MDLBEAST Foundation’s flagship music conference returns to JAX District from 26 to 28 November 2026.
Get ready to feel the excitement in the air because XP Music Futures 2026 is making a comeback in Riyadh. Hosted by MDLBEAST, this epic event is dedicated to showcasing the region’s vibrant music and creative scene from 26 to 28 November 2026
XP Music Futures will take place at Riyadh’s JAX District. Now heading into its sixth edition, the three-day conference brings together artists, producers, promoters, executives and creative professionals for a programme of talks, workshops, performances and networking opportunities
Returning programmes include XPERFORM, a competition for aspiring singers that offers the chance to perform at a major festival after being evaluated by a panel of industry experts at XP. XCHANGE will also return as a travelling pop-up edition of XP, connecting local music scenes across cities in the MENA region.
Elsewhere, HUNNA continues its mission to advance women in music, while Hearful champions hearing health and awareness within the music community. In 2025, these initiatives collectively attracted thousands of applications, highlighting the growing demand for accessible entry points into the music industry.
A major focus for 2026 will be the next phase of HUNNA. The initiative will expand through mentorship, leadership courses and community programming, while introducing an educational hub to support long-term development. HUNNA will also evolve into a stronger advocacy platform, working with industry stakeholders to improve gender balance across events and organisations.
Nada Alhelabi, General Manager of MDLBEAST Foundation, comments: “At MDLBEAST Foundation, our focus continues to be on supporting the community and driving the growth of the region’s music scene in a way that is both sustainable and inclusive. Building a strong music ecosystem isn’t just an outcome; it is the core of everything we do, and what continues to drive our work forward.”
New for 2026 is NITE Ventures, a music and culture initiative launching in May. Designed as a hybrid grants programme, incubator and Riyadh’s interim Night Committee, NITE Ventures aims to support creative entrepreneurs by funding and developing innovative concepts into scalable intellectual properties. The initiative will also help coordinate between government and private sector partners to build a more sustainable music and entertainment ecosystem in the city.
Details of who will be gracing the stage as speakers at this year’s event haven’t been unveiled yet, but previous editions have featured Beyoncé’s father, Matthew Knowles, and rapper Lil Eazy on the podium.
Ticketing details for XP Music Futures 2026 will be announced soon.
Where: JAX District, Al Jadidah, Al Diriyah, Riyadh, 13732
When: Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 November 2026
Contact: https://mdlbeast.com