XP Music Futures is back this November and Riyadh is ready for it
From rising talent programmes to new creative ventures, XP Music Futures is where it all comes together
A key date for music lovers in Riyadh has just dropped. From Thursday November 26 to Saturday November 28, MDLBeast Foundation brings back the sixth edition of XP Music Futures, its flagship gathering, which continues to shape the region’s music scene.
And yes, it’s that time of year when the music world starts circling Riyadh. Usually, the season is filled with outdoor festivals, late nights, and packed line-ups.
XP, though, is where it all begins. Before the stages, before the crowds, the conversations happen here.
While the three-day event is known for its panels, workshops, and networking, it’s really the culmination of something much bigger. Throughout the year, the MDLBeast Foundation runs initiatives that support talent across the region, and XP is where it all comes together.
If you’ve been before, you’ll know the format. XP runs on a Day and Nite programme.
During the day, it’s all about ideas – panel discussions, demo sessions, talks, workshops, and competitions that pull back the curtain on the industry.
From 8pm onwards, you can look forward to live performances, artist showcases, jam sessions, and even rap battles, offering a glimpse of Saudi Arabia’s underground music scene.
Returning this year is XPERFORM, giving emerging singers a real shot at performing on a major stage. XCHANGE is also back, connecting music communities across cities in the MENA region. And HUNNA continues to grow as a space supporting women in music, now with a stronger focus on education and long-term opportunities.
New for 2026 is NITE Ventures, a music and culture initiative, launching in May. It’s set to back creative ideas and help turn them into something bigger.
Designed as a hybrid grants programme, incubator, and Riyadh’s interim Night Committee, NITE Ventures responds to growing demand for structured support for creative entrepreneurs.
Come November, XP takes over JAX District once again, bringing with it a packed schedule and a crowd that spans from rising artists to key decision-makers.
In short: if you want to see where the region’s music scene is heading next, this is where it begins.
Tickets for XP Music Futures 2026 haven’t dropped just yet, so consider this your early heads-up. Watch this space for more updates.
Images: Supplied
