The MDLBEAST Foundation, in partnership with XP Music Futures and ONE DAY AT A TIME (ODAAT), is proud to announce the success of XCHANGE Doha, held on May 1st, 2025, at BIBO. The event brought together Doha’s music community for a day of connection, discovery, and growth, focusing on the city’s evolving music scene.
The event kicked off with a panel discussion titled “Shaping Doha’s Music Narrative,” moderated by Saadi Al Suwaidi. The panel featured key figures like Dimitri Khater, CEO of Hide, and rising artist Sahera, alongside ODAAT’s Joe Abou Rjaili. They discussed the opportunities and challenges facing Doha’s music industry, highlighting the potential for growth and the need for stronger community support.
Dimitri Khater noted, “Doha has changed a lot in the past years. It’s a diverse city, which creates opportunities for the country to introduce different cultures and music to the local market.” His insights emphasized how the city’s evolving identity offers a fertile ground for musical innovation and cultural exchange.
Joe Abou Rjaili echoed this sentiment, adding, “We’re creating a space for local DJs and producers while tapping into niche communities, giving them a chance to express themselves through music. It’s all about building something underground—we meet new artists, DJs, and producers every week.” His perspective highlighted the importance of grassroots efforts in fostering an inclusive and dynamic music scene.
The evening continued with an interactive workshop, providing participants with valuable insights and skills to enhance their music careers. The event concluded with an unforgettable XP Nite, featuring live performances by Sahera, Rana, Saadi Al Suwaidi, and DJ sets from Elios and AMR, capturing the city’s vibrant music culture.
XCHANGE Doha underscored the MDLBEAST Foundation’s commitment to supporting the region’s music ecosystem and fostering collaboration across the MENA region. The event was a significant step toward shaping the future of music in Doha and beyond, with more XCHANGE events planned in the region leading up to the XP Music Futures conference in Riyadh.
For more information, follow @mdlbeast.foundation and @xp_musicfutures on Instagram, and visit https://mdlbeast.com/mdlbeast-foundation-overview.