How AI is transforming music discovery and production in Saudi Arabia

How AI is transforming music discovery and production in Saudi Arabia
A robot plays the piano at the Apsara Conference, a cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) conference, in Hangzhou, in China's eastern Zhejiang province on October 19, 2021. (AFP file)
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Updated 21 March 2025
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How AI is transforming music discovery and production in Saudi Arabia

How AI is transforming music discovery and production in Saudi Arabia
  • AI is creating new music experiences while preserving the Kingdom’s musical heritage through initiatives like MusiqAI
  • MDLBEAST Records, another Saudi initiative, leverages AI tools to spark creativity in music production

RIYADH: As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, its influence in Saudi Arabia and globally extends far beyond personalizing music experiences. It is reshaping how music is created, consumed, and taught, revolutionizing the industry.

Musicians across the Kingdom are embracing new technology, with major local initiatives such as MDLBEAST Records leading the charge.

“MDLBEAST Records believes AI is a powerful tool for sparking initial creative inspiration in music production — whether generating a first beat, a musical bar, or a legitimate sample,” Matthew Dicks, executive director of music and talent at MDLBEAST Records, told Arab News.

“We encourage our artists to explore these possibilities within a framework of creative freedom.”

Launched in 2020, MDLBEAST Records is a Saudi Arabia label that promotes and develops talent from the Middle East and North Africa region.

Part of MDLBEAST entertainment, its roster includes local stars Cosmicat and Dish Dash, among others, along with international names including Salvatore Ganacci.




Matthew Dicks, executive director of music and talent at MDLBEAST Records. (MDLBeast photo)

While embracing AI’s creative potential, he emphasized the importance of ethics. “We also recognize the ethical complexities surrounding AI in music,” said Dicks. “It is paramount that the rights of original songwriters and rights holders are always respected.

“Copying, ripping, replicating, or infringing on intellectual property is strictly unacceptable. We are committed to navigating the evolving landscape of AI in music responsibly, ensuring its use enhances human creativity while upholding the integrity of artistic ownership.”

Beyond MDLBEAST Records, Saudi Arabia is making strides in preserving its musical heritage while fostering innovation. In late 2024, the Saudi Music Commission launched MusiqAI, an initiative integrating AI-driven interactive learning to teach both Arab and Western instruments.

Unlike global platforms such as Suno, AIVA and Soundful, MusiqAI prioritizes Saudi sounds and Arab musical heritage, offering lessons on traditional instruments including the oud and qanun alongside the piano and guitar.

In line with Vision 2030, the platform nurtures musical talent through AI-powered real-time feedback, personalized lesson plans, and accredited certifications.

By blending cultural preservation with advanced technology, it aims to set a new standard for digital music education both regionally and globally.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The global market for AI in music is projected to grow from $3.9 billion in 2023 to $38.7 billion by 2033.

• AI tools such as AIVA, Mubert, and Suno are already used for backing tracks, jingles, and even entire songs.

• Platforms like Spotify use AI to analyze user preferences and suggest music based on listening habits.

AI has also been used to enhance music discovery by adapting to individual preferences in real time, striking a balance between familiarity and exploration.

“AI and personalization help you listen to more of what you like,” Akshat Harbola, managing director of Spotify MENA, told Arab News. “And then what we try to do is introduce you to something you haven’t been exposed to in the past, but you might like it.”

As generative AI advances, the cost of developing innovative listening experiences is falling — a shift that Harbola believes is transformative for the industry.




Akshat Harbola, managing director of Spotify MENA. (Supplied)

“If we were to try to do something like this maybe five years back, it would be impossible because the cost would be so high,” he said. “You would have had to hire transcribers, producers, and you just wouldn’t be able to do it.

“But now we are able to deliver these personalized sessions to millions of users.”

