A Feast for the Senses, MDLBEAST’s Debut Edition of 1001 Festival

This past weekend, the desert sands of Binban transformed into a realm of fantasy as MDLBEAST unveiled its latest festival concept, 1001 Festival. Drawing inspiration from the folk tales of the Middle East and beyond, the two-day event fused storytelling with the cutting edge of dance music, offering attendees an immersive experience that was truly like no other. Set against the backdrop of the Saudi desert, 1001 wove together a mythical universe with a stunning array of the most forward-thinking names in electronic music today.

From the moment the gates opened, festival-goers were transported into a world where each stage told its own tale. The Qafilah Stage, reminiscent of a nomadic caravan, guided attendees through a journey of sound. With colorfully vibrant ships and traditional patterns, their bows adorned with camel heads carrying a DJ that keeps the caravan alive.

“With 1001, we set out to create a new music experience that felt original to us. A world that pulls from our heritage but speaks to a global audience. Seeing so many people respond to that idea, and truly immerse in the festival for two amazing nights, is the kind of reward you can’t plan for; it just happens when it’s real.” – Ramadan Alharatani (CEO of MDLBEAST)

Qasr, with its regal architecture, echoed the grandeur of sultans’ palaces and ballrooms, The palace hosted many of the world-renowned DJs. While Bustan’s treehouse DJ booth sat above the vines and floral installation, which painted a complete melody oasis. Sahaab, floating like a magic carpet with its motion-suspended stage wrapped in a sea of woven patterns, provided ethereal soundscapes that left the crowd spellbound by the shimmering LED lights.

The lineup, however, is what made the fantasy of 1001 a reality.

Thursday night, wasted no time showing the festival’s sonic dynamism. DJ Snake stormed the mainstage with a set full of both musical firepower and crowd-commanding confidence. Salvatore Ganacci, one of the scene’s ultimate showmen, delivered his signature mix of weird, wonderful, and wildly entertaining.

Mochakk had The Qafilah Stage utterly locked in, bouncing between joy and swagger with his unrivaled and raw take on modern tech house. Prior to his set, the rare back-to-back from DJ Tennis and Seth Troxler quickly became one of the night’s most talked-about performances. The two longtime tastemakers delivered a loose, effortlessly curated session full of left turns and deep cuts, ultimately echoing the sense of exploration that 1001 was built on.

Friday night brought its own sense of gravity, guiding fans deeper into the weekend’s story. At the heart of it was Eric Prydz, who’s headlining set blended precision and scale as he wove through a setlist of classics and IDs. ARTBAT carried their crowd with melodic urgency, while Hot Since 82 brought warmth and groove to Bustan, his selections landing with both energy and ease. Back across the site, Nicole Moudaber and Dixon offered two striking contrasts—one a force of raw, percussive power, the other a masterclass in subtle-yet-simmering control.

Set in the heart of the Saudi desert and inspired by the stories that have shaped generations, 1001 invited festival-goers into something rare: a world that fuses mythical folklore with the sounds of the future. Over two nights, Binban became a place where music and storytelling moved together, creating moments that were timeless yet innovative. With its debut chapter now written, the journey of 1001 is only just beginning.