Balad Beast vs MDLBeast

Music in Saudi? Yes, and Yes!!!

Saudi Arabia resonates with the vibrant beats of music festivals, each offering an immersive experience beyond the ordinary. The louder the better! In this blog, we will explore the contrasting realms of two giants in the Saudi music festival scene: Baladbeast in Jeddah and MDLBeast Soundstorm in Riyadh. I have personally been to both so what you read is my personal experience.

BALAD BEAST: Jeddah's Musical festival

The young people of Jeddah would say that Al Balad is the same but just different at night when Baladbeast takes place…

During the winter season, for two days, the Old Balad, an UNESCO world heritage site in Jeddah, transforms into an open-air festival hall where more than 70 local and international artists perform. The unique aspect of this festival is that it truly takes place in a site that is more than 500 years old. Nothing is altered or moved; just four stages are built with the most modern acoustics and laser lights. So, as I was walking in Old Balad during the night, I felt a different vibe from what I would have experienced during the day, where the souk and the narrow streets just amaze me.

Also walking in the Balad is like walking in a maze. It’s so easy to get lost but that’s also the beauty of it. The scenery is so unique, especially when you consider that music was not allowed a few years back. But thanks to Vision 2030, entertainment is an incredible fast-growing sector. Many young Saudis have discovered a passion for music and DJing.

I actually had the pleasure of meeting the first female Saudi DJ known as COSMICAT. Seeing her perform live after following her since she started back in 2019 was quite emotional, knowing how important it is for her to express herself through music and being able to pioneer women in music. She also performed in London back in 2023. Just to name other international artist that performed back in January 2024 such as Bebe Rexha, DJ Snake, Jungle, Major Lazer Soundsystem, and iconic hip-hop stars like Wu-Tang Clan and Ty Dolla $ign.

MDLBeast Soundstorm: The Bigger the Better

Meanwhile, in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, MDLBeast Soundstorm emerges as a spectacle of grand proportions. Transforming a vast desert landscape into a vibrant oasis of music and celebration, MDLBeast Soundstorm captivates audiences with its star-studded line-up and immersive audio-visual experiences.

I saw Post Malone and Bruno Mars performing live back in 2022…. it was just a “pinch me” moment. The festival features multiple stages and a diverse range of genres, from hip-hop to indie and pop, MDLBeast Soundstorm offers something for every musical taste. As day turns to night, the festival comes alive with dazzling light displays, pyrotechnics, and larger-than-life installations, creating an unforgettable sensory experience that transcends sound and vision.

The festival won the Guinness World Record-breaking BIG BEAST, which is the largest stage of them all. Measuring 135.5 feet. In case you missed it Metallica performed live on the Big Beast stage back in 2023.

The Festival Battle: Baladbeast vs. MDLBeast Soundstorm

While both Baladbeast and MDLBeast Soundstorm share the common goal of uniting music lovers in celebration, each event offers a distinct ambiance and atmosphere. Baladbeast has more of a laid-back old town charm, inviting attendees to relax amidst the serene beauty of Jeddah's unique old town, while MDLBeast Soundstorm delivers a high-energy extravaganza and attendees showcase their wardrobe and dress to impress in the heart of the desert.

Ultimately, the choice between the two festivals boils down to personal preference, with Baladbeast offering a tranquil escape to Jeddah with only 2 days (no overnight camping) and reduced capacity for attendees, while MDLBeast Soundstorm provides a dynamic experience in the desert.

MDLBeast Soundstorm is a 3-day festival (no camping) with 8 unique stages and a wide range of activities, from food trucks to shopping, creating a temporary music festival city within the city. In terms of attendance, Soundstorm last year saw a record of 700,000 attendees, while Baladbeast's maximum capacity is 15-20,000 visitors. Both festival dates vary each year but the dates and the line-ups are announced months in advance. Usually, the festivals take place around December, early January.

Dress code for both festivals: Dress to impress

I wore a long-sleeve dress to both and felt I may have overdressed compared to the style embraced by Saudi youth, which differs significantly from what I've seen in the West. However, it's essential to consider that Riyadh can get very chilly and windy in the evening, whereas Jeddah tends to have very dry weather.

So many women specifically ask us about the Dress Code for the Gulf - so whether you are going to Saudi or Qatar, the etiquette is similar. We have a MasterClass about Dress Code and so much more in our Middle East Hub (so join whilst it is open).

Join the Beat: Experience the Magic of Baladbeast and MDLBeast Soundstorm

Whether you are drawn to Jeddah's old town charm or Riyadh's urban energy, both Baladbeast and MDLBeast Soundstorm promise an unforgettable musical journey. So, gather your friends, pack your bags, and immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of Saudi Arabia's premier music festivals, and witness history in the making. If you need a guide to plan your trip to Saudi visit our shop and grab your Saudi guide or our Jeddah Guide if you are going there. If you have any questions about Saudi, you can book a 30 min call HERE.