Beyonce’s father Mathew Knowles to speak at MDLBEAST’s XP Music Futures conference in Riyadh

Giving this year's motivational keynote session will be Matthew Knowles, the architect of Destiny’s Child and his daughters Beyoncé and Solange Knowles’ early solo careers. (Supplied)
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Updated 20 September 2022
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Beyonce’s father Mathew Knowles to speak at MDLBEAST’s XP Music Futures conference in Riyadh

DUBAI: MDLBEAST’s XP Music Futures, a first-of-its-kind music conference in the Middle East region launched in 2021, unveiled its speaker lineup for its 2022 edition on Tuesday.

The conference is set to take place in Riyadh from Nov. 28-30.

The industry event will welcome five keynote speakers representing diverse backgrounds including musical talent, music executives, record labels and music businesses.

Giving this year's motivational keynote session will be Mathew Knowles, the architect of Destiny’s Child and his daughters Beyoncé and Solange Knowles’ early solo careers.

Titled as 'Reinvention & Relevance: Building Longevity in Your Career with Mathew Knowles,’ Knowles will be offering tips to Saudi and regional talent on how to breathe life into their music and entertainment career.

 

 

Meanwhile, Palestinian-Chilean singer-songwriter Elyanna is one of the eclectic artists set to light up XP Music Futures this year.

Former manager of Swedish House Mafia, Amy Thomson, will also be joining the speaker lineup this year at XP Music Futures.

Next in the lineup is Lil Eazy, the Jeddah-based rapper and hip-hop musician who has gained popularity across the region for his unique style. The artist will host a session titled ‘Creating a Hit Song: Formula Vs.Trend.’

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Hardwell (@hardwell)

 


Initiating conversations around mental health and wellbeing will be Dutch superstar DJ and Revealed Recordings founder Hardwell, who will host a session labeled ‘Wellness for the Constantly Creative Mind.'

 

 

“We are thrilled to be able to bring the greatest minds from the international music industry together, in the heart of the Kingdom, to connect with XP Music Future’s community. For a second year running, we will discuss and gain mission-critical insight into the opportunities and challenges of accelerating the regional creative music scene we have today,” Nada Alhelabi, Director of XP Music Conference, commented in a released statement.

Tickets to the event will be available at https://mdlbeast.com/events/xp-2022 starting Sept. 24.


Georges Chakra presents new couture collection in Paris

Updated 28 January 2026
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Georges Chakra presents new couture collection in Paris

  • Chakra introduces ‘new Parisienne attitude’
  • Top Arab designers also have shows in city

DUBAI: Lebanese designer Georges Chakra has presented his Spring/Summer 2026 couture collection at Paris Haute Couture Week, offering a contemporary interpretation of the house’s established design codes through refined silhouettes and detailed craftsmanship.

Drawing on the heritage of the maison, the collection revisited classic elements of elegance while introducing what the designer described in an Instagram post as a “new Parisienne attitude.”

Soft pastels, ivory and metallic tones defined the palette, moving between pale blue, blush, lavender and gold across the runway.

The show featured a range of sculpted looks, with structured bodices balanced by feathered appliques, floral embroidery and layers of sheer tulle.

Strapless gowns with petal-like embellishments appeared alongside column dresses finished with subtle shimmer, while ruffled sleeves, organza capes and sheer overlays created volume and movement.

White gowns formed a central part of the collection, ranging from minimal silhouettes with clean lines to more elaborate designs incorporating veils, hats and lattice-style embroidery.

Soft pastels, ivory and metallic tones defined the palette. (Getty Images)

Sequins, hand-applied florals and intricate beading appeared throughout the collection. The show concluded with a bridal look featuring sheer embroidery and floral detailing.

After beginning his career in Beirut, where he initially worked at his home studio following his graduation from an institution in Canada, Chakra founded his fashion house in 1985.

He later expanded his atelier to Paris, debuting on the Haute Couture Week calendar in 2002, and has since built an international reputation for couture and eveningwear, dressing a wide range of regional and global figures for major red-carpet appearances.

His designs have been worn by celebrities including Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Beyonce, Cara Delevingne, Tyra Banks, Jennifer Lopez, Helen Mirren, Molly Sims and Andra Day.

Chakra was among several Arab designers featured during Paris Haute Couture Week this season.

Georges Hobeika and Tony Ward had already presented their Spring/Summer 2026 couture collections earlier in the week, while Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Ashi Studio and Rami Al-Ali are scheduled to show later on the official calendar.