Despite AI’s growing influence, Harbola said human expertise will remain essential. “The role of humans in AI, and when it comes to personalization, is actually going to increase over time — especially in music,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of cultural nuances in AI-driven recommendations, noting that even shared musical tastes can differ by location.




Aas AI continues to reshape the music industry, ethical concerns surrounding copyright and artistic integrity remain a significant topic of debate among musicians and creators. (Supplied)

“Even if you have the same music taste, what makes sense for somebody in Jeddah may not make sense for somebody in Sao Paulo,” he said. “So it’s very important that human and cultural expertise is built into what the machines are recommending and the products we’re rolling out.”

Nevertheless, as AI continues to reshape the music industry, ethical concerns surrounding copyright and artistic integrity remain a significant topic of debate among musicians and creators.

Addressing these concerns, Harbola emphasized the platform’s strict stance on copyright compliance. “We are very clear that any content that infringes copyright cannot be on Spotify,” he said.

Siddiq “Sidney” Malik, a filmmaker and user of AI in music, echoed this sentiment. “We’re at the intersection of creativity and technology,” he told Arab News. “We’re sort of working to adapt the future of entertainment while we’re actively shaping it.”

Malik views AI as an empowering tool that is cost-effective, innovative, and cutting-edge, particularly in breaking linguistic barriers. “This allows for a new era of accessibility and artistic expression,” he said. “It’s more than just a basic tool.”

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Malik said it is not just about typing a prompt into a platform like ChatGPT — it is about creating an entire ecosystem.

“We’re deeply invested in the transformative power of AI music, but the key thing is that we believe it’s not about replacing human creativity — it’s about amplifying it,” he said.

However, he warned that musicians who resist AI adoption could later face competition from advanced tools. “It’s a critical moment for creators whereby if they do not embrace and collaborate with AI, they run the risk of competing with AI — which will be impossible.”

Drawing parallels to shifts in the film industry, Malik noted how creatives have adapted before and must do so again to embrace AI’s possibilities.

“I think we have had these shifts — analog to digital to virtual and now artificial,” he said. “AI gives artists the power to be the masters of their own destiny, which is very important in the music industry.”




Despite AI’s growing influence, human expertise will remain essential, says Akshat Harbola, managing director of Spotify MENA. (Supplied)

Riyadh-based musician Lun encapsulates the cautious yet curious approach many artists are taking toward the rapidly evolving music landscape shaped by AI.

“I have not used AI before in my own music because I never thought I needed to. But as a tool, it can be of help,” he told Arab News.

While intrigued by AI’s potential, Lun highlighted ethical concerns that remain central to discussions across the industry.

“If an artist uses it to help with something they’re stuck on — to compile ideas so they can come up with an original part on their own — then I don’t see any harm in it,” he said.

“But if they use the tool to write the entire thing from A to Z, then I think we have a problem because it is no longer the artist who composed it, regardless of how they spin it.”
 

 


Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs

Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
Updated 11 min 31 sec ago
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Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs

Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
  • On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief completed medical programs in Tajikistan, Turkiye, and Tanzania, in line with the organization’s aim to support injured people worldwide.

The Saudi Noor Campaign, which will conclude on May 6, is tackling blindness in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The medical team examined 1,731 cases, assigned 198 prescription glasses, performed 60 operations and provided medication to 857 patients.

In Reyhanli district, Türkiye, KSrelief carried out a prosthetics and rehabilitation program.

With a team of 13 specialists, they fitted 36 individuals with prosthetics and 40 orthopedic splints.

On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

The team performed 133 open-heart catheterizations and 15 open-heart operations.

 


KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria
Updated 30 min 28 sec ago
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KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to launch volunteer programs throughout the Arab world to address humanitarian crises and improve the health of Yemeni and Syrian people.

In Damascus, the team completed three volunteer initiatives that supported hundreds with disaster response, administrative training, and psychosocial support for women and children. The program ran from April 26 to May 3.

