Dive into the heart of a vibrant cultural renaissance! The Middle East and North Africa, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, is also a burgeoning hub for arts and culture. Forget what you thought you knew — from the pulsating rhythms of Moroccan music festivals to the innovative soundscapes emerging from Saudi Arabia, the MENA region's event calendar is bursting with experiences for every art enthusiast. 

The Sandy Times unveils the upcoming music festivals in the MENA region, offering perfect opportunities to dip yourself in the region's dynamic cultural scene.

After a five-year hiatus, North Africa's biggest music festival, Mawazine, is back to reclaim its throne. The festival is promising an even grander spectacle for its milestone 20th edition. From June 20 to 28, 2025, the twin cities of Rabat and Salé will once again transform into energetic centres of artistic expression, pulsating with rhythms from across the globe.

This year's lineup is already making waves, with none other than Hollywood star and multi-Grammy winner Will Smith confirming that he will kick off his European tour in Rabat at Mawazine. He joins a star-studded roster that includes international artists like Afrojack, Becky G, Kid Cudi, and Aespa, alongside beloved regional and Moroccan talents.

Mawazine is a cultural phenomenon. Drawing crowds of at least 50,000 for its main stage shows and often exceeding 2.5 million attendees in recent editions, it is one of the largest music festivals in the world. What makes it unique is its commitment to cultural democratization, with a staggering 90% of its concerts offered for free, making world-class entertainment accessible to everyone.

As you explore the neighbourhoods of Rabat, you will find Mawazine concerts taking place across various venues, proposing a perfect opportunity to enthrall yourself in the city's rich history while experiencing an astonishing blend of music, culture, and community. Prepare to be swept away by the energy of this iconic Moroccan celebration.

The majestic Roman vestiges of Jerash will once again come alive for the 39th edition of the renowned Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts.

The official Jerash Festival account recently announced the date of July 23, 2025, sparking excitement among followers eager for a lineup fitting the festival's rich legacy, which began in 1981. They won't be disappointed, as Executive Director Ayman Samawi has already revealed a preliminary list of Arab singing powerhouses nominated to participate, including the legendary Asala Nasri, Ahlam, Majid Al Mohandis, and Amal Maher.

For the first time, the festival will expand its reach beyond Jerash, with events planned across several Jordanian governorates, aiming to strengthen the Kingdom's cultural and artistic presence truly.

The Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts is an annual event renowned for showcasing a spectacular array of local and international folkloric dance, theatre, opera, and concerts featuring top Arab and international performers. It is a testament to Arab and global creativity, set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of one of the world's best-preserved Roman cities.

Get ready to groove, as Lebanon's most prestigious cultural event, the Baalbeck International Festival, returns from July 25 to August 8, 2025, to shift the Roman ruins of Baalbeck (known as Heliopolis during Roman times) into an unparalleled stage for world-class performances. The festival is a sensory feast where history and artistry intertwine to create an iconic moment.

This year's highlight promises to be an impressive new production of Bizet's Carmen, the world's most beloved opera, directed by the renowned Jorge Takla. Born in Beirut and a celebrated director in Brazil, Takla's return to his homeland is a powerful tribute to Baalbeck and its enduring festival. The colourful rendition of Carmen will feature a stellar international cast, including Marie Gautrot as Carmen, Jérome Boutillier as Escamillo, Julien Behr as Don José, and Vannina Santoni as Micaela, accompanied by a European orchestra. 

Crucially, it will also proudly showcase the extraordinary talents of Lebanese singers, choirs, and dancers, all under the internationally acclaimed musical direction of Toufic Maatouk.

Beyond the grand opera, the Baalbeck International Festival is renowned for its diverse program, which encompasses classical music, jazz, and modern dance. The sheer magic of experiencing these performances against the backdrop of the colossal ancient temples of Baalbeck is something genuinely unique, cementing its reputation as a beacon of Lebanese art, music, and heritage. Having hosted international icons like Sting and Charles Aznavour in the past, the 2025 edition also features a highly anticipated live concert by the exceptional Lebanese singer Hiba Tawaji, produced by Oussama Rahbani, on August 8.

The Baalbeck International Festival is Lebanon's resilience and unwavering commitment to artistic expression. Don't miss the chance to witness ancient history come alive with modern rhythms at one of the top music events in MENA.

Dubai is turning up the volume with not one but two incredible festivals confirmed for 2025. Whether you are looking to dance away the summer heat or immerse yourself in a massive, multi-day spectacle, the Emirate has your soundtrack sorted.

First up, "Beat the Heat DXB" is making a grand return to the Dubai World Trade Centre for an unprecedented four electrifying nights. Mark your calendars for Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5, as well as Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12. This popular indoor festival brings a mix of top Arabic musicians and well-loved international artists to the stage, offering the perfect escape from the summer sun. 

But the excitement doesn't stop there! Following its smash-hit debut in February 2024, which drew over 185,000 attendees, Dubai's first-ever mega music festival will return this November. From Thursday, November 6 to Sunday, November 9, this big event will take over a brand-new, exhilarating venue: Dubai Parks and Resorts. Imagine thrilling rides combined with some of the best live music on the planet — a truly unbeatable combination. 

Dubai is undeniably solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for live music in the MENA region.

Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming into a dynamic hub for music and cultural innovation in the MENA region, offering diverse festivals that blend global sounds with breathtaking local landscapes.

Prepare to lose yourself in the rhythm at Azimuth, returning to the awe-inspiring ancient cliffs of AlUla in September 2025. This electrifying weekend, featuring EDM, House, Indie, and Electro-Arabic Fusion, promises sunrise sets echoing across red rock valleys, glowing art installations, and a crowd that dances like the desert's alive. It is where sound, space, and spirit spectacularly collide.

For a summer fix of live music as the Jeddah World Fest returns to King Abdullah Sports City in Summer 2025. Against the breezy Red Sea coast, this festival delivers mainstream Pop, R&B, Afrobeat, and Reggaeton, featuring serious global talent. Having hosted icons like Nicki Minaj shows Saudi Arabia's burgeoning live music scene.

For thinkers and creators, XP Music Futures is your ultimate playground, taking place in Riyadh in December 2025. XP is where the music industry meets visual artistry, bringing together DJs, producers, and fans for panels, workshops, and performances. By night, it transforms into a kinetic feast of underground beats and immersive experiences, showcasing experimental and electronic genres. It is the sound of tomorrow, today.