a key example of our mission to build and curate a diverse range of music experiences that cater to different audiences and genres. Inspired by our rich heritage and culture, this new festival concept reinforces our commitment to expanding the region's music landscape, and we can't wait to share it with the public.'
