MDL Beast Soundstorm 2026

MDL Beast Soundstorm is the largest electronic music festival in the Middle East and one of the biggest on the global festival calendar by attendance. The event is held each December in Riyadh, typically across a four-day run in mid-December. The 2026 edition is scheduled for 11 to 14 December.

Since launching in 2019, Soundstorm has drawn headline DJs and electronic acts from across the globe. Past editions have featured artists including David Guetta, Marshmello, Carl Cox, Fisher, and Charlotte de Witte, alongside a strong lineup of regional talent. The festival spans multiple stages, each with a distinct sound profile — from main stage commercial electronic to more underground and techno-focused arenas.

The Festival Experience

The venue is a purpose-built outdoor site on the outskirts of Riyadh, designed to accommodate hundreds of thousands of attendees across its full run. The layout includes several fully enclosed stage structures with professional sound systems and light shows, plus outdoor areas for camping-style crowd zones. Food and beverage stalls are spread throughout the grounds, and non-alcoholic drinks and food are the standard offering.

Soundstorm operates under Saudi public event rules. Dress code guidance and event-specific conduct policies are published ahead of each edition — check the official MDL Beast website before attending. Mixed-gender attendance is permitted and the crowd is typically international.

The festival runs from late afternoon until the early hours of the morning. The headliner sets on the main stage are typically scheduled for midnight onwards. December nights in Riyadh are cool — temperatures can drop to around 10 to 15°C after midnight — so layering is important even if daytime temperatures are mild.

Tickets

Tickets are sold through the MDL Beast official website and selected regional ticketing platforms. Single-day and multi-day passes are available. Prices vary significantly by tier — early bird passes have historically been the best value, with full multi-day passes increasing in price as the event approaches. A general multi-day pass has previously started from around SAR 650 to SAR 900; premium experiences and VIP packages are considerably more (verify current pricing at checkout as these vary each year).

Tickets can sell out, particularly for the final night. Purchase early if you have a specific headliner in mind.

Getting There

The venue is located outside central Riyadh and is not accessible by the Riyadh Metro. Shuttle buses run from designated pickup points around the city during the event days — this is the primary transport option for most attendees. Ride-hailing apps also operate to and from the venue but queues can be long at peak exit times (after the headline sets end). If you are driving, arrive early as parking fills quickly.

Plan accommodation in central Riyadh in advance. The December period overlaps with other Riyadh Season events, which compresses hotel availability citywide.

For general Riyadh travel information, see our Riyadh city guide.