Something rebellious brewed in the heart of Riyadh, and no, it was not just the crisp desert breeze. It was a hypnotic pulse of basslines, the shimmer of neon against heritage clay, and a soundscape that felt like a Scheherazade told through speakers. This was the 1001 Music Festival in Riyadh, the latest sonic odyssey presented by MDLBEAST, where tradition coexisted with tempo, and storytelling got a high-frequency remix.
Riyadh witnessed history in the making as the 1001 Music Festival roared to life under the desert stars. Inspired by the timeless tales of One Thousand and One Nights, the festival transformed Riyadh’s music scene into a wonderland where beats met folklore, and legends took the stage.
If you missed it (or just want to relive it), here’s everything about how it all went down.
What is the ‘1001 Festival in Riyadh’ by MDLBEAST?
Let’s start with the basics. What actually is the 1001 festival?
MDLBEAST, the powerhouse behind Saudi Arabia’s global music revolution, launched a brand-new event for 2025: 1001 Music Festival, stylized as A Thousand and One. Inspired by the timeless tales of One Thousand and One Nights, the festival was aimed not only towards the global and local artists, stages, and the desert but also about the ‘stories’ lost through time.
Every night was themed. Every beat had a purpose. And every stage was designed to immerse you in a new fantasy world of light, sound, and Arab soul.
These events are an experience, a love letter to Arabian folklore wrapped in strobes and soaked in synths. If you thought Riyadh was slowing down in April, you were wrong because it lit up like New Year’s Eve! The dance, drift, and trance were felt through the Kingdom from the 24th to the 25th of April.
The Experience Beyond The Sands of Time
Four Stages & Four Worlds
Straight from the masterminds behind Soundstorm and Balad Beast, MDLBEAST’s 1001 Festival captured a fresh new spirit. It was a full-blown immersion into sound, art, and surreal stage experiences. With three intricately themed stages, including Qafilah, Qasr, and Bustan, each corner of the festival ground told a story.
Qafilah rolled out like a traveling caravan across golden dunes, Qasr turned into an electrified royal ballroom, and Bustan blossomed into a dreamlike musical garden. No matter where you wandered, the soundscape changed, but the energy stayed sky-high!
Each stage offered a sensory adventure like no other that was designed to transport, transcend, and transform. Whether you were dancing under desert stars or wandering through sonic gardens, the 1001 music festival in Riyadh was like a four-part story, and you were like the main character!
The Lineup – A Two-Night Masterpiece
The opening night, April 24, kicked off with a bang. DJ Snake lit up the mainstage with hit after hit, sending the crowd into wild, fist-pumping euphoria. Right after, R3HAB unleashed an energetic set that made the desert dance, with heavyweight support from Franky Rizardo, Disco Misr, and more.
As if one legendary night wasn’t enough, April 25 raised the stakes even higher. House music titan Eric Prydz took festivalgoers on a hypnotic journey of beats and lights, followed by an unforgettable set from ARTBAT, who proved why they’re one of the fastest-rising names in electronic music.
Deep house legends Dixon, Hot Since 82, and Seth Troxler kept the vibe sophisticated, trippy, and undeniably alive till the early hours.
Each set felt like a new chapter of a never-ending Arabian Nights tale, just with more lasers, bass drops, and dance circles.
Music, Lights, & Movement!
From 4 PM to 2 AM each day, the festival site buzzed with electric energy. Artistic installations, gourmet food pop-ups, VIP lounges, and exclusive viewing decks made sure there was something for every kind of party animal.
Ticket tiers ranged from general admission at SAR 249 to VIB (Very Important Beast) passes starting at SAR 799, and the ultra-luxury VVIB experience offering private walkways and VIP decks at SAR 5,000+. Festivalgoers who went all out on VVIB definitely had front-row memories for life.
Why is Riyadh the ‘Destination’?
Because Riyadh isn’t what you think it is anymore. The 1001 music festival is proof that the Saudi capital is carving a whole new cultural identity. And that identity is young, expressive, and fearless!
This isn’t just Vision 2030 in action. It’s rhythm, roots, and revolution. From fashion pop-ups to local food stalls, the whole festival mirrored a Saudi Arabia that’s creative, conscious, and ready to embrace.
Many festivalgoers extended their trip to dive deeper into Riyadh’s vibrant culture. After three nights of pure music therapy, adventurers hiked the majestic Edge of the World, unwinding amid nature’s silence. Others found thrills in Boulevard City, hopping between AR games, luxe restaurants, and cultural performances.
Diriyah Nights charmed visitors with its art-lit alleys, souqs, and fine dining. And for the art lovers, galleries like Naila Art Space and Misk Art Institute offered a creative pulse!
Was the 1001 Worth It?
One hundred and one thousand percent! Saudi Arabia’s music festivals keep evolving – bigger, better, and more soulful each year. 1001 Music Festival in Riyadh proved that the Kingdom is ready for world-class, genre-defining events that rival any global city. From the beats to the breathtaking visuals, every moment felt like stepping into a dream spun from sound and light.
And if this is what MDLBEAST’s newest festival looks like, you can bet we’re already counting down for next year.
Ready for more epic Saudi Arabia concerts and Riyadh music events? Follow the beats and they will lead you back here.
Three nights. A thousand and one stories. One unforgettable experience.
FAQs
Who performed at the 1001 Music Festival in Riyadh?
The 1001 Music Festival in Riyadh featured an epic lineup across two days, including global icons like DJ Snake, Eric Prydz, R3HAB, ARTBAT, Dixon, Hot Since 82, & Seth Troxler. Every set brought fresh energy, making it a once-in-a-lifetime gathering for electronic music fans in Saudi Arabia.
How many stages were there at MDLBEAST’s 1001 Festival?
The 1001 music festival in Riyadh had three immersive stages: Qafilah, Qasr, and Bustan, each offering a different vibe. From caravan beats to royal rave energy and dreamy garden sounds, the stage designs elevated every performance.
What was the ticket pricing for the 1001 Festival Riyadh?
Festivalgoers could choose between different ticket tiers: General Admission started at SAR 249, VIB (Very Important Beast) passes began at SAR 799, and VVIB luxury passes ranged up to SAR 7,500 for a full two-day experience with private platforms and elevated walkways.
Will there be another 1001 Music Festival in Saudi Arabia?
While the first 1001 Music Festival in Riyadh has just wrapped up with roaring success, MDLBEAST has hinted at making it a recurring event.
