MDL Beast announces groundbreaking debut festival ‏in Riyadh

David Guetta will headline the festival. (AFP)
Updated 05 December 2019
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MDL Beast announces groundbreaking debut festival ‏in Riyadh

  • The region’s largest music and cultural festival will take place in Riyadh from Dec. 19-21
  • The festival will offer a multi-sensory, multi-stage experience, showcasing both local and international talent

RIYADH: ‏MDL Beast announced it will host the inaugural edition of MDL Beast Festival, the region’s largest music and cultural festival in Riyadh, from Dec. 19-21. 

MDL Beast Festival will feature a world-leading global music line-up with 18 global superstar headliners, 28 international dance acts and 24 local and regional performers, including global EDM and DJ stars, David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Steve Aoki and R3hab, alongside the biggest homegrown Saudi artists, including the country’s first female EDM DJ, Cosmicat, and the Saudi DJ duo, Dish Dash.

The festival will offer a multi-sensory, multi-stage experience, showcasing both local and international talent, representing all spheres of the cultural landscape across multiple Districts. A feast for the senses, it will enable festival goers to enjoy the most innovative, immersive experiences in world-class arts, culture and food in one single venue.

Saudi DJ, Ahmad Alammary, member of the festival team, said, “MDL Beast is more than just a festival. Empowered by innovation and technology in live entertainment, MDL Beast is also a platform with multiple objectives including ongoing seasonal local and global events, online and radio channels, recording studios, and a non-profit foundation promoting music education and therapy. We’re confident MDL Beast will be like nothing seen before and we cannot wait to experience this transformative musical milestone.”

Sharing a stage for the first time with Saudi talent, US DJ, Steve Aoki, said, “This summer I got to play in Saudi Arabia for the very first time; it was the most incredible experience that I'll never forget. So when I got the offer to play at the three day MDL Beast Festival, I was thrilled to become part of it and be back in the region again. It's gonna be an incredible event with tonnes of acts and lots of new names...it’s gonna be amazing.”

Female Saudi DJ, Cosmicat commented on her involvement: “I’m so proud of the fact that we’re hosting this festival in Saudi; it’s a great reflection of the Saudi audience being able to experience the music they love, both local and international, right here in Riyadh. As one of the first female EDM DJs here, I’m excited to be flying the flag and representing women on the scene. I can’t wait to share the stage with some phenomenal global talent and play for the MDL Beast crowd. This is going to be the set of my lifetime.”

MDL Beast Festival: The Soundstorm is coming...

For more information and to register for tickets go to www.MDLBeast.com

 


Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif

Updated 06 March 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif

If you were to ask me what the perfect weekend treat-yourself meal is, my first choice would be fried chicken, followed by fried chicken, followed by a burger (but make it fried chicken).

One of my favorite spots for this delicious indulgence is Chicken Industry in Qatif, which, over the past few years, has become a hometown classic.

They also opened another branch in Olaya, Alkhobar.

The great thing about Chicken Industry is that you really cannot go wrong with any item on their menu; the burgers, broasted, twister, tenders, and nuggets are all very well-seasoned, juicy, and crispy.

All their menu items are available in spicy and mild options.

They have a few burger selections.

The original chicken sandwich, which comes with American cheese, pickles, and their signature industry sauce (a must to get on the side with any order), is their take on the classic Popeyes/Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich.

For the big kahuna, the chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin that my mouth is watering just thinking about it. (Instagram: @chickenindustry.ksa)

If you want to try a different type of sauce, you could give the black pepper buttermilk sandwich a go — a good option for those who like a balance of flavors between creamy and slightly zingy.

My go-to, however, is the chicken zinger, which comes with American cheese, mayonnaise, and lettuce — a no-fuss burger that has all the right toppings, sauce, and seasoning for the chicken.

Although, I would appreciate the option to add tomato as well for a little something fresh in there.

All of the Chicken Industry burgers come with a soft brioche bun. No notes; it’s a great bun.

The twister, made with two crispy tenders, is also a crowd favorite and comes in a few different options: the original with mild sauce, the fiery twister with spicy sauce, the classic with pepper mayo, and the spicy twister with pepper mayo as well.

Whether you do not want to commit to the full bun burger or just prefer a tortilla, the twister is a great option to either accompany or be the star of your meal.

Now onto the big kahuna: the broasted. If you really want to indulge, this is the option for you.

It comes with four pieces, either spicy or mild (trust me, get the spicy), and is served with garlic sauce on the side.

Although nothing compares to the Chicky Fry broasted, this one is a very close second. The chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin; my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Their nuggets are good, though not amazing — fun to snack on, but I wouldn’t call them a necessity and definitely not as good as their tenders or other options.

And I must say the Chicken Industry French fries could use some improvement; not the greatest texture or flavor, just sort of meh. I will continue to order them because at the end of the day, they are fries, and they’re alright. Besides, no fried chicken meal is complete without fries.

And do not forget to get the sauces on the side: the cheese, the garlic, the industry mild or spicy, buffalo, barbecue, and buttermilk, depending on your preference. They all complement the meal very well.