Beats Beyond Borders: Meet the Saudi DJs shaking up the Kingdom of Sound
Saudi Arabia’s vibrant DJ scene is taking shape, led by a new generation who are using music as their language of self-expression. For these artists, spinning records and creating electronic beats isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about selfexpression, reflecting the energy, ambition, and creativity of young people in the Kingdom. As genres like EDM and hip-hop continue to surge in global popularity, Saudi DJs are bringing their beats and bops to the party too.
Here are just some of the new wave of Saudi DJs pushing boundaries to create a sound that is unmistakably Saudi yet universally appealing.
- Cosmicat
Cosmicat has broken barriers in the Kingdom’s DJ scene as one of Saudi Arabia’s first female EDM producers. Blending house music and electronic beats, she has become a powerful force, performing in legendary venues like Ibiza’s Mikasa and London’s Fabric, as well as Dubai, Bahrain, and Saudi itself. Cosmicat’s influence extends beyond her music—she’s an inspiration for young Saudi women aspiring to enter the world of electronic music production. As she says herself about her chosen genre, “it can say so many things without saying a word.”
Follow and listen:
- Instagram (@cosmicatx)
- YouTube (@cosmicatx)
- SoundCloud (@cosmicatx)
- Spotify (Cosmicat)
- Want to get started? Try one of our favorites – Shakshaka
- Dish Dash
The brothers behind Dish Dash— Hassan and Abbas Ghazzawi— are two of the pioneers in the Saudi DJ movement, pushing the boundaries of what Saudi music can be. They were the first DJs to host an event in the Kingdom and they have since burst from the underground to headlining Saudi festivals and bringing Saudi sounds to international stages.
Follow and listen:
- Instagram (@dishdash_music)
- SoundCloud (@dishdashmusic)
- Spotify (Dish Dash)
- Here’s a little taste of Dish Dash’s fine work – Disko Luv
- Baloo
A veteran in the Saudi electronic music scene, Baloo has been instrumental for the Kingdom’s electronic music culture. His music takes listeners on a journey, blending house, techno, and tribal beats in his sets, reflecting his deep understanding of the global music scene while staying connected to his Saudi roots. Baloo has been considered as a driving force behind the success of MDLBEAST, helping shape it into a platform that showcases both local and international talent.
Follow and listen:
- Instagram (@a_baloo)
- Soundcloud (@a_baloo)
- Curious what we mean by a “journey”? Try Oasis Soundscape
- Spotify (@Baloo)
- Kayan
Kayan is a rising star in Saudi Arabia’s music scene, with her unique performances incorporating live violin and electronic beats captivating audiences at both local venues and large-scale events. Kayan’s ability to weave her classical training (she’s also a violinist in the Saudi National Orchestra!) into electronic music has made her one of the most promising talents in the Kingdom, helping to redefine what Saudi music can sound like on the global stage.
Follow and listen:
- Instagram (@kayan_music)
- Soundcloud (@kayanmusic)
- Here’s Kayan at one of her finest
- Biirdperson
Another powerful presence in Saudi Arabia’s DJ scene is Biirdperson. Known for her distinctive blend of ambient, downtempo, and electronic sounds, she’s quickly becoming a standout figure both locally and internationally. Her performances across Saudi, the region and beyond have showcased her ability to fuse futuristic beats with traditional influences, earning her a growing fan base across the globe.
Follow and listen:
- Instagram (@biirdperson)
- SoundCloud (@biirdperson)
- Dance, relax, or both – it’s up to you: Try Biirdperson’s Groove Therapy
- Tarab Electro
The dynamic duo of Ali and Nizar, also known as Tarab Electro, have gained a loyal following for the funky live performances and the way their sound offers a soulful insight into the diversity of Saudi music. For them, music is a tool to transcend cultural barriers and unite people. As regulars on the Paris and Riyadh dance scene and guests as far afield as Philadelphia and Washington D.C., they’re showing just how.
Follow and listen:
- Instagram (@tarabelectro)
- Soundcloud (@tarab-electro)
- Let’s get transported – Flight to Jazan
- Hatoon Idrees
A musician’s musician, Hatoon plays oud and keyboards, DJs, AND is studio and live performance manager of Big Wave Productions – a music production studio in Jeddah. Hatoon has been elevating other Saudi musicians through her own remixes, while also brining a uniquely Saudi sound to remixes of international artists too.
- Instagram (@hatoon.idrees)
- SoundCloud (@atoondrees)
- YouTube (@hatoonidrees4732)
- Close your eyes and see where in the world this takes you – Shkoon (Oud Remix)
