MDL Beast Soundstorm is Saudi Arabia’s flagship music festival — a three-to-four-day event held each December in Riyadh that has quickly established itself as one of the largest music festivals in the Middle East. Since its inaugural edition in 2019, Soundstorm has headlined artists including David Guetta, Tiësto, Post Malone, The Chainsmokers and Marshmello, drawing crowds of over 200,000 across the festival run.
For travellers visiting Saudi Arabia in December, Soundstorm is a major reason to base in Riyadh at the start or end of a winter trip before heading to AlUla.
What to Expect
Soundstorm operates across multiple stages — typically five to seven — running in parallel, with sets from international DJs, live artists, and regional Arab acts. Genre coverage spans EDM, hip-hop, techno, afrobeats and pop, with the main stage headliners drawing the largest crowds.
The festival venue (usually north Riyadh, outside the Ring Road) is purpose-built each year with:
- Multiple main and secondary stages
- A camping area for multi-night attendees
- Extensive food and beverage courts (no alcohol — see FAQs)
- Merchandise, art installations, and brand activations
- Shuttle bus services from central Riyadh
The festival runs from around 4 pm until after midnight each day.
The Lineup
MDL Beast typically announces its lineup in October, 6–8 weeks before the December event dates. The full artist roster runs to 100+ acts across all stages. The main stage headliner announcement is the key date-to-watch — it’s usually followed by a ticket sell-out surge within 24–48 hours.
To stay updated:
- Follow MDL Beast on Instagram (@mdlbeast) and Twitter/X
- Sign up for the newsletter at mdlbeast.com
- Enable alerts on Platinumlist, the primary ticket platform
Getting Tickets
Tickets are sold through Platinumlist and the MDL Beast website. Ticket tiers typically include:
- Day ticket (single-day general admission): SAR 200–350
- Full festival pass (all days GA): SAR 550–750
- VIP packages: from SAR 1,200 upwards, including premium viewing areas, lounges and food allowances
Tickets for major headliner days sell out in hours after launch. Steps to avoid missing out:
- Create a Platinumlist account before tickets go on sale
- Have payment details saved
- Sign up for the MDL Beast newsletter for early-access presale links
- Buy multi-day passes rather than single-day tickets if your schedule allows flexibility
Where to Stay
The festival takes place north of the city, typically near Riyadh Expo/Northern Ring Road area. Hotels in the Sulaimaniyah and Al Malqa districts are well-positioned.
On-site camping is available — check the MDL Beast website for the camping ticket add-on. This is the most convenient option for multi-day attendance and avoids the late-night traffic out of the venue. Glamping-style options at a premium are usually available alongside standard camping.
City hotels: The Marriott Riyadh, Hilton Riyadh, and Nobu Riyadh are mid-range to premium options. Budget accommodation is available in Al Hamra and the airport corridor at SAR 200–400/night. Book 4–6 weeks ahead; hotel rates in Riyadh spike during December due to Riyadh Season and Soundstorm overlap.
Getting to the Festival
Shuttle buses operate from central Riyadh (typically King Abdullah Financial District area) to the festival grounds. This is the most practical option — parking at the venue is available but gridlocked on peak nights.
Ride-hail: Uber and Careem both operate festival shuttles. Expect surge pricing after midnight when the day’s sets end. Pre-booking a return ride during quieter periods (early evening) can reduce cost.
Driving: Festival car parks are managed but expect a 45–90 minute exit wait on the last night of any major headliner. If driving, arrive early (before 6 pm) and park in outer lots to avoid the worst queues.
Combining Soundstorm with the Rest of Saudi
Riyadh in December sits within the broader Saudi winter season, which also includes:
- Riyadh Season (October–March): the wider entertainment festival running across themed zones in the city — active before and after Soundstorm
- Winter at Tantora (December–March): AlUla’s cultural season, a 2-hour flight from Riyadh — bookable as a natural extension
A common itinerary for December visitors: arrive in Riyadh 1–2 days before Soundstorm, attend the festival, then spend 2 days exploring Riyadh (Diriyah, Edge of the World, Al-Masmak Fortress), then fly to AlUla for 3 nights of heritage and landscape.
See our guides to Riyadh Season, Winter at Tantora and the 3-Day Riyadh Itinerary for more.
Practical Notes
- Dress code: Festival-style clothing is fine — no specific restrictions beyond standard Saudi modesty guidelines (shoulders and midriff covered)
- No alcohol: The festival operates a strict no-alcohol policy across all areas
- Currency: SAR cash and card (contactless/Apple Pay) both accepted
- Language: English is widely used at the festival; most vendor staff speak English
- Weather: December Riyadh evenings are 14–20°C — bring a light jacket for after midnight
- Safety: MDL Beast has had an excellent safety record across previous editions; security is thorough at entry gates