In a defining moment for the Middle East and North Africa's cultural landscape, Billboard Arabia unveils its exclusive new list, celebrating the visionary leaders shaping the future of Arabic music. This inaugural feature honors the industry's pivotal "power players"—the executives, companies, and creators working behind the scenes to build a modern, globally competitive music sector from the ground up.
This year's Billboard Arabia list spotlights 47 influential entities driving a fundamental transformation. Behind every chart-topping hit and viral sensation lies an entire ecosystem of talent fostering innovation, developing infrastructure, and equipping artists with the tools for global reach. From rights management and digital distribution to artist development and live events, the collaborative work of these leaders is the engine of the Arab world's rapidly growing music market.
As Arabic music undergoes a radical reshaping—fueled by new digital economies, cross-border opportunities, and an unprecedented wave of talent—this Billboard Arabia list documents a moment of maturation. It highlights the builders of a sustainable industry, not just a fleeting scene. These are the individuals expanding creative spaces, protecting creators' rights, developing technology, and forging collaborations that are redefining the sonic identity of a region.
This is Billboard Arabia's tribute to the visionaries, decision-makers, and passionate professionals who may not always stand in the spotlight but are foundational to every achievement. It is more than a roster of names; it is recognition of their critical role in crafting the future of Arabic music and amplifying its presence on the world stage.
Abu Recordings – Artist Management
Mark Razzouk – CEO
Founded in New York in 2018 and now headquartered in Cairo, Abu Recordings is an independent music institution with a vision to support the creativity and cultural identity of Arabic music worldwide. Its management roster includes artists like Saint Levant, Noor, Leila Fadla, and BYOU.
The music industry in one word? Timing.
Al Fan Music – Production Company
Mohammed Fattal – Founder & CEO
Abdelhamid Dawood – CFO
Zane Nakkari – Head of Music Partnerships
George "Josh" Rouhana – Music Marketing Manager
Mohammed Rajila – Operations Manager
Al Fan believes every creator has the opportunity to build a sustainable online income, especially as data shows less than 1% of artists can rely solely on streaming and concert revenue. The company focuses on opening new, diverse revenue streams for artists through direct-to-consumer products and brand partnerships. Its vision is to establish an integrated monetization ecosystem for the content industry.
In 2025, it developed the Alfan.io platform as a "single link for monetization," expanded its creator network, and built tools connecting brands with influencers and artists at scale.
Biggest challenge? The difficulty of building sustainable artist careers due to low advertising returns (CPM) on streaming platforms in the Arab world. Al Fan works to overcome this by developing alternative income sources.
Anghami – Streaming Platform
Eddie Maroun – Co-Founder
Mohammed Aqili – VP of Product & Growth
As the world's only music streaming platform dedicated to Arabic content, Anghami carries the region's musical legacy by supporting local talent and amplifying their voices across MENA and beyond. It balances preserving the richness of Arabic sound with pushing its evolution through innovation, original productions, and strategic collaborations.
Anghami has built a robust ecosystem with major telecom partnerships and deep industry relationships. Its collaboration with Saudi Arabia's Music Commission via the 'Moja' program equips rising talent with career development skills. The platform was also an early adopter of AI to enhance music discovery and personalization.
Biggest opportunity? Investing in the region's immense cultural heritage to launch new waves of creativity and produce music genres capable of global spread.
Avalon Music – Production Company
Anouar Ait Taleb – Partner at Avalon Music / Manager of DISTINCT
Naouaman El Mafdal – Creative Director
With Moroccan roots, Avalon Music operates with a vision to connect cultures through music, globalizing Arabic music and language by blending Arabic musical styles with modern Western patterns. It highlights cultural identity in its marketing to build deeper connections with diaspora communities worldwide.
2025 highlights include a sold-out European tour for DISTINCT, the #1 spot on the Billboard Arabia Hot 100 for "Yama," the 2025 Best Independent Music Company award, and producing the official song for the U17 World Cup with INEZ.
Biggest challenge? Initially facing rejection from established industry players, but perseverance and a strong connection to diaspora communities changed perceptions, leading to high-level embrace of Arabic music and its creators.
