In a region where the music industry is emerging, Nada Alhelabi is helping lead a music movement. As General Manager of the MDLBEAST Foundation, an entertainment company transforming Saudi Arabia’s music and creative landscape, she is empowering women in music. She’s not only creating unforgettable experiences but also building a more inclusive industry where women belong.
“What inspires me most is the soft power of music — how it opens hearts, fosters acceptance, and brings people together across backgrounds and borders.” — Nada Alhelabi
At the heart of her mission is a belief in music’s ability to connect, empower, and drive change. Alhelabi is shaping a future where music isn’t just heard, it’s a force for transformation.
In this Q&A, Nada Alhelabi talks about her bold career changes, her non-negotiables that keep her focused, and career advice for women
Q&A with Nada Alhelabi
Q&A with Nada Alhelabi
What inspired you to join MDLBEAST?
I was truly grateful to be invited to join the core team that launched the first-ever music festival in Saudi Arabia. It was a historic moment, and being part of it sparked a lifelong commitment to shaping the music landscape in my home country.
What inspires me most is the soft power of music — how it opens hearts, fosters acceptance, and brings people together across backgrounds and borders. Music creates a sense of connection and movement, which I believe are two essential elements of human life.
Our work also came at a pivotal time. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 was gaining momentum, with national goals centered around improving quality of life, enhancing cultural vibrancy, and unlocking the creative economy. We had the unique opportunity to support and accelerate that vision through music — and we continue to do so today.
Having experienced global festivals like Burning Man, EDC, and Ibiza, I saw how music can shape culture and leave lasting impact. With my background in sound healing and a passion for meaningful experiences, I saw MDLBEAST as a platform to help unlock Saudi’s creative potential — especially in supporting the underground scene and giving local artists the exposure they deserve.
Today, MDLBEAST has evolved into a multifaceted platform that includes large-scale events, creative spaces, a record label, a radio station, strategic advisory, and the Foundation. One of our proudest initiatives, XP Music Futures, serves as a flagship conference to connect, develop, and celebrate the regional music ecosystem.
What is the bravest thing you’ve done while on your journey?
One of the bravest things I’ve done on this journey was making a complete career shift — from management consulting in the healthcare sector to joining the music and entertainment industry. It wasn’t a predictable move, especially in a region where this field was still emerging, but it was the right one.
It gave me the platform not only to follow my passion but to help shape a space where others — especially women — could see themselves, belong, and lead.
That transition gave me the confidence and credibility to actively champion women in music, turning what was once just a conversation into visible, tangible change. Creating a platform that supports women across all areas of the industry — from artists and producers to executives — has been both a strategic priority and a personal mission.
The global music industry, including the MENA region, still faces a significant gender gap. But through MDLBEAST Foundation and initiatives like XP Music Futures and Hunna, we’re working to close it — not just by highlighting the issue, but by building real opportunities. I’m proud to see more women stepping into the Saudi music scene every day. It’s a sign that transformation is truly happening — and we’re not done yet.
What is a non-negotiable in your routine that keeps you focused?
Prioritizing my mental health, time, and energy is non-negotiable. I always protect certain boundaries — like having at least one no-meeting day each week — to create space for deep thinking and clarity. I also make it a point to stay physically active; movement, even in simple forms, helps keep my mind sharp.
I deeply value my relationships, so I dedicate time to connect with the people who matter — whether personally or professionally. As an extrovert, social energy fuels me. Spending time with others, having meaningful conversations, and exchanging ideas keeps me grounded and inspired.
Most importantly, I stay curious. I carve out time to discover new music, explore emerging artists, follow cultural trends, or experience new destinations. That sense of curiosity keeps me energized and reminds me why I do what I do — it’s not just about staying productive, it’s about staying connected to people, culture, and possibility and bringing it all back to my home country, Saudi Arabia.
What has been your biggest challenge while on this journey?
In the photo: Nada Alhelabi and Bader Assery, Senior Project Manager at the MDLBEAST Foundation.
It’s been a time of incredible opportunity — and we were fortunate to step into the music and entertainment space at exactly the right moment. With Saudi’s Vision 2030 placing a strong focus on culture, creativity, and quality of life, the environment was finally ready for something that had long lived underground to come into the spotlight.
The biggest challenge was building an entire music industry essentially from scratch — in a place where there was passion, but very little infrastructure.
There were no public platforms, few role models, and limited acceptance of music as a legitimate career path, especially for women.
So the challenge became twofold: showing the public and decision-makers that music can be a powerful, legitimate industry, and creating the ecosystem to support emerging talent and long-term growth. We listened to the community, asked what they needed, and built with purpose — shaping a culture where music isn’t just heard, but celebrated, invested in, and seen as a driver of national transformation. And this is exactly what our MDLBEAST Foundation programs are designed to do — to meet that need, close the gaps, and build a future where music is a core part of cultural and economic life in Saudi Arabia.
What advice would you give to other businesswomen or female leaders?
Stay connected, and don’t be afraid to share your story — one day it might inspire someone in ways you never expected. And never underestimate the value of what you do in your time off or who you meet along the way. Sometimes, the most important opportunities are born in the most unexpected places.
Being a woman in this space is not a limitation — it’s a strength. Your presence, perspective, and persistence can help shape the future of the industry. Keep showing up, and know that every step forward is part of a much bigger movement.
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