Every December, the Banban desert on the outskirts of Riyadh transforms into one of the largest music festivals on the planet. MDLBEAST Soundstorm, which debuted in 2019, has grown from a bold experiment in Saudi entertainment into a three-day spectacle that routinely attracts more than 400,000 attendees. With world-class headliners, immersive stage designs, and a setting unlike any other festival on earth, Soundstorm has become the flagship event of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding entertainment sector. This guide covers everything you need to plan your trip: history, lineups, ticket tiers, practical logistics, and what to expect on the ground.

What Is MDLBEAST Soundstorm?

MDLBEAST Soundstorm is the Middle East’s largest music festival, held annually in Riyadh as part of the broader Riyadh Season entertainment calendar. The event is organized by MDLBEAST, a Saudi-founded creative platform co-founded by Talal Albahiti and Ramadan Alharatani, with Ahmad “Baloo” Alammary serving as chief creative officer. What began as an ambitious debut in December 2019 has become a globally recognized festival brand, drawing comparisons to Tomorrowland, Coachella, and Ultra Music Festival.

The festival spans three days and nights, typically running from Thursday through Saturday in mid-December. It features upwards of 200 artists across multiple stages, blending international headliners from the worlds of electronic dance music, hip-hop, pop, and rock with a strong roster of regional and Saudi talent. Soundstorm is not just a concert series but a fully immersive experience, with art installations, food villages, drone shows, and cutting-edge light and sound production that exploits the vast desert setting to spectacular effect.

History and Evolution of the Festival

2019: The Debut

The inaugural MDL Beast Festival took place from December 19 to 21, 2019, and immediately made international headlines. Held in the Banban area north of Riyadh, the three-day event drew approximately 400,000 visitors — with more than 130,000 on the first day alone, a figure that surpassed the single-day attendance of Belgium’s Tomorrowland. The lineup featured 70 artists, including 18 global headliners such as David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Steve Aoki, and R3hab, alongside 24 local and regional acts. Saudi Arabia’s first female EDM DJ, Cosmicat, and the Saudi duo Dish Dash both performed, marking a cultural milestone for the Kingdom. The festival also set a Guinness World Record for the longest temporary theater structure ever built.

2020: The Pandemic Pivot

With live events suspended worldwide due to COVID-19, MDLBEAST pivoted to digital. The company launched “Frequencies,” a virtual concert project featuring international DJs, and established MDLBEAST Records, a music production and distribution label. While the physical festival did not take place, the digital output kept the brand visible and laid groundwork for future expansion.

2021: The Return as Soundstorm

The festival returned in December 2021 under the rebranded name “Soundstorm.” This edition ran for four days and attracted approximately 750,000 visitors, a significant leap from the 2019 debut. It featured more than 200 artists and introduced the XP Music Futures conference, a three-day program of workshops, panels, and seminars focused on the music industry in the MENA region. The 2021 edition established the template that subsequent years would follow: massive scale, diverse lineups, and a growing emphasis on the festival as a cultural statement about Saudi Arabia’s entertainment ambitions under Vision 2030.

2022: Global Consolidation

Soundstorm 2022 ran from December 1 to 3 and drew more than 600,000 attendees across three days. The festival expanded to seven stages and featured over 200 artists. Headliners included Bruno Mars, David Guetta, DJ Snake, Carl Cox, Solomun, Tiesto, Marshmello, Post Malone, Hardwell, Eric Prydz, and DJ Khaled. The event cemented Soundstorm’s reputation as a festival capable of attracting A-list talent from across genres, not just electronic music.

2023: Eight Stages and Growing

The 2023 edition expanded further to eight stages and again surpassed 600,000 in attendance. The headliner roster featured Pharrell Williams, Calvin Harris, Martin Garrix, David Guetta, J Balvin, and Wizkid, reflecting the festival’s increasingly genre-diverse programming. The DownBeast stage emerged as a standout for its mix of hip-hop, afrobeats, and Latin music alongside the traditional electronic-heavy lineups on the Big Beast and Underground stages.