AWAL Middle East – Distribution
Eissa Ottah – President
AWAL Middle East was founded with a vision to empower artists through transparency, long-term strategy, and artistic independence. As a global company with an "artist-first" philosophy, it provides the infrastructure for stable careers and global success.
In 2025, AWAL officially expanded into the Middle East under Ottah's leadership, signing prominent names like Wejz and Inkonnu, whose chart successes validated its model.
Biggest challenge? Convincing artists to think outside conventional frameworks and choose transparent, long-term structures over quick-fix solutions.
Benchmark – Music Group
Mohamed Zaki Hassanein – CEO
Benchmark's vision is to create exceptional experiences that redefine entertainment, culture, and music in Saudi Arabia. It adopts the latest technologies and global standards to push creative boundaries, aligning with the ambitions of "Vision 2030."
Biggest challenge? Building a complete professional system that protects rights, organizes talent, and connects creativity with industry—transforming music from scattered individual efforts into a structured, sustainable sector driving growth.
Believe – Music Group
Dolly Makhlouf – General Manager, Middle East & Africa
Liliane Abou Daou – Head of Production & Artist Solutions, Middle East
Celine Hitti – Head of Artist Services, Middle East
Believe has become a key player in MENA's digital music sector, distinguished as the only international company with a physical presence across multiple markets, including the UAE, Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria.
With teams across seven countries, it supports artist independence and sustainability, serving everyone from Arab pop stars like Nancy Ajram to influential young voices like Didine Canon 16.
Biggest challenge? The gap between the creative potential of Arab artists and their ability to grow and earn a fair income. The surrounding ecosystem—data transparency, systematic artist development, professional management, and a supportive local economy—remains unbalanced.
Chabaka / Virgin Music MENA – Distribution
Alaa Maki – CEO, Chabaka / Virgin Music MENA
Shadi Matni – Strategy & Finance Advisor
Chabaka drives industry growth by providing resources and solutions that empower artists at every career stage, whether they stay true to their roots or explore new sounds. It ensures artists reach audiences across the region and the world.
Biggest opportunity? The Arab region is at a pivotal moment, transforming from a consumer of global music into a source of culture. This presents a real opportunity for today's music makers to leave their mark.
Craft Media – Production Company
Hamdy Badr – CEO
Craft Media's vision stems from a belief that music is not just an artistic product but a soul that lives in people's memories and transcends time. It aims to create hits that reshape the listener's sentiment, becoming part of personal moments and timeless musical landmarks.
2025 highlights included widely acclaimed works like "Habibi Wa Ibn Habibi" for Assala and "T'akabal Habib" for Elissa, as well as collaborations with Bahaa Sultan.
Biggest challenge? Weak intellectual property rights, piracy, and the rapid shift to a digital market without professional marketing strategies that keep pace with changing platforms.
DMS – Artist Management
Omar Humaidat – CEO & Co-Founder
Anas Hourani – Head of Artists
DMS focuses on empowering artists in MENA, providing an environment for growth and creativity. It believes in building an artistic community based on transparency, collaboration, and sustainable development.
In 2025, it expanded its artists' fanbases, secured placements on Billboard Arabia charts, and strengthened partnerships with distributors, labels, and event organizers. Its independent initiative, Radio Mostaqel, continues to support new voices.
Biggest opportunity? The way independent artists grow today; young creators can reach audiences directly, build their own fanbases, and share their voices without waiting for traditional label approval.
EMPIRE – Production Company
Ghazi Shami – CEO
Suheil Naffar – General Manager
Over the past year, EMPIRE made significant strides in connecting global music markets and highlighting diverse voices from the region and the world. Artist Mishaal Tamer saw a meteoric rise, topping Spotify Viral charts globally.
The company supported the launch of artists like Sharqiah, backed over 300 labels in the region, launched EMPIRE Publishing MENA, and contributed to the soundtrack of the award-winning Netflix series "Mo."
The Arabic music industry in one word? Local/Global.
ESMAA – Rights Management Organization
Ian Kemplen – Head of Licensing
Ian Kemplen leads ESMAA's licensing strategy, developing music rights frameworks in the Gulf. He has helped build one of the region's strongest rights infrastructures, signing nearly 40 representation agreements with global entities like PRS and GEMA.
