The soundtrack of Saudi Arabia’s summer is getting an upgrade, as MDLBEAST rewrites the live entertainment playbook with back-to-back shows this July and August. From the 12,000-capacity ONYX Arena in Jeddah to a full-fledged nightlife takeover inside the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, the Middle East’s cultural disruptor is syncing music and gaming like never before.
And the season’s anthem? That would be “Ascension,” an orchestral-electronic opus by Alesso and Tina Guo, which premieres live during the Esports World Cup Opening Ceremony on July 10 in Riyadh.
Jeddah’s ONYX Arena and AFT_r in Riyadh Goes Full-Throttle from July 17 to August 8
Jeddah’s Red Sea coastline will pulse to the rhythm of global superstars and homegrown favorites. Over four weekends, ONYX Arena transforms into the region’s premier large-scale live music venue. Leading the charge is Quavo, Metro Boomin, Don Diablo, and Central Cee, with R3HAB, Meduza, and the Black Eyed Peas anchoring the season’s finale.
But the real flex? MDLBEAST’s unwavering commitment to regional talent. Artists like Saud & Jeed, DAFENCII, and Sharkk have equal footing on one of the region’s most high-profile stages. It’s a strong signal that Saudi’s sonic identity doesn’t look at imports—it’s built from within. With cutting-edge production, stadium-level sound, and a festival-style crowd, ONYX is redefining what a local show can feel like.
While ONYX roars by the sea, Riyadh turns up the volume indoors. From July 18 to August 7, AFT_r unfolds inside the Esports World Cup, turning ANB Arena into a post-game haven. The lineup mirrors ONYX—Quavo, Metro Boomin, Don Diablo, Central Cee, R3HAB, and the Black Eyed Peas. Though here, the vibe is more neon afterparty than festival mainstage. By embedding AFT_r inside the world’s biggest esports tournament, MDLBEAST creates a new kind of cultural arena. One where bass drops follow final kills. Where celebration becomes a multi-sensory experience.
It’s a move that reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader push: blending digital futures with live music legacies. Rising regional stars like Nileboi, Shaolin, and Bayou are also spotlighted, ensuring AFT_r stays rooted in the region while facing outward to the world.
Why Summer Matters for Saudi Arabia’s MDLBEAST
Beyond the lineup, these two series reflect a larger shift in Saudi Arabia’s entertainment direction. MDLBEAST is building cultural infrastructure, not just producing shows. Music, gaming, nightlife, and regional artistry now coexist under one coordinated, high-impact platform. The company is crafting a space where international acts and local stars share equal stage presence and audience reach.
ONYX and AFT_r represent more than programming—they signal strategy. The decision to activate both Jeddah and Riyadh taps into two contrasting but complementary urban energies. Jeddah delivers the coastline energy of summer nightlife, while Riyadh channels a digital-savvy, competitive edge with its esports integration.
Both series reveal how MDLBEAST understands its diverse, young audience. These aren’t just parties—they are a preview of Saudi Arabia’s cultural potential. The ticketing structure supports wide accessibility, offering both GA and VIB experiences depending on the venue. Global press, international production teams, and high-tech staging mark a new standard for events across the region. More importantly, rising Saudi artists perform on the same billing as global icons. That stage equality redefines what’s possible for emerging talent across the Middle East.
AFT_r merges esports with music—something few markets have dared to attempt at this scale. The synergy works because both worlds value spectacle, sound, and hype. Fans now move from final kills to DJ drops without leaving the arena. This signals Saudi’s new cultural economy. MDLBEAST isn’t testing trends; it’s writing them in real time. CEO Ramadan Alharatani put it clearly: “This summer’s AFT_r and ONYX shows demonstrate our commitment to building cultural bridges, elevating local talent, and hosting world-class experiences across Saudi Arabia.”
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