2024: Eminem, Muse, and Record Attendance

Soundstorm 2024 took place December 12 to 14 and drew more than 450,000 attendees. This edition featured the most genre-diverse lineup to date, headlined by Eminem, Muse, and Thirty Seconds to Mars alongside perennial electronic favorites like David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, Boris Brejcha, and Afrojack. Other notable performers included Linkin Park, Akon, Jason Derulo, G-Eazy, DJ Snake, Black Coffee, and Adam Beyer. The 2024 edition also featured revamped stage designs and enhanced production values.

2025: The Latest Edition

Soundstorm 2025 is scheduled for December 11 to 13, with a lineup of over 200 artists across multiple stages, including revamped festival grounds and brand-new stage designs. Confirmed headliners include Post Malone, Kaytranada, Major Lazer, Ava Max, and Benson Boone. The electronic contingent features Sama’ Abdulhadi, Nicole Moudaber, Ben Bohmer, Marco Carola, Nina Kraviz, Jamie Jones, Shimza, and Sebastian Ingrosso, among many others. DJ Salvatore Ganacci and Don Toliver were among the latest additions to the bill. The XP Music Futures conference returns from December 4 to 6, preceding the main festival.

Location and Venue

Soundstorm takes place in the Banban area, a vast stretch of open desert located approximately 45 kilometers north of central Riyadh. The venue is purpose-built each year, transforming bare desert into a festival city with multiple stages, food courts, art installations, medical facilities, and temporary infrastructure for hundreds of thousands of visitors.

The venue sits near King Khalid International Airport (RUH), making it relatively accessible for international visitors arriving by air. From central Riyadh, the drive takes roughly 40 to 50 minutes depending on traffic, though expect significantly longer travel times during peak festival hours.

The desert setting is a defining feature of Soundstorm. Unlike urban festival venues, the Banban site offers virtually unlimited space for expansion, which has allowed the festival to grow its footprint year over year. The flat terrain also provides excellent sightlines for stage productions and allows for the kind of massive lighting and pyrotechnic displays that have become a Soundstorm signature.

Stages and Experiences

Soundstorm has expanded its stage count with each successive edition. The 2025 edition features up to 14 grand stages, each with distinct musical programming and design aesthetics. The major stages include:

Big Beast Main Stage

The flagship stage, with capacity for 45,000 or more, hosts the marquee headliners and the most elaborate production setups. Big Beast is where you will see the headline EDM and pop acts, backed by massive LED walls, pyrotechnics, laser arrays, and industrial-scale sound systems. If you are attending for just one day and want the blockbuster experience, this is where you spend your evening.

Underground Stages

Soundstorm typically features multiple Underground (UG) stages dedicated to deeper, more niche electronic genres: techno, house, minimal, and experimental electronic music. These stages have featured artists like Carl Cox, Solomun, Adam Beyer, Boris Brejcha, and Nina Kraviz. The Underground stages tend to draw a more dedicated electronic music crowd and run longer sets, often extending well past the main stage shutdown times.

Down Beast Stage

The Down Beast stage has evolved into Soundstorm’s primary venue for hip-hop, R&B, afrobeats, and Latin music. This is where acts like Eminem, J Balvin, Wizkid, and G-Eazy have performed. It brings a different energy to the festival and attracts a broader audience beyond the core EDM demographic.

Dance Beast and Saudi Beast

Additional stages cater to specific sub-genres and regional programming. The Saudi Beast stage showcases homegrown Saudi and MENA talent, giving regional DJs and producers a platform alongside international acts. The Dance Beast stages focus on high-energy dance music sub-genres.

Middle Town

The central hub of the festival grounds, Middle Town functions as the social and culinary heart of Soundstorm. It features restaurants, food stalls, art installations, interactive experiences, and communal gathering spaces. It is also where you will find merchandise vendors and information points.

Ticket Types and Pricing

Soundstorm offers several ticket tiers, and pricing has remained relatively accessible compared to comparable international festivals. Based on recent editions, here is what to expect:

STORM (General Admission)

The standard entry ticket grants access to the full festival grounds and all stages. For 2025, single-day STORM tickets are priced at SAR 119 (approximately USD 32), with a three-day pass available for SAR 269 (approximately USD 72). These represent some of the most affordable major-festival tickets anywhere in the world.

