BRIDGE WANA: A WEEK IN RIYADH

BRIDGE LATAM: BACK IN VALDIVIA FOR THE FLUVIAL CONFERENCE

Riyadh, 13th December 2025

WIN traveled to Saudi Arabia from December 4 to 13 to participate in a week of activities at Riyadh Music Week. Through meetings, discussions, and networking, the trip helped lay the groundwork for future collaboration between WANA record labels and the global independent music community.

Representatives from the WIN network, including CEO Noemí Planas, board member Marty Ro (LIAK vice-chair, South Korea), Nina Radojewski (AIM Head of Membership, UK) and Engin Akinci & Can Bener (members of BMYD, Turkey) enjoyed the Saudi hospitality and met with independent music companies from the country, as well as from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Lebanon, and North Africa to continue supporting the growth of independent music in the region.

December 4-6 – XP Music Futures

MDLBEAST’s flagship conference, XP Music Futures provided moments of connection, creativity, and culture in the JAX district of Riyadh. It combined daytime conversations on the region’s music industry future with evening/night showcases and cultural exchanges. WIN representatives were able to meet with local record labels and other companies and deepen their knowledge of performance rights management in the region. WIN Supporter DISCO hosted a panel discussion on licensing music rights across borders.

December 7-10 – Takyah / Billboard Arabia Power Players / Fringe

Takyah cultural gathering connected global leaders with Riyadh’s music scene on December 7. Participants traveled to the Dunes & Dates Desert Camp for a day of music, networking and camel rides!

Billboard Arabia Power Players on December 8 honored pioneers of the Arab music industry. Spotlighting emerging artists and Riyadh’s venues, Fringe performances lighted up outdoor stages and intimate pop-ups in every corner of the city from December 7 to 10. These events provided WIN with a great opportunity to meet new colleagues, while enjoying local food and treats.

December 9-10 – Music Makers Summit / IMMF Awards

With a wide range of high-quality international delegates, the Music Makers Summit is where Saudi music policy is shaped, combining educational and policy chapters over a two-day conference. Will Page moderated a panel discussion with Noemí Planas (WIN CEO), Gigi Arabia (Heavy Arabia / IMMF) and Rawan Alfassi (MDLBEAST Records) on export strategies and how local artists and companies can leverage regional music characteristics and use data-driven methods to access global markets. WIN Supporter Sonovy attended the event on December 10.

The professional activities concluded with the IMMF Awards ceremony and dinner, held at Attaché in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh on December 10. WIN representatives joined the international body of managers to bring labels and managers closer together with a shared priority: to continue developing the independent music ecosystem in West Asia and North Africa.

December 11-13 – Soundstorm Festival

With more than 450.000 attendees, Soundstorm is a multi-genre music festival organized by MDLBEAST featuring global superstars and local talent. WIN representatives were able to enjoy the performances of Post Malone, Benson Boone and Pitbull, among many others, to conclude their stay in the Saudi capital.

BRIDGE is a project developed by WIN to strengthen the position of independent music companies in the digital ecosystem through research, resources, and collaboration. The activities at Riyadh Music Week were supported by the Saudi Arabia Music Commission and Merlin. The Turkish association of independent labels BMYD contributed to WIN’s efforts in WANA through Engin Akinci’s participation in the BRIDGE steering committee and research work.

About Bridge
BRIDGE and WINHUB are projects developed by WIN to address the digital gap across markets and to connect the independent recorded music community around the world, respectively.

About WIN
WIN is the international network that brings together the global independent music community. We connect and develop trade associations representing thousands of independent music businesses around the world, promoting a fair, transparent, and diverse music ecosystem with full market access and opportunities for all. winformusic.org

About IMPALA
IMPALA was established in 2000 and now represents over 6000 independent music companies in Europe. 99% of Europe’s music companies are small, micro and medium businesses and self-releasing artists. Known as the independents, they are world leaders in terms of innovation and discovering new music and artists – they produce more than 80% of all new releases and account for 80% of the sector’s jobs. IMPALA’s mission is to grow the independent music sector sustainably, return more value to artists, promote diversity and entrepreneurship, improve political access, inspire change, and increase access to finance. IMPALA works on a range of key issues for its members and started a new co-funded work programme as an EU cultural network in 2025. IMPALA runs various award schemes and has a programme aimed at businesses who want to develop a strategic relationship with the European independent sector – Friends of IMPALA

IMPALA – Independent Music Companies Association

Rue des Deux Eglises 37-39, 1000, Brussels, BELGIUM

+32 2 503 31 38