His work includes licensing for major events like Expo 2020 Dubai, FIFA World Cup events, MDLBEAST, and a historic agreement with Anghami.
Biggest opportunity? Developing and applying copyright frameworks for music rightsholders in the Gulf will reshape the landscape, provide protection, and allow Gulf markets to solidify their position on the global music stage.
Free Music – Distribution
Nasr Mahrous – Founder & Chairman
Amira Mahrous – General Manager
Founded in the late 1980s by producer/director Nasr Mahrous, Free Music has been a landmark in Arabic music. Mahrous discovered and shaped iconic voices like Amine Sami, Samir Sorour, Mohamed Fouad, Mohamed Mounir, and, most impactfully, Bahaa Sultan.
In 2002, he launched the stardom of Sherine and Tamer Hosny, alongside discovering numerous other stars.
Biggest challenge? Changing listening habits with the rise of streaming, copyright crises, massive content competition, shifting audience preferences, and economic impacts on arts investment.
Glava Holding – Music Group
Ghassan Chertani – Group CEO
Glava Holding leads the transformation of the Arabic music industry from a fragmented craft economy into a sustainable, scalable, future-ready creative system. In 2025, it invested heavily in enhancing its digital infrastructure, developing AI-powered tools and proprietary systems like the Artist Profile Metric (APM).
Through its companies, it builds a comprehensive 360-degree support system encompassing artist management, digital innovation, branding, rights protection, and long-term development.
Biggest opportunity? The audience: over 500 million people sharing one language, more than half under 40—a vibrant, aware, and eager audience for new content.
Harb Management – Artist Management
Sherif Harb – Founder
Ibrahim Madkour – Talent Manager
Harb Management successfully transitioned over four artists to global platforms in just three years. It now looks to expand its MENA presence to enhance regional artists' access to new global audiences.
Biggest challenge? Connecting cultures and generations through new music concepts and contemporary blended genres.
Humanegement – Artist Management
Hadi Hajjar – Co-Founder & CEO
Tarek Abou Jawdeh – Co-Founder
With over 30 years of industry experience, Humanegement started with a simple conviction: the Arab music scene is rich with exceptional talent deserving of global recognition. It works with top talents like Elissa, Nancy Ajram, and Maya Diab.
Its mission is to build a deliberate framework for talent development—covering music, identity, branding, partnerships, and long-term planning.
In 2025, it launched Arab talents on international cultural platforms, strengthened its Gulf presence, and ran impactful campaigns.
The Arabic music industry in one word? Promising.
IFPI MENA – Institution
Rawan Dabbas – Regional Director
In 2025, IFPI MENA continued shaping music policies by launching the Global Music Report and enhancing regional efforts. Its initiatives included creating a legislative environment that balances creativity and AI, and protecting music from streaming fraud and piracy.
Key achievements included establishing national music licensing entities and launching the Official MENA Charts.
Biggest opportunity? Building the first modern music licensing framework across the Gulf, with government and industry partner support, to establish clear, fair structures that protect artists and enable sustainable growth.
Live Nation MENA – Live Events
James Craven – President
Live Nation MENA is building a vibrant live music scene where audiences feel connected and artists see the Middle East as a key tour destination. Its vision is to deliver a calendar of world-class shows across genres, support local talent, and expand live entertainment in the region.
2025 highlights included Coldplay's return to Abu Dhabi and expansion into new markets.
The Arabic music industry in one word? Continual growth.
Luxury KSA – Music Group
HRH Prince Khalid bin Mansour bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – Chairman
Eissa Jabarti – General Manager
LuxuryKSA focuses on discovering and developing exceptional talent, providing integrated services to build their careers in music and the arts. It aims to support artists in delivering refined artistic experiences that suit Saudi Arabia's growing creative scene.
Biggest challenge? A fragmented infrastructure—from rights management to distribution—making it difficult for artists and production companies to expand regionally with clarity and consistency.
Mazzika Group – Music Group
Mohsen Gaber – Chairman
Hisham El Jazaar – Group CEO
Mohamed Gaber – Group Vice Chairman & Founder of Gamma Music
Moustafa Gaber – Executive Producer, Creative & Production Affairs
Mazzika Group continues its mission to create music that transcends generations and borders, empowering artists while preserving authenticity and developing the Arab sound globally.
