15/12/2025
WIN traveled to Saudi Arabia from December 4 to 13 to participate in a week of activities at Riyadh Music Week. Through meetings, discussions, and networking, the trip helped lay the groundwork for future collaboration between WANA record labels and the global independent music community.
Representatives from the WIN network, including CEO Noemí Planas, board member Marty Ro (LIAK vice-chair, South Korea), Nina Radojewski (AIM Head of Membership, UK) and Engin Akinci & Can Bener (members of BMYD, Turkey) enjoyed the Saudi hospitality and met with independent music companies from the country, as well as from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Lebanon, and North Africa to continue supporting the growth of independent music in the region.
MDLBEAST’s flagship conference, XP Music Futures provided moments of connection, creativity, and culture in the JAX district of Riyadh. It combined daytime conversations on the region’s music industry future with evening/night showcases and cultural exchanges. WIN representatives were able to meet with local record labels and other companies and deepen their knowledge of performance rights management in the region. WIN Supporter DISCO hosted a panel discussion on licensing music rights across borders.
Takyah cultural gathering connected global leaders with Riyadh’s music scene on December 7. Participants traveled to the Dunes & Dates Desert Camp for a day of music, networking and camel rides!
Billboard Arabia Power Players on December 8 honored pioneers of the Arab music industry. Spotlighting emerging artists and Riyadh’s venues, Fringe performances lighted up outdoor stages and intimate pop-ups in every corner of the city from December 7 to 10. These events provided WIN with a great opportunity to meet new colleagues, while enjoying local food and treats.
With a wide range of high-quality international delegates, the Music Makers Summit is where Saudi music policy is shaped, combining educational and policy chapters over a two-day conference. Will Page moderated a panel discussion with Noemí Planas (WIN CEO), Gigi Arabia (Heavy Arabia / IMMF) and Rawan Alfassi (MDLBEAST Records) on export strategies and how local artists and companies can leverage regional music characteristics and use data-driven methods to access global markets. WIN Supporter Sonovy attended the event on December 10.
The professional activities concluded with the IMMF Awards ceremony and dinner, held at Attaché in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh on December 10. WIN representatives joined the international body of managers to bring labels and managers closer together with a shared priority: to continue developing the independent music ecosystem in West Asia and North Africa.
With more than 450.000 attendees, Soundstorm is a multi-genre music festival organized by MDLBEAST featuring global superstars and local talent. WIN representatives were able to enjoy the performances of Post Malone, Benson Boone and Pitbull, among many others, to conclude their stay in the Saudi capital.
BRIDGE is a project developed by WIN to strengthen the position of independent music companies in the digital ecosystem through research, resources, and collaboration. The activities at Riyadh Music Week were supported by the Saudi Arabia Music Commission and Merlin. The Turkish association of independent labels BMYD contributed to WIN’s efforts in WANA through Engin Akinci’s participation in the BRIDGE steering committee and research work.
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