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MusicDubaiEvents

by Dara Morgan

The Summit Strikes Back: IMS Dubai Returns This November

14 May 2025

Instagram: @internationalmusicsummitdubai

You know what they say — if you are going to do it twice, do it bigger. And that is precisely what IMS Dubai is doing. Back for its second spin around the MENA region, Beatport Presents International Music Summit Dubai returns this November, more ambitious, more plugged-in, and absolutely not here to make small talk.
Set against the unapologetically extra backdrop of the 25hours Hotel One Central — yes, the one with views of the Museum of the Future and a penchant for design flair — IMS Dubai 2025 drops anchor on November 13–14 for two packed days of panels, keynotes, conversations, and the kind of networking that is only slightly less chaotic than a festival crowd.
Expect deep dives into the four core pillars: Music, Culture, Finance, and Technology. Think of it as a summit-meets-soirée where insight and basslines go hand in hand.
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What to expect?

You aren't just attending a summit — you are walking into a two-day think tank with a global guest list and a playlist to match. This year’s IMS Dubai is an immersive exploration of what is moving the needle in electronic music and beyond. Expert panels? Yes. Keynotes with industry powerhouses? Obviously. Networking opportunities with sharp minds? Count on it.
And because all good thinking deserves good sound, the summit badge includes access to curated evening programming. Translation: it gets loud after dark.

Why participate?

Allow us to take you down memory lane:
Last year’s edition was stacked. Maha ElNabawi of Billboard Arabia opened with a keynote that put Arabic music firmly on the global radar. YouTube’s Janet Ashak shared how algorithms and artistry are not mutually exclusive. Maria May from CAA mused on the future of representation. James Craven of Live Nation dropped knowledge on navigating the MENA live scene. And Wassim Bou Malham reminded us that the local creative ecosystem does not build itself.
The music programming? A certified flex. Deep Dish, Pete Tong, and Echonomist held court at the official closing party, while regional firepower like Cosmicat and Yas Meen Selectress lit up the lineup. It was the kind of weekend you pretend you need to “recover” from, just to keep the vibe going.

How to join?

This isn't the kind of event you casually stumble upon — you plan for it. Early bird badges are on sale now (and they are going fast). And if you are feeling like participating, here is your chance:
— Nominate a speaker for IMS Dubai
— Suggest a session or topic for IMS Dubai