Must-see concerts in Saudi Arabia: From Eminem to Kid Cudi

Whether you’re a K-popper or a teenybopper, here are the best concerts in Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla this year.

Live entertainment is on the rise in Saudi Arabia, with international and local artists taking to stages across the Kingdom. If you love live music, these are the all-important dates for your diaries. Curtain up – here are the best concerts in Saudi Arabia.

Kid Cudi: 25 August

The Esports World Cup in Riyadh is welcoming famous faces from around the world, from footballer Neymar to DJ Steve Aoki. Now, rapper, actor and fashion icon Kid Cudi will be headlining the event. Kid Cudi hails from Ohio, United States. He moved to New York to start a music career and met his mentor, Kanye West. He first gained popularity for his song Day ‘n’ Nite, which was published on his MySpace space. His hit singles include Erase Me, Mr. Rager, Make Her Say and Pursuit of Happiness. Over Kid Cudi’s career, he has sold more than 22 million records. He has won two Grammy Awards. He has also worked with artists including Ariana Grande, David Guetta, Eminem and Shakira.

GO: Visit www.esportsworldcup.com for more information. 

Steve Aoki: 25 August 2024

Steve Aoki will close the Esports World Cup in Riyadh and perform on Sunday, 25 August. He hails from Miami, Florida, and grew up in Newport Beach, California. He is best known as a DJ and record producer and has worked with some of the world’s biggest artists, including Afrojack, Backstreet Boys, Iggy Azalea, and Will.I.Am. Over his career, Steve Aoki has become one of the highest-earning electronic music artists. In 2019 he published his memoir, Blue: The Color of Noise. Plus, he has been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Dance and Electronica Album.

GO: Visit https://mdlbeast.com for more information.

James Blake: 19 to 21 September

AZIMUTH is bringing amazing music to AlUla. The line-up includes British singer and songwriter, James Blake. Plus, Ben Böhmer, Cosmicat, Ghostly Kisses, Seth Troxler, Jamie Jones, Amine K and more. James Blake’s music combines electronic, bass, R&B and soul influences. His hit songs include Don’t Miss It, Godspeed, King’s Dead and Retrograde. His albums include Assume Form, Friends That Break Your Heart, and Playing Robots Into Heaven. Over his career, he has worked as a songwriter and produced for other artists, including Beyonce, Frank Ocean, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Travis Scott.

GO: Visit experiencealula.com for more information. 

Amr Diab: 27 September

Egyptian pop sensation Amr Diab will headline AlUla Skies Festival 2024 with an evening spanning culture, heritage, art and entertainment at a new outdoor concert venue in AlUla. With his infectious tunes and smooth vocals, Amr Diab has dominated the charts for decades and become the most streamed artist of all time on the music platform, Anghami. The Guinness World Record holder is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to Arabic music. With timeless hits that have garnered an immense following across the globe, prepare for an unforgettable evening set against the backdrop of AlUla’s awe-inspiring landscape.

GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.

Eminem: 12 to 14 December 2024

The beast is back. MDLBeast Soundstorm 2024 is returning to Riyadh and will take place from 12 to 14 December. Eminem will headline the region’s largest music festival, and although the date of his performance hasn’t been announced yet, it will mark the rapper’s first-ever concert in Saudi Arabia. Known for his raw lyrics and rapid-fire delivery, Eminem’s career spans over two decades, with numerous awards and chart-topping albums to his name. Some of his biggest hits include Mockingbird, The Real Slim Shady and Without Me

GO: Visit https://mdlbeast.com for tickets and more information.

Muse: 12 to 14 December 2024

Riyadh is turning up the volume, as it has announced a stellar act for MDLBeast Soundstorm 2024. English rock sensations Muse will be heading to the Saudi capital to wow crowds with an electrifying performance. This rock band—consisting of Matt Bellamy, Dominic Howard, and Chris Wolstoneholme—was formed in 1994 and has been dominating the music scene ever since. With its unique fusion of rock, electronic, R&B, and a dash of rock opera, Muse has managed to stay in the game for 30 years. With chart-topping albums like The 2nd Law, Absolution, and Drones, and hits including Hysteria, Psycho, and Uprising.

GO: Visit https://mdlbeast.com for tickets and more information.

Thirty Seconds to Mars: 12 to 14 December 2024

The countdown is on. The American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars have announced that they will be performing at MDLBeast Soundstorm 2024. The band was formed in Los Angeles, California, and includes the brothers Jared and Shannon Leto. Jared is better known for his acting credentials, as he has starred in films including American Psycho and House of Gucci. Thirty Seconds to Mars is famous for its alternative rock sound. The songs include A Beautiful Lie, Closer to the Edge and The Kill. The band have sold more than 15 million albums, and toured the world and headlined festivals.

GO: Visit https://mdlbeast.com for tickets and more information.