Soundstorm 2025 in Riyadh: Day 1 Details and Top Stars
Soundstorm, the Middle East’s largest music festival, returned for its sixth edition in 2025, transforming the Saudi capital, Riyadh, into a vibrant global music destination. The festival opened its doors on its first day with an exceptional launch, reflecting the tremendous development of the entertainment sector in the Kingdom. Not only did the festival solidify its established reputation, but this year it also presented a completely redesigned stage, reaffirming MDLBEAST’s commitment to raising the bar and delivering unprecedented experiences.
Soundstorm... a global entertainment destination
The organization of this massive event comes within the context of the rapid cultural and entertainment development taking place in Saudi Arabia as part of Vision 2030, which aims to make the Kingdom a global hub for major events. Soundstorm is no longer just a concert; it has become a cultural and tourist phenomenon attracting visitors from around the world, reinforcing Riyadh's position as the entertainment capital of the region, contributing to the local economy, and providing a platform for cultural exchange between East and West through the universal language of music.
Opening Night: Music Legends Set the Stage
With thousands of visitors flocking to the venue on its opening day, over 80 artists participating, and 14 innovatively designed stages, Soundstorm 2025 maintained its title as the most anticipated event. The first night opened with a bang, as rising global star Benson Boone and established crowd favorite Post Malone lit up the Big Beast stage, joining electronic dance music legends Swedish House Mafia to deliver breathtaking performances that ignited the passion of the massive audience.
Comprehensive development and an integrated “city” experience
This year, the festival site in Benban underwent its biggest redevelopment in history, transforming into a fully integrated city. The new Downtown area serves as the central hub, allowing audiences to easily navigate between different musical tracks. The Big Beast stage returned as the main venue with a completely redesigned layout, while the West Zone became a dance and techno hub, spearheaded by the Tunnel stage, which featured powerful performances from Don Diablo, DJ Snake, and Calvin Harris, supported by new stages such as Port, Plexiglas, Silk, Loc, and Greenhouse.
Supporting local talent and cultural exchange
In a move reflecting a commitment to Saudi and Arab talent, the “Taq” theater in the eastern district emerged as a remarkable venue, offering local artists a global platform from its very first night. The theater witnessed a large audience response to performances by Dahoum Al-Talasi, Ayed, and Ibrahim Al-Sultan. Meanwhile, in a cultural exchange, the “Loq” theater experienced a special moment with Francis Mercier's performance, a collaboration between Soundstrom and the Italian club Inter Milan, blending the passion of football with the magic of music.
Private spaces and a unique women's experience
Continuing its commitment to providing a comfortable and inclusive environment, the “Her Space” experience for women has returned on a larger scale with unprecedented amenities. The area features eight dedicated viewing areas for women only, five women-focused service spaces including lounges and welcome centers, and a dedicated pathway exceeding 2,300 meters in length to ensure ease of movement and privacy. Visitors in the northern zone also enjoyed the “Park” stage, which hosted hip-hop and R&B stars such as Lil Yati and Tyla.
With this legendary opening, all eyes are on Friday night, which promises a new wave of huge shows with stars like Anima and Pitbull, confirming that Soundstorm 2025 is not just a festival, but a complete musical journey that redefines the concept of entertainment in the region.