In 2025, it saw significant global expansion of its catalog reach. A key milestone was Ahmed Saad's album "Hebeena," which blended Arabic spirit with a modern Latin vibe.
Biggest opportunity? The global rise of Arabic music. As international audiences increasingly seek diverse sounds, Arabic music—rich in identity and narrative—is poised for global spread, aided by streaming platforms.
MDLBEAST – Music Group
Ramadan Al-Hartany – CEO
Nada Al-Helabi – General Manager, MDLBEAST Foundation
Talal Al-Bahiti – Chief Operating Officer & Head of Music Sector
Ahmed "Balo" Al-Amari – Creative Director
Ryan Al-Rashid – Operations & Artist Booking Manager
MDLBEAST's mission is to amplify the power of music, culture, and community by creating world-class experiences that highlight local talent and connect global communities. It aims to establish the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia, as a global hub for music, entertainment, and innovation.
2025 achievements included expanding its major festivals, developing new artist support platforms, and growing its global presence through new partnerships.
Biggest opportunity? The global expansion of Arabic music, its rising presence on international charts and soundtracks, and major live platforms. With artists like Elyanna and Saint Levant appearing at events like Coachella, Arabic music is becoming a global cultural force.
Music Nation – Institution
Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak – Chairperson
As the UAE's leading music rights management organization, Music Nation is dedicated to supporting creators and developing a sustainable, transparent music ecosystem based on innovation and global standards. Licensed by the Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Tourism, it provides the infrastructure for artists and rightsholders to ensure fair compensation.
Under Al Mubarak's leadership, it has quickly become a cornerstone of the nation's creative economy through global partnerships and technological innovation.
In collaboration with global institutions like BMI, it uses cutting-edge technology to track rights and distribute royalties efficiently.
Outlaw Production – Production Company
DJ Outlaw – Founder, CEO & Music Producer
Sarah Nabil – Executive Partner & Artist Manager
Over the past decade, Outlaw Production has played a key role in reshaping the regional music scene, creating new trends, and raising artistic quality standards. Its mission is to develop a sustainable music industry and push Arabic music toward global recognition.
A landmark 2025 achievement was becoming the first Bahraini entity to join the Recording Academy globally, with DJ Outlaw as a voting member and Sarah Nabil as a professional member.
Biggest opportunity? The immense growth space for Arabic music, as the regional market hasn't yet reached the saturation seen in other global markets.
Platinum Records – Production Company
Nadine Tarabay – Director
Hassan El Sayed – Talent Manager
As part of the MBC Group, Platinum Records is one of the Middle East's leading music companies, dedicated to supporting Arab talent across the region. It excels in artist development, high-quality production, and offers unparalleled media access through MBC's platforms.
Its diverse roster includes Arab pop, Khaleeji, hip-hop, and emerging modern styles, with stars like Mohammed Assaf and Hala Al Turk.
The music industry in one word? Constantly evolving.
PopArabia – Music Group
Spek – Founder & CEO of PopArabia / Founder & CEO of ESMAA / EVP of International & Emerging Markets at Reservoir
Wissam Khodr – VP, A&R & Acquisitions
Ian Kemplen – Head of Licensing at ESMAA
Founded in 2011 with support from twofour54 Abu Dhabi, PopArabia is a leading music publishing and recording company in MENA. It signs development deals, acquires catalogs, and expands its presence through its partnership with global giant Reservoir.
Recent signings include Nancy Ajram and Omar Kamal. It also oversees music for major regional productions like "Arabs Got Talent."
Biggest opportunity? First, the remarkable growth of independent artists and music makers. Second, the increasing focus on building a copyright revenue infrastructure in the region through publishers and rights management organizations.
RAAD Records – Production Company
Asim Taju – Founder & CEO
Malik Taju – General Manager & Co-Founder
Wejz – Artist & Co-Founder
Marianne Liouss – Head of A&R
One of the fastest-growing independent labels, RAAD Records acts as a creative platform for unique voices and powerful stories from across the region. It works hand-in-hand with artists on long-term strategies.
2025 highlights included the release of Wejz's debut album with global features, signing artists from across the Arab world, and a historic collaboration between Mohamed Mounir and Wejz.
