The programme, spanning XP Music Futures, Takyah, Fringe, Billboard Arabia Power Players, Music Makers Summit (MMS), the International Music Managers Forum (IMMF) Awards night, and open public-space performances across the city, and the region’s biggest festival Soundstorm created a unified and interconnected experience built around the themes of connection, creativity, and community. At the heart of these 10 days was the Music Makers Summit (MMS), which served as the primary gathering point for global executives, local leaders, artists, educators, policymakers, and innovators. As Paul Pacifico reflected in his closing address, MMS showcased the architecture of an ecosystem actively taking shape, grounded in education, strengthened by collaboration, and supported by shared ambition. Discussions explored the value of music as a societal asset, its role in skills development, cultural identity, and community life, and the opportunities emerging for talent across the Kingdom. A pivotal addition to MMS this year was the Education Forum, which convened universities, academies, international institutions, and experts to address the future of music learning in Saudi Arabia. A key outcome was the development of a new book for universities, capturing best practices and insights from global and regional leaders. The publication will support the growth of high-quality music programmes across the Kingdom, reinforcing education as a cornerstone of long-term sector development. Alongside MMS, XP Music Futures continued to serve as a key meeting point for emerging talent, creative entrepreneurship, and forward-looking industry dialogue. During XP, the Music Commission announced ‘Saudi Beats’, a new digital sound library built from original field recordings, captured across KSA, starting with the Asir region and aiming to target the remaining regions as part of the initiative, in efforts to document Saudi music’s cultural heritage. Designed to bring Saudi musical heritage into contemporary creation, Saudi Beats offers artists and producers access to thousands of high-quality audio assets spanning traditional and reimagined forms, supporting experimentation, collaboration, and the global exchange of Saudi sound and culture.

Across the wider programme, RMW featured a number of other notable moments including the signing of an MoU between the Saudi music commission and Steinway & Sons, reflecting continued investment in music training and performance infrastructure; and the Billboard Arabia Power Players, recognising 45 companies regionally and 100 contributors supporting the growth of the regional music sector, with special acknowledgements for Paul Pacifico - Saudi Music Commission, CEO , Ramadan AlHaratani - MDL Beast, CEO and artist Ahmed Saad. Throughout the 10 days, Riyadh’s most recognisable districts, including KAFD, the Diplomatic Quarter, Diriyah, and Riyadh Metro stations as well as music venues and cafes such as The Fridge, Salt and The Warehouse, hosted evening performances that invited residents and visitors into open, accessible music experiences across the city, bringing the city to life in various music genres and performances. The week concluded with Soundstorm, featuring international, regional and local artists such as Cardi B, Post Malone, Calvin Harris, Halsey, Tyla, Ava Max, and Benson Boone, Balqees, DJ Aseel, Tahani Sultan, and Ibrahim Alhakami, adding to a period of vibrant music activity across the Kingdom. Soundstorm hosted its largest event to date, with eight stages and over 400,000 guests across the weekend. Paul Pacifico, CEO, Saudi Music Commission said: “Riyadh Music Week demonstrated the progress and continued evolution of Saudi Arabia’s music ecosystem. Across the 10 days, we saw creativity, curiosity, and expertise come together in meaningful ways; from grassroots performances throughout the Fringe program and the shared moments of connection at Takyah, to the education and industry focused dialogue at MMS and the forward-looking conversations at XP. IMMF, the Billboard Arabia Power Players, and our citywide public-space programme further highlighted the depth and diversity of participation across the community with a focus on the people that make it possible. We are committed to continuing this work with our partners in Saudi Arabia and internationally, with a clear focus on supporting talent, strengthening education, and creating opportunities for the years ahead.” As RMW concludes, focus now turns to 2026, with plans to expand professional pathways, build deeper global partnerships, enhance community engagement, and continue strengthening the foundations of music education across the Kingdom. Supported by growing collaboration and a commitment to long-term sector development, the year ahead presents new opportunities for artists, educators, and industry professionals to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s evolving cultural landscape.