Planning a Saudi getaway around music? Two signature events anchor the year: AZIMUTH 2025 in AlUla (Sep 25–26) and MDLBEAST SOUNDSTORM 2025 in Riyadh (Dec 11–13). Below you’ll find confirmed dates, ticket basics, lineup status, travel logistics, what to wear, and weekend itineraries, plus smart tips to deepen the trip.
AZIMUTH 2025 (AlUla)
➙ When: Thu–Fri, Sep 25–26, 2025 (19:00–06:00; last entry 02:00).
➙ 18+. Two tiers (GA & VIP).
➙ App bookings save ~5% vs door price.
➙ Wheelchair accessible.
➙ Venue: the rock-sculpted landscape of Thanaya.
SOUNDSTORM 2025 (Riyadh)
➙ When: Thu–Sat, Dec 11–13, 2025.
➙ Access and tickets managed via the NOFOMO app.
➙ Venue area: Banban (per official channels).
Why Pair These Two?
- Two Flavors of Saudi Arabia: AlUla’s desert-art intimacy vs. Riyadh’s mega-festival energy.
- Perfect Timing: AZIMUTH falls around Saudi National Day week; SOUNDSTORM lands in cool, festive December.
- Easy Add-ons: Heritage sites and stargazing in AlUla; parks, museums, Diriyah dining, and big-city buzz in Riyadh.
AZIMUTH 2025 (AlUla): Music Till Sunrise Among Sandstone Giants
Dates, Times, Tickets (confirmed)
- Sep 25–26, 2025, both nights 19:00–06:00; last entry 02:00.
- 18+ only.
- Tiers: General Admission (all stages + art) and VIP (exclusive lounge, dedicated F&B, complimentary shisha).
- Door Pricing: GA single day SAR 1,200; VIP single day SAR 2,500; Weekend GA SAR 2,000; Weekend VIP SAR 4,000.
- Mobile App Perk: Book via the Experience AlUla app to save ~5% on door prices.
- Ticket Delivery: purchase receipt instantly; actual tickets emailed ~2 weeks before the event.
- Accessibility: venue is wheelchair accessible.
AZIMUTH 2025 Lineup (Official)
Expect a thoughtful blend of global names and regional talent. As listed on the event page:
- The Main Stage (alphabetical order):
Ash, BKR, Christian Löffler, Colin, Dish Dash, Kevin De Vries, London Grammar, Mahmut Orhan, Mestiza, Mind Against, Nemahsis, RDJ, Shimza, Shkoon, Zeyne - The Hive Stage (alphabetical order):
Akladios, Bedouin Burger, BRQ, Chiati, Hifi, Nesta, Nic Merheb, Priss, Tala Mortada, Vinyl Mode, Zeina
What the Vibe Feels Like
AZIMUTH is intimate and site-specific: projection art on stone, sunrise sets that creep over canyon walls, and a curation that leans electronic/indie with Middle Eastern textures. The setting, Thanaya, is part of the magic.
Getting to AlUla & Around
- Fly: direct to ULH or connect via Madinah or Tabuk then transfer.
- On the ground: expect signed routes and controlled access; allow buffer time for shuttles/parking on event nights.
- Where to stay: for cafés and walking access, base near AlUla Old Town; for immersion, choose one of the desert resorts. (Add internal links below.)
What to Wear (Desert-Smart)
- Layers: heat drops at night. Pack a light jacket.
- Shoes: closed-toe, grippy soles (sand + dancing).
- Essentials: portable charger, scarf, electrolytes, sunglasses for dawn.
- Respect the site: use refill stations and bins; keep to marked paths.
AZIMUTH Weekend (Thu–Sat)
Thu (Day 1): Slow morning; AlUla Old Town lunch → siesta → arrive ~20:30 to avoid peak queues.
Fri (Day 2): Heritage visit (e.g., Hegra) or easy e-bike ride → sunset photos → Night 2 highlights on the Main Stage.
Sat (Bonus): Café-hop + gallery stop; optional stargazing session.
MDLBEAST SOUNDSTORM 2025 (Riyadh): The Region’s Loudest Weekend
Dates, Access & Tickets (Confirmed)
- Dec 11–13, 2025 in Riyadh.
- NOFOMO is the official app for ticket access; you’ll need it to manage and present your festival tickets. (This requirement appears on the 2025 event page and has been standard in prior editions.)