Biggest challenge? Changing the traditional image of Arabic music and having the courage to experiment and adopt different musical styles.
Rotana Music Group – Music Group
Salem El Hindi – CEO
Rotana Music Group seeks to shape the future of Arab entertainment by empowering artists, preserving musical heritage, and leading the industry through innovation and global expansion.
In 2025, it strengthened its presence through global concerts, strategic partnerships, digital platform development, and expanding the world's largest Arabic music catalog.
Biggest opportunity? Untapped global potential. With a growing diaspora audience, rising digital platforms, and increasing international interest in regional sounds, Arabic music is poised to enter new markets.
Sony Music Middle East – Production Company
Ramy Mohsen – General Manager
Ahmad Al Ghwanmeh – VP of Growth & Revenue
Nour Reza – Co-Head of Local Marketing & Promotion
Sony Music Middle East places artists at the heart of its work, supporting their creative vision and providing the tools for local and global career development. It works with top regional names, launching innovative marketing campaigns and global partnerships.
A key 2025 milestone was Amr Diab's album "Ebtedena," whose songs dominated the Billboard Arabia charts for weeks.
The Arabic music industry in one word? Diverse.
Sony Music Publishing MENA – Publishing Company
Dunya Shabaan – General Manager
Babel Sadeq – A&R
Nader Bou Nader – Sync Manager
Sony Music Publishing MENA places songwriters and composers at the core of its mission, protecting their work and enhancing their understanding of IP rights and metadata.
In 2025, it hosted its first official writing camp in Cairo, bringing together regional and global writers, and launched educational workshops across the region.
Biggest challenge? The gap between creativity and ownership. Many songwriters lack basic knowledge of rights and shares, leading to poor decisions, loss of leverage, and unprotected works.
Spotlightlive Entertainment – Live Events
Maher Khoukazey – Founder & General Manager
Founded in 2005 as an independent booking and events agency, Spotlightlive has grown into a major player in the Arab live music scene, having presented over 1,300 concerts across the Middle East, Gulf, and Europe.
It has helped build the identity of major festivals like Dubai Shopping Festival and Jordan's Jerash Festival.
The Arabic music industry in one word? Inspiring.
Spotify – Streaming Platform
Mark Abou Jaoude – Head of Music, MENAP
Since its 2008 launch, Spotify revolutionized how the world listens to music. In MENAP, its mission is to support Arab culture and empower artists to build long-lasting, impactful careers.
2025 saw exceptional growth in global listening to Arabic music, a rise in release volumes, and increased cultural influence. Arabic music is now inspiring international collaborations.
Biggest opportunity? The size and influence of the new generation of Arab talent, impacting music not just locally, but globally.
Star System – Live Events
Amin Abi Yaghi – Founder & CEO
A key influencer in regional entertainment, Star System is built on founder Amin Abi Yaghi's extensive legacy. His career includes managing stars like Elissa and organizing over 600 shows since 1992.
Since its official founding in 2000, it has set standards for premium event production and artist tours in the Middle East, managing major festivals and concerts.
Its portfolio includes major festivals like Beirut Holidays and the Jounieh International Festival.
Takwene – Production Company
Ayman Konna – Founder & CEO
Ahmed Rafea – General Manager & Co-Founder
Mahmoud Rafea – Creative Director & Co-Founder
Takwene focuses on empowering rising and underrepresented talent in the region by providing the tools, support, and global presence needed for success.
In 2025, it enhanced international collaborations through regional remix projects and supported talents with innovative editorial and marketing campaigns. It is also developing its Women in Music initiative.
Biggest challenge? Breaking down entrenched industry barriers that constrain rising artists—from weak infrastructure to limited regional collaboration—while ensuring fair representation for MENA's diverse voices.
The Basement Records – Production Company
Mohamed El Shaer – Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Hassan El Shafai – Co-Founder & Artist
The Basement Records seeks to highlight authentic, bold voices and connect promising talent with high-quality production. Its vision is for its sonic identity to become a global standard in innovation and musical storytelling.
A standout 2025 achievement was overseeing the complete musical experience for the grand opening of Egypt's Grand Egyptian Museum, blending ancient history with contemporary creativity.
