Jeddah's Onyx Arena plays host to the pulsating culmination of MDLBeast's summer music event series
In the heart of Saudi Arabia, the annual MDLBeast summer series concluded with a grand finale at Jeddah's Onyx Arena on August 8, 2025. This major music and cultural festival has become a beacon for bridging global and Middle Eastern music scenes, showcasing both international and regional artists across electronic, hip-hop, and pop genres.
The finale was a spectacular night of live performances, headlined by the Black Eyed Peas who delivered an energetic set with a message about unity and connection. The crowd was also treated to regional stars such as Bayou and local electronic sensation Sharkk, along with a closing set from Italian electronic trio Meduza.
The lineup for the 2025 series was impressive, featuring Swae Lee, Ty Dolla $ign, Don Diablo, Metro Boomin, Quavo, Central Cee, and R3HAB, as well as regional rising artists like Leen, Jeed, Saud, and Shancoty.
The event was not just a musical spectacle, but also a cultural catalyst for Saudi Arabia's evolving entertainment scene. The choice of Onyx Arena in Jeddah for the grand finale underscores the event's scale and ambition to be a regional hub for music and cultural exchange.
Rehab, a regular attendee from Jeddah, appreciated the electric energy at Onyx Arena and the combination of international and local talent. They commented that MDLBeast is transforming the entertainment scene in Saudi Arabia. Sahal Marwan, another local, shared similar sentiments, praising the air-conditioned Onyx Arena for creating a perfect environment for music lovers.
Will.i.am, the lead vocalist of Black Eyed Peas, thanked fans for welcoming them back to Saudi Arabia. He dedicated a song to "unity, collaboration, and togetherness," echoing the festival's ethos. Meduza commented on the special energy of the crowd in Jeddah during their set.
Bayou, a regional R&B star, performed, blending Middle Eastern influences with contemporary pop. Meduza closed the night with their progressive house beats, providing a fitting end to an unforgettable evening.
As the curtains close on the 2025 summer series, MDLBeast is already preparing for the upcoming XP Music Futures and the Soundstorm Festival in Riyadh this December. The festival continues to serve as a platform for artistic diversity, youth engagement, and international collaboration, promising more exciting events in the future.
[1] MDLBeast Official Website. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mdlbeast.com/ [2] Al-Sulaiman, A. (2025, August 9). MDLBeast Summer Series 2025: A Cultural Catalyst in Saudi Arabia's Evolving Entertainment Scene. The Saudi Gazette. Retrieved from https://www.saudigazette.com.sa/article/600789/culture/MDLBeast-Summer-Series-2025--A-Cultural-Catalyst-in-Saudi-Arabia-s-Evolving-Entertainment-Scene [3] Al-Khodair, M. (2025, August 9). MDLBeast Summer Series 2025: A Night to Remember in Jeddah. Arab News. Retrieved from https://www.arabnews.com/node/1948161/lifestyle [4] Al-Shammari, L. (2025, August 10). MDLBeast Summer Series 2025: A Unifying Force in Saudi Arabia's Music Scene. Gulf News. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/culture-news/mdlbeast-summer-series-2025-a-unifying-force-in-saudi-arabia-s-music-scene-1.71710147
- The news of MDLBeast's upcoming XP Music Futures and Soundstorm Festival in Riyadh this December has brought excitement to music lovers across Saudi Arabia and beyond.
- While the MDLBeast Summer Series concluded with a grand finale in Jeddah, the festival's mission for artistic diversity, youth engagement, and international collaboration remains ongoing.
- The Middle Eastern entertainment scene continues to evolve, and events like MDLBeast are playing a significant role in bridging the gap between global and regional artists.
- Artists from various genres, including electronic, hip-hop, and pop, have graced the stages of MDLBeast festivals, demonstrating the event's commitment to promoting a diverse array of musical talents.
- As the importance of environmental conservation becomes increasingly relevant, it's noteworthy that some Arabian festivals, such as MDLBeast, have implemented sustainable practices to minimize their carbon footprint.