MDLBEAST SOUNDSTORM 2025 Venue
While the 2025 site emphasizes dates and the app, official channels flag Banban (north of central Riyadh) as the festival area. Expect updated maps and transport instructions closer to the event.
What to Expect (Format & Stages)
SOUNDSTORM scales big: hundreds of artists, show-stopping stage design (Big Beast, UG zones, and MDLTown activations), and a city-wide buzz. Final 2025 schedules are TBA, but production values and variety are a given.
Tickets & Tiers (Watch this Space)
2025 tier names and pricing weren’t yet published at time of writing. Past editions offered a ladder from GA up to VIB/VIB+ and hospitality, with perks like express lanes, platforms, and valet/buggy access, useful pointers while you plan, but always confirm on the official 2025 page before buying.
Eminem, Linkin Park, MUSE, A$AP Rocky, Calvin Harris, Camila Cabello, 200+ artists across 8 stages and 5 underground zones.
Also featured: Black Coffee, Adam Beyer, Boris Brejcha, Miss Monique, Richie Hawtin, Yotto, Kölsch. (See the full 2024 lineup on the official site)
Getting There & Where to Stay
- Transport: look for official shuttles and rideshare guidance once live; Banban traffic can be heavy at peak gate times.
- Stay areas: KAFD and the Diplomatic Quarter are convenient for daytime exploring; properties along major corridors make late-night returns easier.
- Buffer: build 60–90 minutes for gate/security during peak arrivals.
Read More: What It’s Really Like to Travel Saudi Arabia Solo as a Woman
What to Pack (Big-Festival Edition)
- Phone power: high-capacity battery; short cable you can use while walking.
- Ear protection: especially at the main stages.
- Footwear: broken-in sneakers.
- Layers: December evenings can be cool; throw in a light jacket/hoodie.
- ID: original ID/passport; checks are strict.
3-day SOUNDSTORM + Riyadh city plan
- Thu: Check in; early dinner near KAFD → hit Big Beast for opening sets.
- Fri: Morning King Salman Park stroll or Wadi Hanifah cycle → lazy brunch → underground stages at night.
- Sat: Diriyah sunset + Bujairi Terrace dinner → festival finale.
AZIMUTH vs SOUNDSTORM 2025: Which Fits Your Style?
Visas, Stopovers & When to Book
- eVisa & Stopover: Many nationalities can obtain a tourist eVisa or use the 96-hour stopover program, ideal for a festival weekend plus a short city add-on.
- Book early: AlUla inventory is limited around AZIMUTH; Riyadh sells fast for SOUNDSTORM week, lock flights and hotels early.
- Arrive a day ahead: Build in recovery & buffer time, especially if you’re flying long-haul.
Local Etiquette & Safety
- Dress for comfort + modesty: breathable fabrics by day; layers by night.
- Be mindful when filming: ask before filming people; be respectful at heritage sites.
- Environment: pack a reusable bottle; use refill points and bins (especially in AlUla’s fragile desert).
- Accessibility: AZIMUTH lists wheelchair access; SOUNDSTORM typically provides accessible routes/staff, confirm specifics in each event’s FAQ close to the date.
Booking & Official Sources for AZIMUTH & MDLBEAST SOUNDSTORM 2025
- AZIMUTH 2025 (AlUla): Experience AlUla
You will find: dates, hours, lineup, prices, entry rules, accessibility. - SOUNDSTORM 2025 (Riyadh): MDLBEAST official event page.
You will find: dates and NOFOMO app info. - SOUNDSTORM venue (Banban): Soundstorm Instagram
- MDLBEAST events calendar: Visit Events hub or Calendar view.
You will find: all event dates at a glance. - NOFOMO app
Practical Packing list
Must-Haves:
- Passport/ID, phone + power bank, festival app(s) installed (NOFOMO for SOUNDSTORM; Experience AlUla app if you want the AZIMUTH mobile discount).
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
- Lightweight jacket/hoodie for nights.
- Earplugs, sunglasses, sunscreen, refillable bottle.
Nice-to-Haves
- Electrolyte sachets, scarf, mini first-aid kit, portable fan.
- Compact tote for layers/merch.
Two Festivals, One Unforgettable Saudi Season
If you time your trip around AZIMUTH 2025 and SOUNDSTORM 2025, you’ll catch Saudi at its cultural peak: AlUla’s cinematic desert nights in September and Riyadh’s high-octane celebration in December. Book early, pack smart, and build in easy mornings. The music goes late, and the memories last.