The Saudi music scene is having a moment , and it’s not a quiet one. Spotify’s first-ever Loud & Clear Saudi Arabia report has revealed a wave of discovery, creativity, and global growth that’s redefining what it means to be a Saudi artist today. In 2024 alone, Saudi artists were discovered by first-time listeners more than 220 million times, while royalties topped SAR13 million, a 76% jump in just one year.
It’s an exciting milestone that reflects both a thriving homegrown music culture and a powerful global appetite for Saudi sound.
“A track released in Riyadh can find listeners in Mumbai or Cairo overnight,” says Mark Abou Jaoude, Spotify’s Head of Music for MENAP. That’s the power of streaming, it removes borders.
Mark Abou Jaoude and the rise of global Saudi sound
Saudi Arabia’s music story isn’t just local anymore. More than 90% of royalties earned by Saudi artists on Spotify now come from outside the Kingdom. Top streaming markets include the United States, Brazil, India, Germany, and the UK, clear proof that Saudi music travels.
The growth seen is exciting and very real. “A young, tech-savvy audience that loves entertainment and lives online. Streaming has become the main way they discover and consume music. It’s democratized reach, anyone, anywhere, can find your track.” expands Mark Abou Jaoude.
Spotify’s programs like RADAR Arabia, EQUAL Arabia, and Fresh Finds Saudi have helped bridge the local and global scenes, spotlighting emerging talent while amplifying Saudi voices across borders.
“It’s still early days, but the momentum is there, young audiences, growing talent, and the power of streaming coming together to open new doors for Saudi artists,” Mark Abou Jaoude adds.
Homegrown love, global reach
While Saudi artists are gaining fans worldwide, local engagement has also skyrocketed, streams of Saudi music within the Kingdom have more than tripled since 2020.
“Domestic engagement is incredibly important,” says Mark Abou Jaoude. “When local fans stream local artists, it fuels visibility, discovery, and long-term growth.”
Spotify has leaned into cultural moments, from Ramadan playlists to weekend soundtracks, to weave music deeper into everyday life. These curated experiences have shaped new listening habits and strengthened the connection between Saudi artists and fans at home.
Powering artist growth
Behind every stream is data, and behind every artist is a toolkit. Spotify’s creator features, from Spotify for Artists to Canvas and Countdown Pages, are empowering Saudi creators to turn plays into sustainable careers.
“With Spotify for Artists, you can see who’s listening, where, and how,” says Mark Abou Jaoude. “That helps artists make smarter decisions about releases, marketing, and growth.”
Countdown Pages allow fans to pre-save tracks and get notified when new music drops, and nearly 70% of pre-savers stream within the first week. Meanwhile, Canvas turns each track into a mini visual experience, with short looping videos that make music more shareable.
“It’s a way for artists to express their identity, culture, and mood, not just through sound, but through imagery,” he says. “And the data shows it works, tracks with Canvas see up to 145% more shares.”
Mark Abou Jaoude and the road ahead
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in music education, venues, and festivals, the ecosystem around artists is growing stronger than ever.
“It’s an incredible time to be part of the Saudi music movement,” says Abou Jaoude. “We’re seeing the pieces come together, talent, audience, infrastructure, and it’s just the beginning.”
With a 195% surge in Saudi music streams since 2020, it’s clear that listeners everywhere are tuning in, and staying tuned.
Because when it comes to Saudi music, the world is finally listening.
For more information, please check out open.spotify.com.
