International Music Summit launches IMS Dubai
The International Music Summit (IMS) is expanding to the UAE with the inaugural edition of IMS Dubai.
Supported by partners AlphaTheta and Beatport, the electronic music conference is set for 14-15 November at W Hotel Dubai – Mina Seyahi in response to the growing importance of the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region.
The two-day summit will bring together artists, thought leaders and industry stakeholders to explore the intersection of music, finance, culture and technology in the territory.
Created in 2007, the flagship IMS Ibiza welcomed 1,500 delegates from 54 countries across three days this year, alongside 159 speakers and 208 press attendees at an event hosted by BBC Radio 1 broadcasters Pete Tong and Jaguar.
The Dubai event continues IMS’ tradition of hosting international spin-offs, with previous events held in Los Angeles (IMS Engage), Shanghai and Singapore (IMS China and IMS Asia-Pacific) and Malta (IMS College).
“To make a global impact, IMS seeks to be where change is happening, which is why we’ve also hosted three editions of IMS Asia Pacific in Shanghai and one in Singapore, five IMS Engage events in Los Angeles, and three IMS College events in Malta,” say the IMS founders. “IMS Dubai will debut in the United Arab Emirates, marking a strategic expansion into the Middle East and North Africa. IMS, majority owned by Beatport, will not receive government or cultural funding or incentives for this initiative.
“Our goal is to inspire continued growth, support, and investment while addressing the unique cultural challenges musicians and start-ups face”
“Our goal is to inspire continued growth, support, and investment while addressing the unique cultural challenges musicians and start-ups face. Electronic music culture is built on long standing principles of bringing people together from diverse backgrounds on the dancefloor. Music has the power to unify and we all have a part to play in creating safer spaces for all; a principle that IMS and Beatport proudly stand behind.”
The first confirmed speakers include Maha ElNabawi (Billboard Arabia), Aloki Batra (Five Hospitality & The Pacha Group), Janet Ashak, (YouTube MENA) and Karima Damir (Warner Music ME) and Salam Kmeid (Anghami). In addition, Tomorrowland will present its Terra Solis venture in Dubai.
Artist speakers include Deep Dish, Abdell Rahman, Saliah, Yas Meen Selectress, Cosmicat and Parvané, as well as producer Stryv, who will be interviewed by IMS co-founder Pete Tong.
IMS Dubai will also host a series of exclusive evening events featuring local and international talent, with the summit to culminate with a closing celebration at Dubai venue Hive, Soho Garden.
Badges will go on sale on Thursday (19 September) priced from dh435 (€107) with discounted badges available for full time students, under 27s and People of Determination priced from d215 (€53).
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.