Hosted by IMS co-founder and legendary BBC Radio 1 Broadcaster Pete Tong alongside Saudi-born and UK-based DJ, producer, and presenter Nooriyah, Beatport Presents IMS Dubai today announces its first speakers and keynote participants. Global superstar HUGEL joins the summit as a keynote speaker, alongside Lebanese-British techno sensation Nicole Moudaber, Bedouin made up of Jordanian Tamer Malki and Egyptian-American Rami Abousab, Egypt’s beloved house maestro Misty, Lebanese heavyweight Rolbac, ADDMIND’S managing partner Elie Saba, The Beatport Group’s CCO Sofia Ilyas, Meta’s Strategic Partner Manager Samer Jamal, and Factory People’s co-founder and resident DJ Jade. The summit will also host the MENA premiere of the new film from legendary Northern Irish duo Bicep, TAKKUK.

Pete Tong says – “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.”

IMS Dubai’s second edition will tackle the most pressing issues shaping the global and regional industry. From a market focus on Lebanon, AI in music production, diaspora identity, grassroots investment, homegrown festivals, and the ‘habibification’ of house music to the intersection of music and fashion, the summit promises bold conversations and forward-thinking insight. It will also mark the launch of the MENA Women in Music mentorship scheme powered by Little Pink Book, a platform that spotlights female talent & women in music through events, panels, and showcases.

The ‘Finance & Technology’ Room 2, will spotlight conversations at the cutting edge of tech, web3, gaming, investment and finance, with a dedicated section on production presented by Beatport Connect. Speakers for this room will be announced soon.

Additionally, a networking floor will feature live DJs throughout both days, hosted by Mixmag UAE and Kiss FM.

Nooriyah says – “I’m so excited to be joining Beatport Presents IMS Dubai as co-host this year alongside Pete Tong. 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.”

As day turns to night, delegates will experience Dubai’s nightlife across the city. Highlights include Beatport Live at Monkey Bar on 13th November and partner events at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience, Surf Club, Be Beach, Reunion, and Helipad from Wednesday 12th – Sunday 16th November,  cementing IMS Dubai as a true citywide takeover.

With early bird tickets sold out and last year’s summit a complete sell-out, demand for this year is higher than ever. Discounted badges are also available for full-time students, under-27s, and persons of determination.

Expect additional speaker, topic, and evening programming announcements in the coming weeks. For full details around this year’s event, visit the official website of the summit.

First Speakers (from A-Z)

Ahmed El Ganzoury – CEO & Founder, GNK Group | Ahmed Hameed – Co-Founder, Soundscapes/Noctuary | Amira Guetif – Project Manager, Sole DXB | Ayman Hariri  – Co-Founder & CEO – VERO | Baloo – Creative Director, MDLBEAST | Cynthia Nasr; Co-Founder, Minab Studios | Dimitri Khater – Founder, Hide Doha | Emile Hokayem – Founder, Aegis Festival | Elie Saba – Managing Partner, ADDMIND Hospitality | Fady Nageed – Content Director, Dazed MENA | Farsa – Artist | James Khoury – Managing Director, Hot Axis | Jade – Founder & Resident DJ, Factory People | Keena – Artist | Lara Kays – Senior Event & Project Manager, Freelance | Mai El Mokadem – Writer & Journalist, Freelance | Mayssa Karaa – Artistic Director, Berklee Abu Dhabi | Megatronic – Artist | Moody Jones – General Manager, DIRTYBIRD & EMPIRE Dance | Nada Al Elhabi – General Manager, MDLBEAST Foundation | Onur Ates – Managing Director, Mixmag MENA & Groove Atelier | Pierre Carnet – Managing Director, MASSIVEMUSIC MENA | Roberta Hickey – Director of MENA, The Beatport Group | Samer Jamal – Strategic Partner Manager, Meta | Sofia Ilyas – CCO, The Beatport Group | Suhel Nafar – Head of WANA, EMPIRE | Timmy Mowafi – Co-Founder & Managing Partner, SceneNoise/MO4 Network | Wassim Bou Malham – Founder, Factory People | Yara Temsah – Head of Production, Hot Axis

Badges are available on the official IMS Dubai website