Beatport Presents IMS Dubai’s 2025 edition is days away with new speakers and events

Beatport Presents IMS Dubai has unveiled an expanded programme for its upcoming edition, introducing new speakers, artists, panel topics and events for the 2025 summit.

The programme expands with the additions of artist speakers DJ Habibeats, Josh Baker, Vanco, AYA, Gawdat, Sarah Hardan and Nikki Lorak, joining the previously announced line-up of global and regional talents.

Recent Mixmag MENA cover stars Nicole Moudaber and Bedouin are confirmed as keynote speakers for Beatport Presents IMS Dubai 2025. Joining them are HUGEL, Misty, Rolbac, ADDMIND’s managing partner Elie Saba, The Beatport Group’s CCO Sofia Ilyas, Meta’s Samer Jamal and Factory People’s Jade.

Newly updated programme highlights include Mixmag’s International Development Director Nick DeCosemo, who will appear in two sessions within the Music & Culture Room: as a speaker on the panel “Diaspora: Arab Music Around the World” on the first day, and as moderator for “The Pyramids Playbook: Staging Monumental Electronic Music Experiences Presented by Venture Lifestyle & P+US” on the second day.

Mixmag MENA’s Managing Director Onur Ates will moderate a session on the first day of the summit in the Tech & Finance Room, presented by Groove Atelier, exploring the intersection between visual arts and electronic music with Yara Temsah of Hot Axis and Nikki Lorak of Global Music Festival.

Delegates will also have access to a dedicated Networking Lounge across both summit days, offering panoramic views of Dubai’s Museum of the Future and a continuous soundtrack of curated DJ sets. On Thursday, 13 November, the lounge will be hosted by Beat FM and Mixmag UAE, while Ibiza Global Radio takes over on Friday, 14 November. Designed as a relaxed environment for connection and collaboration, the space will bring together artists, industry professionals and creatives to exchange ideas and spark conversations.

The second edition of IMS Dubai will address global and regional industry issues. Discussions will range from Lebanon’s market landscape and the role of AI in music production to diaspora identity, grassroots investment, homegrown festivals, the cultural reach of ‘habibified’ house, and the convergence of music and fashion. The summit will also debut the MENA Women in Music mentorship initiative, developed with Little Pink Book to spotlight and support female talent.

The events programme unfolds over five days of music, culture, and community across some of Dubai’s most iconic venues. The summit begins on Wednesday, 12 November with an official pre-party at Reunion DXB headlined by Nicole Moudaber, setting the tone for the week. On Thursday, 13 November, delegates gather for the Beatport Breakfast: Meet & Eat, followed by the MENA premiere of Bicep’s audiovisual project TAKKUUK, an Industry Mixer presented by U-Nation, Live Nation & Ticketmaster, and a high-energy Beatport Live Showcase featuring Gawdat, Misty, Keena, A.M.R. and a special guest from Lebanon. The same night, DXB Gossip’s Off-IMS showcase at Room 3 introduces Chiat and KUKI, both making their Dubai debuts. On Friday, 14 November, the focus shifts poolside for Beatport Live: Sunset Sessions with international guests, followed by Bedouin at Be Beach, a late-night showcase blending organic instrumentation and Middle Eastern influences. The weekend continues with retrogroove x House Call’s Sunset Party at Helipad and Adriatique Present X at Dubai Harbour on Saturday, 15 November, before closing on Sunday, 16 November, with the Official Closing Party at Surf Club, headlined by Jan Blomqvist, alongside Kaytek, Neo and Versa, marking the finale of the 2025 edition.

The summit takes place at 25hours Hotel, One Central, Dubai. Find the full programme details and access the latest available badges here.