Some of the biggest names in electronic dance music are descending upon Saudi Arabia this weekend MDL Beast’s amusement-park sized grounds feature five stages RIYADH: Fans flocked to the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh for 10 hours of non-stop electronic music from some of the best DJs in the world on Thursday as music festival MDL Beast kicked off. MDL Beast’s amusement-park sized grounds feature five stages; Saudi Beast; a stage dedicated to showcasing local talent, UG Beast 1 and 2; stages for underground DJs, Down Beast; for local and global artists, and the aptly-named Big Beast; a giant stage with a 45,000 capacity. The festival grounds feature an art district, a world-class culinary district, a retail district, and of course, no less than five different stages, each with a different theme. Some of the biggest names in electronic dance music are descending upon Saudi Arabia this weekend — including David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Steve Aoki and R3hab — alongside the biggest homegrown Saudi artists. “Nothing on this scale has ever been done before,” said Naif Alanizi, who traveled to Riyadh from Alkharj to attend the festival, “every time you think they can’t do anything bigger or better, they do.” With other names like Tiesto, Rick Ross and Swizz Beats lined up for just the first day, MDL Beast is already shaping up to be just that; a beast of a festival. “This is by far the coolest thing that has ever happened in Saudi Arabia, ever,” said Nujood Almohsen. “I honestly can’t believe this isn’t a dream,” she added.