Loading ...A Rising Epicenter of Music in Gulf States
By: Rena Elhessen / Arab America Contributing Writer
Saudi Arabia is among the Gulf states that are bringing forth a new era of music to the region. American metal and rock bands are performing in Gulf countries, some for the first time. Bands including Guns N’ Roses, Smashing Pumpkins, and Metallica are performing in the region this year, indicating a shift to embrace more Western music. This evolving role in bringing Western music to the region comes at the same time as Trump’s visit, indicating the centralized role of Gulf States on the world stage. This developing music scene reflects the overall consensus to elevate the Gulf states’ cultural influence on a global scale.
Metal and Rock Music in Saudi Arabia
The history of metal music in Saudi Arabia dates back to the late 1990s and its continued growth during the 2000s. When the first rock bands emerged, they did not receive a warm welcome in the region, as they were from the Western world. Heavy metal and rock music were seen as taboo by the conservative society. However, the recent embrace of Western music has been growing in line with the openness expressed by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz’s Vision 2030.
Vision 2030 is the Saudi initiative aimed at fostering a more diverse economy and society to move away from the reliance on oil. To achieve this initiative, the Kingdom is attracting global investment and creating a more vibrant society. This openness has extended into the cultural landscape of the region with an increase in Western music.
Regionally, the Kingdom is increasing access to Metal music and niche music genres, long considered taboo. This includes independent music labels and local concert spaces to encourage local talent. Most recently, Saudi Arabia has made a greater impact on the global music scene.
Guns N’ Roses in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia’s leading music platform, MDLBEAST, has brought a series of metal and rock bands to the country in recent years, bringing Metallica, Linkin Park, and Muse, and introducing others.
Among their most recent Western bands to perform is Guns N’ Roses. As part of the band’s 2025 global tour, Guns N’ Roses performed in Riyadh for the first time in history. The introduction of rock music to the landscape of Saudi Arabia acknowledges the long-standing presence of the genre while paving the way for an era of openness for the region.
Smashing Pumpkins to Debut in the UAE
The introduction of Western music to the region is not limited to Saudi Arabia. The United Arab Emirates is sharing this diversification in regional music, as they welcome some never-before-seen artists.
In a special one-night-only concert in Abu Dhabi, The Smashing Pumpkins are set to perform in the Etihad Arena. As part of their ‘Rock Invasion 2025’ tour, they will be stopping in the Middle East in a historic first for rock music. This trend in Western music arriving to the country is set to continue throughout the year.
Metallica in the Gulf States
Metallic will perform during the 2025 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, marking their first UAE show in 12 years. This will be the third time the heavy metal band will perform in the country. Following their regional debut in 2011, they returned in 2013. Both of these shows were sold out, showing a long-standing history of metal music in the region.
Bahrain is also set to diverge from the long-standing conservatism of the region. In the continuing pattern, they are set to welcome Metallica for their first-ever performance.
The introduction of heavy metal and rock music is not the only Western music debuting in the region this year. American Hip-hop artist Lil Baby and Mary J Blige are set to perform in Dubai later this year. These artists all share the commonality of being American-made, indicating the looming American influence in the region. These influence increases come after Trump has toured the Gulf states, indicating that there may be a new era of culture entering the region. The introduction of Western music idols is showing a greater shift in openness, while marking the heightening global presence of the Gulf states.
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