GA+ / STORM+

The upgraded general admission tier includes access to premium viewing areas, dedicated entrances with shorter queues, and enhanced amenities. In 2024, GA+ tickets were discounted from SAR 499 to SAR 229 during promotions. Expect prices in the SAR 300 to 500 range (USD 80 to 135) for standard pricing.

VIB (Very Important Beast)

The VIP-tier ticket at Soundstorm. VIB passes include exclusive lounge access, private bars, front-row viewing areas, dedicated parking, and premium food and beverage service. VIB tickets for 2024 were listed at SAR 1,999 (approximately USD 535), though promotional pricing brought them as low as SAR 899 (approximately USD 240).

Ticket Packages

MDLBEAST also offers hospitality and group packages through its website and partner platforms including Webook, Platinumlist, and Nofomo. These packages sometimes bundle accommodation, transport, and festival access.

Where to Buy

Official tickets are sold through mdlbeast.com, webook.com, nofomo.com, and Platinumlist. Early-bird sales typically launch in the summer or early autumn and sell out rapidly. If you are planning to attend, set calendar reminders for the announcement date and buy within the first few hours of sale.

How to Get to Soundstorm

From King Khalid International Airport (RUH)

The festival site in Banban is located near the airport, making the transfer relatively straightforward for international arrivals. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber and Careem both operate in Riyadh) can take you directly to the festival drop-off zones. The journey from the airport takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes outside of peak hours.

From Central Riyadh

If you are staying in central Riyadh — in the Olaya district, Boulevard area, or near King Fahad Road — expect a 40 to 50 minute drive to the Banban venue under normal conditions. During festival evenings, traffic congestion can push this to 90 minutes or more. Leave early.

Festival Shuttles

MDLBEAST typically operates shuttle bus services from designated pick-up points in central Riyadh. Shuttle tickets are sold separately and represent the most reliable way to avoid traffic and parking headaches. Check the MDLBEAST website for shuttle routes and pricing closer to the event date.

Private Vehicle and Parking

Designated parking zones surround the festival site. Parking is typically free with your festival ticket, but the walk from remote lots to the festival entrance can be significant. Arrive before sunset to secure a closer spot.

Ride-Hailing

Uber and Careem are widely available in Riyadh and both service the festival area. Be prepared for surge pricing during peak departure times (midnight to 3 AM). Designate a meeting point and allow extra time for pick-up, as post-show demand massively outstrips supply.

What to Wear and What to Bring

December in Riyadh brings mild to cool weather. Daytime temperatures hover around 20 to 24 degrees Celsius (68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit), but after sunset the desert cools rapidly, with nighttime temperatures dropping to 8 to 12 degrees Celsius (46 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit). Layering is essential.

Clothing

Saudi Arabia has relaxed its dress code requirements significantly for entertainment events. At Soundstorm, the atmosphere is casual and festival-style clothing is the norm. However, keep in mind that this is still Saudi Arabia, and extremely revealing outfits may draw unwanted attention. A practical approach: lightweight breathable clothes for arrival, with a warm jacket or hoodie for the late-night hours. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended — you will be standing and walking on desert terrain for hours.

Essential Items

• Valid ID or passport — required for entry; keep it secure
• Portable phone charger — essential given limited charging infrastructure
• Water bottle — refill stations are available; the desert air dehydrates quickly
• Ear protection — the sound systems at Big Beast and Underground stages are extremely powerful
• Light scarf or face covering — dust can be an issue in the desert, particularly if winds pick up
• Cash and cards — most vendors accept card payments, but having some Saudi riyals on hand is advisable

What Not to Bring

Outside food and beverages are prohibited (except for medical necessities). Weapons, illegal substances, large bags, and professional camera equipment without authorization are not permitted. Saudi Arabia maintains strict laws on controlled substances, and this applies fully at the festival.

Food and Drink at Soundstorm

Soundstorm features extensive food and beverage options within the festival grounds. Middle Town, the central hub, houses dozens of food vendors ranging from fast-service to premium dining. Expect a mix of international cuisines, Saudi and Middle Eastern staples, and branded restaurant pop-ups.

