The countdown has begun! In just three days, the historic streets of Al Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will come alive with Balad Beast 2025, taking place on January 30–31. This two-day festival will blend world-class music, captivating light projections, and a vibrant celebration of one of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic districts.
A Star-Studded Line-Up: Balad Beast 2025
Balad Beast 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and talent, featuring over 70 artists from local, regional, and international stages. With artists like Dish Dash, Baloo, Lil Eazy, and Hamdi RydEr at the forefront, these groundbreaking performers are blending traditional influences with global genres, setting the stage for an electrifying experience.
Joining them on stage are globally renowned headliners such as Metro Boomin, Michael Kiwanuka, Tiwa Savage, Gunna, and 21 Savage, who bring their international appeal and diverse musical styles to the festival.
From Dish Dash’s cutting-edge electronic beats, merging local sounds with global house and techno, to Lil Eazy’s fresh fusion of hip-hop and R&B, the festival promises to offer something for every music lover. DJ Baloo, a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s electronic scene, will play his electrifying sets, showcasing the best of local talent, while Vinyl Mode, the leading DJ/Producer in Jeddah’s underground dance scene, will captivate audiences with his unique vinyl-only sets.
Regional acts like Hamdi Ryder from Tunisia will bring North African rhythms to the festival, blending them with modern tech-house beats, while Disco Misr, a trio from Egypt, will transform Arabic classics with their retro-futuristic disco-funk twist
“Balad Beast is a truly unique music and art festival, blending Saudi culture with modern artistry in the heart of Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage district of Balad.
By projecting incredibly crafted visuals on the historic buildings, we fuse traditional elements with cutting-edge stage production, offering music lovers a multi-stage, multi-genre experience where music can be enjoyed at every corner. This event brings together renowned international headliners and emerging local and regional talent, while also showcasing Jeddah’s rich history and its immense potential to become a thriving hub for music and art in the region.” Said Ramadan Alharatani, CEO at MDLBEAST.
A Well-rounded Festival Journey
Balad Beast offers more than just music – it delivers a fully immersive, multi-sensory experience, featuring:
Pepsi Activations: Engaging on-site experiences from Pepsi, Aquafina/Gatorade, and Sting, infusing the festival atmosphere with energy and excitement.
The Balad Beast Merch Collection: This year’s collection is inspired by Al Balad’s iconic Roshan windows and cats, and includes limited-edition Since 2087 x Hadeed jerseys, celebrating Jeddah’s vibrant football culture.
Where Music Meets History: The Historic Jeddah Revitalization Project
Balad Beast 2025 is set against the stunning backdrop of Al Balad, coinciding with the ongoing Historic Jeddah Revitalization Project, a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030. Launched in 2021, this ambitious initiative is breathing new life into the district by restoring its centuries-old architecture and preserving its cultural heritage.
Spanning 2.5 square kilometers, the project focuses on the preservation of 638 heritage houses, 36 historic mosques, and five historic markets. The development of Al-Arbaeen Lake Park, featuring green spaces, bike paths, and art installations, invites visitors to experience Jeddah’s rich cultural tapestry.
The revitalization also includes the restoration of local restaurants, enhanced building facades, and the creation of new landmarks such as Culture Square. Events like the Red Sea Film Festival and World Heritage Day anchor Al Balad’s role as a hub for art and cultural exchange, with the goal of attracting 20 million visitors annually by 2035.
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