Check out these epic underground desert parties in Riyadh
Put on your dancing shoes…
The electronic dance music (EDM) scene in Saudi Arabia may not always be first of mind when listing some of the most popular dance capitals in the world. However, bubbling under the surface is the Kingdom’s best-kept secret – a world filled with great music, talented DJs, creative and innovative producers, and a thriving music community that is taking centre stage.
These upcoming weekends, Riyadh’s festivals are pulling it out of the bag with headliners like legendary DJs Dennis Cruz, Archie Hamilton and many more. So, if you’re looking for epic underground acts in the desert to soundtrack your winter shenanigans, then the festivals listed below might be the ones for you. These events are selling out fast; be sure to secure a spot and get your ticket.
Desert Sound
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If you’re into exclusive electronic music festivals in Saudi Arabia, chances are you’ve heard about Desert Sound Entertainment. Founded by Saudi talents, the music and art event organiser is back on Friday February 10 to present their Desert Sound experience. So, get ready to be transported to another dimension made distinct by unique location, art installations, awe-inspiring production, phenomenal staging, and performances that can already boast some real pedigree. This weekend, Desert Sound will bring an exciting line-up to Amariah Village, located on the outskirts of Riyadh. It will be headlined by Dennis Cruz, one of the pillars of the underground house and tech community, who will be in the Kingdom for the first time. Also on the bill is Saudi’s very own Dish Dash, along with other local support such as Dorar, Igniter and Darkodelix, as well as a surprise performance. Festival goers can also look forward to activities like graffiti sites and street art, virtual reality booths, games, and food vendors.
Desert Sound, Feb 10, 7pm to 4am, Amariah Village (Coordinates: QCQ3+6JW). 18 years and above only. Get your tickets here. SAR495 for general admission, while VIP tickets are priced at SAR995 & SAR1,200. @desertsound.co
A Hazy Oblivion
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For another unparalleled multi-sensory experience, A Hazy Oblivion finds the balance between a desert glamping holiday and a full-throttle dance music festival. Be wowed by the stacked line-ups rammed with dance music, bombastic displays of lights and lasers, and unbeatable rave community vibes. Taking place on Thursday February 16 at Alfa’s Camp – a secluded desert setting with modern comforts, the high-energy, one-day event will be headlined by Archie Hamilton. The DJ, producer and label-head has built an esteemed reputation for hypnotic, minimal-leaning house – mixing deep, dubby and trippy electronics with fluid dexterity, carved out by bouncing, grooving beats that practically pulsate through your muscle fibres. This will be Hamilton’s debut performance in Saudi Arabia. The event has also booked the rising stars of Saudi’s underground music scene like K.Led and Majid, who will be doing a special collaboration, and Joj Mourad, who goes by the stage name J22. Guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your rave desert escape.
A Hazy Oblivion, Feb 16, 7pm to 3am, Alfa Camp 2022, Malham 13381 (Coordinates: 7F42+6FM). 18 years and above only. Get your tickets here. The entry ticket is priced at SAR400 and SAR750 for a premium ticket. @hazysa
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