Biggest opportunity? Investing in MENA's position as the world's fastest-growing streaming market, driven by a digitally native young generation. This digital wave gives authentic Arab voices a chance to break through globally.
The Fridge – Live Events
Shelley Frost – Founder & Director
2025 marked 18 years of building music platforms and developing the region's creative infrastructure. Successes include seeing artists they initially supported now headlining major shows and launching three artists internationally for the first time.
It participated in International Jazz Day, launched "The Writer’s Room" platform, and brought its concert series from Dubai to Riyadh.
Biggest challenge? The absence of a clear, integrated development path for artists. Emerging talents may get an initial performance opportunity but lack a continuous structure to build a sustainable career.
The Orchard – Distribution
Mahmoud Gamal El Din – Associate Director, Client Marketing & Market Segmentation, Middle East
A global leader in independent music distribution, The Orchard operates in over 50 cities with 700+ employees. It focuses on the intersection of music and technology, offering comprehensive solutions from digital/physical distribution to marketing and rights management.
In MENA, it supports local genres like Egyptian Mahraganat and Saudi Shilat, growing their presence on global digital platforms. It also manages one of the world's largest Islamic catalogs.
Biggest opportunity? The potential for increased global growth, driven by a wide diaspora audience, more artist tours in Europe and the US, and expanding international fanbases.
The Recording Academy – Institution
Timur Mermerashi – EVP of Global Growth & Outreach
In 2025, the Recording Academy continued its mission to support music makers globally, with a vision for a diverse, interconnected artistic community.
The year saw significant expansion of its global strategy, with new partnerships in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. A key milestone was launching GRAMMY House Giza in Egypt, an innovative cultural center.
Biggest opportunity? Global expansion. With growing young talent and expanding digital presence, Arabic music is ready for global recognition. The Academy's international partnerships can help build the necessary frameworks and pathways.
The Warehouse – Live Events
Hamzah Alattas – CEO
Abdulqader Alahmad – Music Consultant
Mohammed Alattas – Program Director
Ahmed Alattas – Partnerships
Sadeem Altayar – Marketing
Founded in Riyadh as Saudi Arabia's largest independent music platform, The Warehouse has become a vital hub for creativity and cultural exchange. In 2025, it strengthened its role through collaborations with leading institutions like the Music Commission.
It developed diverse nightly experiences, hosted prominent names like Aziz Maraka, and launched the TWH podcast. It concluded the year with an official invitation to speak with the General Entertainment Authority.
It has solidified its influential place in enhancing Saudi cultural identity.
UAM – Production Company
Kaya Sarkis – General Manager
Alan Zadeh – Executive Vice President
Eliane El Haj – PR Director & Media Consultant
Hamza Zahr – VP of Artist Relations & A&R
Msary – Head of A&R
Since its 2021 launch, UAM has been committed to embracing young talent and pushing Arabic music and culture toward global recognition.
2025 celebrations included Saint Levant's "Clementina" spending over 31 weeks on the Billboard Arabia Hot 100, Elyanna's global tours (including shows with Coldplay), and upcoming releases from artists like Marwan Moussa.
The Arabic music industry in one word? The future.
Universal Music MENA – Music Group
Karima Damir – VP of Artist Development & Repertoire Growth
Firas Abou Fakhr – VP of Strategy & Development
Hiba Abi Haidar – A&R
As the regional arm of the world's largest music company, Universal Music MENA works to amplify diverse voices across MENA. Led by Patrick Boulos, it pursues an ambitious expansion strategy in one of the creative industry's fastest-growing regions.
2025 saw significant expansion through the acquisition of Chabaka and Beirut Records, and major successes with artists like Rami Sabri and Mohamed Mounir.
Biggest opportunity? Stemming from its biggest challenge—a fragmented cultural environment—there is a huge opportunity to bridge cultural gaps across the region and achieve cross-border reach.
Unsigned Group – Artist Management
Gavin Maher – Global Founder & President
Guy Perriman – Co-Founder
Caroline Roche – CEO
Adam Smith – Head of Music
Unsigned Group aims to empower global voices and build platforms that unite culture, creativity, and community.
In 2025, it expanded its MENA operations, managing a growing roster including Zayn, Mishaal Tamer, and Diztortion. It also takes pride in its AlUla Creates initiative, which gained wide global resonance.