Saudi Arabia does not permit the sale of alcohol. All beverages at Soundstorm are non-alcoholic. However, the festival has embraced this with creative mocktail bars, specialty coffee stands, fresh juice vendors, and an array of soft drinks and energy drinks. The food quality at Soundstorm has been consistently praised by attendees, with options ranging from shawarma and kabsa to burgers, sushi, and gourmet street food. Budget SAR 50 to 150 (USD 13 to 40) per person per day for food and drinks inside the festival.

For dining before or after the festival, Riyadh’s restaurant scene has exploded in recent years, with everything from traditional Saudi cuisine to Michelin-caliber fine dining available across the city.

Where to Stay During Soundstorm

Soundstorm draws hundreds of thousands of visitors, and Riyadh hotel capacity comes under significant pressure during the festival. Book accommodation at least two to three months in advance. Here are your main options:

Luxury Hotels (SAR 1,500+ / USD 400+ per night)

Riyadh has a strong selection of five-star properties. The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, Four Seasons Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, and Fairmont Riyadh are all approximately 30 to 40 minutes from the Banban venue. These hotels offer the highest level of comfort and service, and many arrange private transport to the festival.

Mid-Range Hotels (SAR 400–1,000 / USD 110–270 per night)

Properties like the Hyatt Regency Olaya, Radisson Blu Riyadh, Novotel Riyadh, and Holiday Inn Riyadh offer solid value. Most are located in the Olaya or Diplomatic Quarter area, roughly 25 to 40 minutes from the festival depending on traffic.

Budget Options (SAR 150–400 / USD 40–110 per night)

Budget chains like ibis Riyadh and Premier Inn operate in the city, and serviced apartment rentals through platforms like Airbnb have expanded significantly. These options are further from the luxury belt but offer functional stays at lower price points.

Accommodation Tips

Stay as close to the northern part of Riyadh as possible to reduce travel time to the Banban venue. Hotels near the airport are the most convenient but tend to sell out earliest. Consider sharing accommodation with a group to split costs, as Riyadh’s hotel prices spike significantly during Soundstorm week. For broader guidance on hotels across the Kingdom, see our Saudi Arabia hotel guide.

Rules and Safety

Soundstorm is a well-organized event with extensive security and medical infrastructure. Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) oversees the event in coordination with local authorities. Key rules to be aware of:

• No alcohol or drugs. Saudi Arabia enforces strict prohibition. Do not attempt to bring any controlled substances into the festival or the country.
• Bag checks are thorough. Expect airport-style security screening at all entry points. Small bags and clear bags speed up the process.
• Photography is permitted for personal use. Professional equipment and drones require prior authorization.
• Respect local customs. While the festival atmosphere is liberal by Saudi standards, public displays of affection and aggressive behavior are not tolerated.
• Medical stations are located throughout the grounds. The desert environment can cause dehydration and heat-related issues even in December, particularly for visitors not accustomed to arid climates.
• Lost and found services operate at the main information points in Middle Town.

Combining Soundstorm with a Riyadh Trip

Soundstorm falls during Riyadh Season, the city’s months-long entertainment mega-event, which means there is an enormous amount to see and do beyond the festival itself. Many visitors extend their trip by several days to take in other Riyadh Season attractions.

Boulevard Riyadh City is the central entertainment zone of Riyadh Season, featuring themed areas, international restaurant brands, concerts, and family attractions. It operates throughout the season and is a natural complement to the Soundstorm experience.

For those interested in Saudi history and culture, Diriyah, the UNESCO World Heritage site on the outskirts of Riyadh, is well worth a half-day visit. The restored At-Turaif district offers a vivid window into the origins of the Saudi state, and the Bujairi Terrace dining precinct provides an excellent setting for a meal with historical views.

Day trips from Riyadh to the Edge of the World escarpment or the red sand dunes of the Empty Quarter fringe are also popular with festival visitors looking to experience the Saudi landscape. See our Riyadh day trips guide for detailed itineraries.

