Techno

IMS Dubai 2025 Confirms First Speakers: HUGEL, Nicole Moudaber, Bedouin & More

Beatport Presents IMS Dubai returns for its second edition on November 13–14, 2025, hosted at the vibrant 25hours Hotel One Central in Downtown Dubai. The first phase of programming has been unveiled, and it’s stacked with global icons, regional power players, and forward-thinking curators redefining electronic music in the SWANA region.

Visionary Hosts & Keynotes

This year’s summit will be co-hosted by BBC Radio 1’s Pete Tong and Saudi-UK DJ and cultural force Nooriyah, both passionate advocates for the creative explosion happening across the Middle East and North Africa.

Featured keynote talent includes global DJ/producer HUGEL, Lebanese-British techno titan Nicole Moudaber, and genre-blurring duo Bedouin, alongside regional tastemakers like Egypt’s Misty, Lebanese favorite Rolbac, and nightlife leader Elie Saba (AddMind). Tech and industry insight will come from Sofia Ilyas (Beatport), Samer Jamal (Meta), and Jade (Factory People).

The launch of Beatport Presents IMS Dubai last year showed just how much energy, creativity and ambition exists in our community in the SWANA region. Electronic music here is on an exciting upward trajectory, creatively, culturally, and as an evolving market with exciting opportunities for growth and collaboration. I’m thrilled to return and co-host alongside Nooriyah. Beatport Presents IMS Dubai provides the perfect backdrop to bring our values to life while showcasing and celebrating the amazing music and talent emerging from the region.

Pete Tong

Nooriyah added: “The SWANA region is one of the most inspiring places in electronic music right now, full of creativity and growth. This summit provides a platform to celebrate incredible artists, amplify the voices of the region, and create meaningful connections that will help shape the future of our culture across SWANA and beyond.”

Summit Themes & Cultural Focus

IMS Dubai 2025 will tackle urgent topics shaping the future of music, including:

  • AI in music production
  • Market focus on Lebanon
  • Homegrown festivals & grassroots infrastructure
  • Diaspora identity in global scenes
  • The ‘habibification’ of house music
  • Women in music leadership
  • Fashion x music crossover

The summit will also debut the MENA Women in Music mentorship powered by Little Pink Book, expanding access and visibility for female creatives across the region. This initiative underscores IMS’s mission to push for more equity and inclusion within the electronic music space not just in the West, but globally.

A second room focused on Finance & Technology will explore Web3, gaming, AI tools, investments, and music production, all curated in partnership with Beatport Connect. These sessions aim to connect emerging creators with infrastructure-level insights to navigate music’s digital transformation.

Networking floors will be active across both days, with live DJ sets hosted by Mixmag MENA and Kiss FM, creating a soundtrack for spontaneous connections and creative collisions.

From Daytime Dialogue to Nightlife Takeover

As with last year’s edition, IMS Dubai 2025 seamlessly blends conference content with curated nightlife programming, allowing delegates to experience the city’s booming electronic scene. Official afterparties include:

  • Beatport Live at Monkey Bar (Nov 13)
  • Events at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience, Surf Club, Be Beach, Reunion, and the iconic Helipad rooftop venue

With events stretching across November 12–16, the summit evolves into a citywide takeover, with Dubai itself becoming the canvas for creative expression.

Badge Access & Info

  • Early Bird Badges: Already sold out
  • Discounted Badges Available: For full-time students, under-27s, and persons of determination
  • More Info: IMS Dubai Website.

As interest surges, additional speakers, panel topics, and evening programming are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.

The first wave of speakers includes a diverse mix of global and regional leaders (A-Z): Ahmed El Ganzoury (GNK Group), Ahmed Hameed (Soundscapes/Noctuary), Amira Guetif (Sole DXB), Ayman Hariri (VERO), Baloo (MDLBEAST), Cynthia Nasr (Minab Studios), Dimitri Khater (Hide Doha), Emile Hokayem (Aegis Festival), Elie Saba (ADDMIND Hospitality), Fady Nageed (Dazed MENA), Farsa, HUGEL, James Khoury (Hot Axis), Jade (Factory People), Keena, Lara Kays, Mai El Mokadem, Mayssa Karaa (Berklee Abu Dhabi), Megatronic, Misty, Moody Jones (DIRTYBIRD/EMPIRE), Nada Al Elhabi (MDLBEAST Foundation), Nicole Moudaber, Nooriyah, Onur Ates (Mixmag MENA), Pete Tong, Pierre Carnet (MASSIVEMUSIC MENA), Roberta Hickey (Beatport Group), Rolbac, Samer Jamal (Meta), Sofia Ilyas (Beatport Group), Suhel Nafar (EMPIRE), Timmy Mowafi (SceneNoise), Triopolism, Wassim Bou Malham (Factory People), and Yara Temsah (Hot Axis).

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