More than 600,000 people attend star-studded MDLBEAST Soundstorm festival in Saudi Arabia

MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 has come to a close after 3 days of celebrations on December 1-3 which saw the festivals biggest edition yet.

From world record-breaking stage designs to chart-topping artists, from commercial to techno music, the future looks bright for the Middle East’s biggest music festival – with DJs claiming ‘the energy was wild’.

A reported 600,000 people attended the event in Saudi Arabia – making it one of the largest music festivals in the world.

Festival: MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 has come to a close after 3 days of celebrations on December 1-3 which saw the festivals biggest edition yet

This year’s SOUNDSTORM was the third edition of the flagship event and brought some of the biggest artists to Riyadh – including Bruno Mars, DJ Khaled, Post Malone, Tiesto, Swedish House Mafia and David Guetta. 

Guetta, who headlined Saturday night, said his performance was ‘so special’ because it ‘feels like being part of something that’s bigger than me.’

He continued: ‘When it comes to Saudi Arabia, I’ve been directly involved since day one with what is being done here, because I played the first SOUNDSTORM festival in 2019. What I see as I’ve started to play in Saudi is people with happy faces.’

DJ Khaled, who faced his fear of flying for the first time to attend the festival, said during a press conference: ‘I’m here now lets make history. This plane I flew in on, I felt like the Prince but it was so beautiful and I’m grateful. I’m going to go crazy out here in a great and beautiful way.’

Star-studded: This year’s SOUNDSTORM was the third edition of the flagship event and brought some of the biggest artists to Riyadh – including Bruno Mars, DJ Khaled, Post Malone (pictured), Tiesto, Swedish House Mafia and David Guetta

Incredible: From world record-breaking stage designs to chart-topping artists, from commercial to techno, the future looks bright for the Middle East’s biggest music festival

The All I Do Is Win hitmaker, who brought out several guests through out his show-topping performance, took a moment on stage to honour his friend and former musical collaborator, Migos’ Takeoff, who was shot and killed at age 28.

He declared: ‘We love you brother. You’re one of the nicest people I ever met in my life. Every time I talk to you, you said you love me. I hit you back, and said I love you.

‘I’ll never forget my last text with Takeoff. Long live forever Takeoff. I’m so happy to call you my brother.’ 

Heartbreaking: DJ Khaled took a moment on stage to honour his friend and former musical collaborator, Migos’ Takeoff, who was shot and killed at age 28

Across the 260 hours of music produced by 200 artists, tech house DJs such as Carl Cox, Marshmello, Solomun, Eric Prydz and Peggy Gou impressed the crowds.

MailOnline caught up with Acraze, best known for his hit track Do It To It, after his set was cut short due to health and safety reasons. He said: ‘Crowd safety always comes first so I respect the decision to stop the show.’

He added: ‘Performing in Saudi Arabia was an incredible experience. The energy was so wild and it was an honour to be able to share my music with such a passionate crowd. 

‘I believe that Soundstorm is a positive step forward for the Middle East. It shows that the region is open to different forms of art and culture and that it is becoming more inclusive and progressive. 

‘I think that festivals like this can help to build understanding and acceptance; I am hopeful that they will continue to grow in popularity and importance in the coming years.’

Special moment: Guetta, who headlined Saturday night, said his performance was ‘so special’ because it ‘feels like being part of something that’s bigger than me.’

Talent: Among the 260 hours of music produced by 200 artists, Bruno Mars rocked the main stage

Acraze then explained how he manages his personal life as an international DJ: ‘It can definitely be hard to make time for my personal life when I’m on the road all the time.

‘The demands of performing and traveling can be intense… sleep is sometimes nonexistent haha so it’s definitely hard to balance tour life with maintaining my relationships and taking care of myself. 

‘But I’m learning discipline in how I prioritise my time and make an effort to stay connected with my loved ones even when I’m on the road. It’s not always easy, but it is definitely worth it.’

Music: MailOnline caught up with Acraze, best known for his hit track Do It To It, after his set was cut short due to health and safety reasons

This year continued the record breaking designs that Soundstorm have become known for, with the mainstage – BIG BEAST – earning the title of the largest temporary stage structure standing tall at 135.5 feet. 

Soundstorm was located on a site with a total area of more than 5.5 million square meters. 

With seven stages, performers spread across the event, firework displays and over 100 food vendors to explore – there’s plenty to keep attendees occupied across the three days. 

Incredible: Across the 260 hours of music produced by 200 artists, tech house DJs such as Carl Cox, Marshmello, Solomun, Eric Prydz and Peggy Gou impressed the crowds

Speaking after the three day event, MDLBEAST’s CEO said in a statement: ‘This year’s third edition of SOUNDSTORM has emulated the success of its predecessors, exceeding our own expectations as well as our guests, delivering a world-class festival experience, and ushering in a brand-new chapter for the regional music scene.’

‘Whilst setting new benchmarks for future music events staged in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, we’re equally proud of the legacy these last three days leave behind.’

‘It is a beautiful mix that will advance the creative economy, inspire new talent and propel the Middle East’s position as an emerging global hub for music, art, and culture.’

Quirky: Festival goers showed off their quirky sense of style with a range of accessories, from balaclavas to LED masks

Saudi women DJs such as Cosmicat, Dorar, Kayan, and Solskin took to the stage and performed to large crowds, which was mostly made up of men. 

Festival goers showed off their quirky sense of style with a range of accessories, from balaclavas to LED masks.

Women, many of whom wear the black full-body cloak and Abayas in public spaces, were dressed more casually in jeans and t-shirts.

A vibrant energy could be felt over the weekend, with strong currents of optimism and anticipation for what’s to come next for Saudi youth culture and the regional music industry. 

Future: A vibrant energy could be felt over the weekend, with strong currents of optimism and anticipation for what’s to come next for Saudi youth culture and the regional music industry

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