Marrakech – International Music Summit (IMS) Dubai is set to return on November 13–14 to the design-forward 25hours Hotel One Central, bringing with it a dynamic blend of global and regional talent, music innovation, and forward-thinking discussions that bridge the MENA region with the international music industry.
The summit will once again be co-hosted by DJ and audio producer Nooriyah and IMS Co-Founder and music icon Pete Tong.
Newly announced speakers include DJ Habibeats, Josh Baker, Vanco, AYA, Gawdat, and Sarah Hardan, joining an already impressive lineup featuring HUGEL, Nicole Moudaber, Bedouin, Misty, Rolbac, Megatronic, and Jade.
They’ll be joined by leading representatives from IFPI, YouTube, Spotify, Sony Music Publishing, TikTok, Music Nation, and JDEED, making IMS Dubai a key meeting point for the industry’s most influential minds.
In the Music & Culture Room, new sessions will explore the creative and cultural intersections driving today’s music scene. Highlights include:
– “The Pyramids Playbook: Staging Monumental Electronic Music Experiences” (Presented by Venture Lifestyle & P+US)
– “Mahraganat: From the Streets to the Mainstream” (Presented by Believe)
– “The Story Behind the Song of the Summer”: Vanco ft. AYA’s Ma Tnsani — a global first interview between the two artists
– “Is the DJ Booth the New Runway?” Exploring music and fashion (Presented by Istituto Marangoni)
– “AMA: Live Music in the MENA Region”
The Tech & Finance Room will dive deep into the evolution of the music economy with topics such as “Rhythm & Return: Valuing Music as an Asset,” “Tokenization of Music: 101,” and “Music in Gaming & Virtual Concerts: State of Market.”
Beatport Connect will also host an afternoon dedicated to music production, featuring a conversation between Josh Baker and Pete Tong, while Nicole Moudaber will lead a special studio session with the Pete Tong DJ Academy.
In collaboration with Beatport.io, Polkadot, and Avalanche, the summit will also explore how blockchain, NFTs, and decentralized technologies are transforming fan engagement and artist monetization across the Middle East and beyond.
Delegates can unwind at the Jameson Lounge, which returns with its signature green aesthetic and the Green Sofa Stage, a creative hub for storytelling, networking, and live performances.
Through its Jameson Connects platform, the brand continues to merge culture and community, reinforcing its role as more than a whiskey label but a champion of local creative expression.
In partnership with Pete Tong DJ Academy, IMS Dubai is also searching for the region’s next breakout DJ. The winner will perform live at the summit, earn a one-year Pro Scholarship from the academy, and receive a Delegate Badge for full access to the event.
Meanwhile, the IMS Accelerator, powered by KOR Protocol, returns to support rising music-tech founders. Selected start-ups will receive mentorship, strategic partnerships, and the chance to pitch live on stage. Applications are currently open via the IMS Dubai website.
When night falls, the energy will continue across Dubai with a lineup of official events. Delegates can enjoy the pre-party with Nicole Moudaber at Reunion (November 12), Beatport Live sessions featuring regional talent from Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, and Qatar (November 13–14), and showcases across venues including Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience, Surf Club, Be Beach, and Monkey Bar.