Biggest challenge? The lack of a true grassroots system. While focus often goes to global stars, local talents still need development, infrastructure, and long-term support. Building sustainable pathways is key to real growth and global recognition.
Viral Wave – Distribution
Rania Ibrahim – Head Marketing Manager
Based in the UAE, Viral Wave is a music distribution and production company supporting MENA artists and taking their music to global audiences. It distributes and promotes Arabic music on major platforms like Spotify and Anghami, and manages artists' YouTube presence.
It works with prominent names like Rami Sabri and Rami Gamal, handling everything from digital distribution to rights management and social media strategy so artists can focus on creativity.
Vocally – Live Events
Hisham Khaled – Co-Founder
Ahmed Makram – Co-Founder
Vocally sees itself as the true musical voice of Saudi Arabia. Launched in 2020, it aims to revive authentic tarab and present refined artistic projects, creating a uniquely art-appreciating community.
It has become a leading platform for executing high-end festivals for major entities. Its "Vocally Nights" series has become a landmark, with over 150 events attended by 200,000 music lovers.
Biggest opportunity? The Arabic music industry is promising and still ripe with opportunities.
Warner Music MENA – Music Group
Ahmed Nour-Eldin – General Manager
Anoor Alb Aiden – Commercial Director
Noura Omar – A&R Director
Celine Berji – Head of Marketing & Partnerships
Iman Fassah – General Manager, North Africa
Warner Music MENA aims to transform artists' ambitions into global success and build a sustainable music ecosystem for Arab talent to thrive locally and internationally.
In 2025, it strengthened its position as a global force in the region by expanding its roster, increasing regional/international collaborations, and investing in key markets to empower local talent.
Biggest challenge? Building scalable infrastructure that supports long-term artist development. Creators need stronger pathways to turn early momentum into sustainable careers, especially with the continued difficulty of earning fair income from digital platforms.
WKS – Distribution
Emad Mousa – Founder & CEO
Moustafa Khalid – Head of A&R
WKS aims to enhance the industry's digital transformation by developing advanced operational frameworks aligned with global standards, allowing artists and partners to reach wider audiences sustainably.
In 2025, it expanded global partnerships with Warner Music and Yango Play, and made significant improvements to its rights and distribution systems.
Biggest opportunity? The rapid growth of digital platforms, enabling Arabic music to expand globally and giving independent artists the ability to reach new audiences.
Yango Play – Streaming Platform
Roman Shimansky – CEO
Ivan Koptsov – Chief Product & Technology Officer (CPTO)
Inez Claryana – Chief Operating & Marketing Officer (COO & CMO)
Georges Naameh – Head of Music Content
Yango Play seeks to redefine the entertainment experience in the Middle East by combining advanced technology with Arab cultural richness. Its vision is to build an innovation-driven platform that leads the future of music and video discovery.
In 2025, it expanded its Arabic content library, enhanced music curation across key regions, launched a new user interface, and introduced AI-powered recommendations.
Biggest opportunity? Elevating to a global level through technology and cultural curation. AI, accurate metadata, and strategic regional partnerships make the world more ready than ever to receive authentic Arab voices.
YouTube Music – Streaming Platform
Janet Ashqar – Head of YouTube Music
Sarah Bzeyan – Strategic Partnerships & Label Development Manager
Alla Ben Amor – Head of Music & Podcast Content Strategy, MENAT
Josh Holland – Label Business Development & Partnerships Manager (Middle East, CEE, Turkey)
Julie Chavasieux – Senior Strategic Partnerships & Artist Development Manager (Middle East, France, Northern Europe)
YouTube's mission is to "give everyone a voice and show them the world." In 2025, YouTube Music proudly launched its Foundry program in MENA—a global artist development program for independent artists, designed to empower them with the tools needed to build successful careers on the platform.
Since its global launch in 2015, Foundry has acted as an incubator and launchpad, providing resources, mentorship, and hands-on support. This year, artist Zeyne was selected to represent the region as one of the program's standout stars.
Biggest opportunity? MENA's transformation into a major global music hub means the biggest opportunity lies in exporting Arabic music to the world—a path artists like Amr Diab, Cheb Mami, Elyanna, and Toulite have already begun paving.