In Yemen, meanwhile, KSrelief completed the first phase of an outreach vaccination campaign in the Aden governorate in collaboration with Yemen’s Minister of Public Health and Population Qasem Buhaibeh.

On Friday, the organization launched vocational training courses in Wadi Hadhramaut, Yemen, to improve the livelihood of locals and boost economic development.

The project targeted 1,500 people and focused on home appliance maintenance, carpentry, vehicle repair, men’s tailoring, beekeeping, plumbing, photography, and electricity and energy.

 


Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation

Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation
Updated 04 May 2025
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Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation

Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation
  • Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves

RIYADH: A Riyadh fashion seminar on Sunday brought together industry leaders and creatives to explore the future of Saudi Arabia’s fashion economy.

Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.

Rafi Dikranian and Mohammed Bajbaa speak on “From Drops to Drives: Connecting with Communities,” exploring how culture, streetwear, and grassroots branding are reshaping consumer engagement. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

The agenda focused on three main themes: the evolution of fashion retail in the Kingdom; the role of cultural identity in building brands; and the rising importance of digital fashion and collaboration.

An awards ceremony honored the standout talents of this year’s cohort: APOA, Awaken, Bucketbox, Mona Al-Shebil, Noble & Fresh, Nora Al-Shaikh, Rebirth, Samar Nasraldin, The Untitled Project and USCITA.

FASTFACT

Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.

One discussion explored consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia, revealing that the local market continues to grow despite global slowdowns.

Saudi brands that blend cultural heritage with bold innovation, as featured in the latest Fashion Lab showcase. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves.

Retail experiences — both physical and digital — were emphasized as key to engaging Saudi consumers.

Michael Chalhoub, CEO of Chalhoub Group, delivers the opening keynote at The Fashion Seminar 2025, highlighting the importance of creativity and cross-sector collaboration in shaping the future of Saudi fashion. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Youth culture, streetwear and sports are shaping brand narratives, a panel heard. Speakers discussed how fashion is being used as a tool for cultural storytelling, with an emphasis on grassroots creativity and community building.

Another topic highlighted the power of collaboration between local and international brands. Panelists discussed the importance of long-term partnerships, manufacturing localization, and mentorship to bridge gaps in knowledge and infrastructure.

Speakers also addressed the future of digital fashion, including virtual design, retail innovation, and new marketing strategies targeting Gen Z.

Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the regional and global fashion economy was a prominent theme of the discussions.

 

 


First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism

First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism
Updated 04 May 2025
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First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism

First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism
  • Discussions aim to support sustainable development, promote safe tourism environment

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia — in partnership with the Maldives — is organizing the tourism sector’s inaugural Saudi-Maldives International Forum on Integrity, which is set to take place in the Maldives from May 6 to 7.

The forum is jointly organized by Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, and the Maldives’ Anti-Corruption Commission, in cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

It will cover key topics such as enhancing transparency and governance in the tourism sector, combating corruption, and boosting international partnerships and expertise exchange among member states and regional and international organizations.

The discussions aim to support sustainable development and promote a trustworthy and safe tourism environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The forum is expected to attract international participation from more than 40 countries and 10 regional and international organizations.

Attendees will include ministers, heads, and representatives of anti-corruption bodies from OIC member states, as well as key international organizations like the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Interpol, the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, and the UN Development Programme. Local and international experts will also take part.

Organizing the forum reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global efforts promoting transparency and accountability in tourism, according to the SPA.

The event highlights Saudi Arabia’s recognition of tourism as a key driver of sustainable development, in line with Vision 2030. It aims to build a thriving tourism sector, diversify national income sources, and stimulate economic growth.

 


Saudi deputy minister receives Pakistan’s ambassador

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) holds talks with Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Waleed Elkhereiji (R) holds talks with Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 04 May 2025
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Saudi deputy minister receives Pakistan’s ambassador

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) holds talks with Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh. (Supplied)
  • They discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Christophe Varno in Riyadh.