How Soundstorm Compares to Other Saudi Festivals

Soundstorm is the largest but not the only major festival in Saudi Arabia’s growing entertainment calendar. Here is how it fits into the broader landscape:

• Soundstorm vs. Riyadh Season events: Riyadh Season runs for several months and includes hundreds of events across multiple zones. Soundstorm is a single, concentrated three-day festival within the broader Season. If you can only visit once, Soundstorm weekend offers the highest density of entertainment per day.
• Soundstorm vs. Jeddah Season: Jeddah hosts its own seasonal entertainment programming, including concerts and cultural events, but nothing approaching Soundstorm’s scale. Jeddah Season tends to be more family-oriented and culturally focused.
• Soundstorm vs. international festivals: In terms of attendance, Soundstorm rivals or exceeds Tomorrowland (Belgium, ~400,000), Coachella (USA, ~250,000), and Ultra Music Festival (USA, ~170,000). The non-alcoholic environment and desert setting make it a genuinely different experience from European or American festivals. The relatively low ticket prices — a three-day pass for under USD 75 — make it significantly more accessible than most comparable events.

Visa and Travel Essentials

International visitors to Saudi Arabia need a valid visa. The Saudi tourist e-visa is available to citizens of over 60 countries and can be obtained online in minutes. The visa costs approximately SAR 535 (USD 143), including insurance, and is valid for one year with multiple entries of up to 90 days each.

Citizens of GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE) do not require a visa. US, UK, EU, and Schengen-zone passport holders are eligible for the e-visa or visa on arrival.

Ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your date of entry. Travel insurance is mandatory and included in the e-visa fee, but consider additional coverage for festival-related medical needs.

Tips for First-Time Attendees

• Buy tickets during early-bird sales. Prices can more than double between early-bird and standard release phases. Set alerts on the MDLBEAST social media channels for sale announcements.
• Arrive early each day. Gates typically open in the late afternoon. Arriving early lets you explore the grounds, eat before the rush, and secure a good position for the headline acts.
• Plan your stage schedule. With 200+ artists across multiple stages, set conflicts are inevitable. Study the lineup timetable when it drops (usually one to two weeks before the festival) and prioritize your must-see acts.
• Stay hydrated. The desert environment is deceptively drying, even in December. Carry your water bottle and refill regularly.
• Charge your phone. Mobile network coverage at the festival site can be strained by the sheer volume of connected devices. Bring a portable charger and download offline maps of the venue.
• Dress in layers. The temperature swing between afternoon and late night can exceed 15 degrees Celsius. A packable jacket or hoodie is essential.
• Leave before the final song. Post-show traffic and ride-hailing queues are the biggest logistical challenge at Soundstorm. Leaving 15 to 20 minutes before the final headliner ends can save you an hour or more of waiting.
• Download the MDLBEAST app. The official app provides real-time stage schedules, venue maps, shuttle information, and notifications about lineup changes or surprise sets.

Looking Ahead: Soundstorm 2026 and Beyond

As of April 2026, MDLBEAST has not yet announced dates or details for Soundstorm 2026. Based on the pattern established since 2021, the festival is expected to take place in the second week of December 2026 at the Banban venue. Lineup announcements typically begin in the summer, with early-bird ticket sales following shortly after.

The trajectory of the festival points clearly upward. Each edition has brought larger lineups, more stages, and higher production values. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda, which targets tourism and entertainment as key pillars of economic diversification, ensures that Soundstorm will continue to receive significant institutional backing. The festival has become a central part of Saudi Arabia’s pitch to international visitors, and its December timing makes it an ideal anchor for a winter trip to the Kingdom.

Follow the official MDLBEAST channels at mdlbeast.com and on Instagram (@mdlbeast.soundstorm) for the first announcements when they arrive.

Explore More Saudi Arabia Travel Guides

• Riyadh Travel Guide 2026 — Complete guide to Saudi Arabia’s capital city
• Riyadh Season Guide — Everything happening during the city’s flagship entertainment season
• Riyadh Boulevard Guide — The main entertainment zone of Riyadh Season
• Where to Stay in Riyadh — Neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
• Riyadh Day Trips — Edge of the World, Diriyah, and desert excursions
• Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 — The complete guide to visiting the Kingdom
• Saudi Arabia Visa Guide — Every visa type explained