Beatport Presents IMS Dubai 2025 unveils first speakers

Beatport Presents IMS Dubai 2025 has announced its first wave of speakers and keynote participants.

The summit, hosted by IMS co-founder and BBC Radio 1 broadcaster Pete Tong alongside Saudi-born, UK-based DJ, producer and presenter Nooriyah, has confirmed a line-up that spans global headliners, regional pioneers and industry leaders.

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. The programme will also feature the MENA premiere of TAKKUK, the new film from Bicep.

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.

A dedicated ‘Finance & Technology’ space will cover developments across web3, gaming, investment and finance, alongside production-focused sessions from Beatport Connect. Delegates will also have access to a networking floor with live sets across both days, hosted by Mixmag UAE and Kiss FM.

Among the first confirmed speakers are Ahmed El Ganzoury, CEO and founder of GNK Group; Ayman Hariri, co-founder and CEO of VERO; Dimitri Khater, founder of Hide Doha; Emile Hokayem, founder of Aegis Festival; Mayssa Karaa, artistic director of Berklee Abu Dhabi; Moody Jones, general manager of Dirtybird and Empire Dance; Onur Ates, managing director of Mixmag MENA and Groove Atelier; Roberta Hickey, director of MENA at The Beatport Group; Suhel Nafar, head of WANA at Empire; and Yara Temsah, head of production at Hot Axis, alongside others.

Reflecting on the 2nd edition of the summit, Pete Tong said: “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.”

Co-host Nooriyah commented: “I’m so excited to be joining Beatport Presents IMS Dubai this year. 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.”

The summit takes place on 13-14 November at 25hours Hotel, One Central, Dubai. Find complete details and secure your badge here.