RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a hotspot for all things creative, according to a locally based DJ and filmmaker who appeared on “The Mayman Show” this week.
Misha Sayed, who has roots in Russia and Palestine, recently moved from Syria to the Kingdom to pursue his dreams in the Kingdom’s thriving entertainment scene.
“It’s overwhelming. I’m not going to lie. You know, it’s fascinating to be able to document all the changes that are happening in the country and see how year after year they keep exceeding everyone’s expectations,” They said.
Saeed’s latest project was at Riyadh Season’s Imagination Park, and he was amazed by the entertainment offerings including Netflix and the Automotive Zone.
“So for the Netflix Zone, you had four different experiences. Basically they showcase the four most popular series in Saudi. So you had ‘Army of the Dead’, ‘Money Heist’, ‘Squid Game’ (and) ‘Stranger Things’. Cars worth over $1 million I think. Amazing collection. It was fun.”
Syed said that he has had the opportunity to work in several events including Formula 1 and Formula E races. “I was covering the Diriya season, so I also got a chance to shoot the Anthony Joshua fight. He came to Saudi for the first time.
“If you want to go back, the first thing was the Golf International tournament, which was held at KAEC (King Abdullah Economic City), and it was the first time Tiësto came to the country. (And) it was the first time Mariah Carey came into the country. It was fascinating to see. It was the beginning of change.”
Sayyed said he got a sense of the changes taking place in Saudi Arabia while working in clubs in Istanbul. “I wasn’t surprised when they announced MDLBEAST, which is, you know, like the biggest electronic music festival in the region.
“Which is crazy. So yeah, I’ve done MDLBEAST, XP had two different roles, obviously as a photographer and as a DJ. XP has been fantastic this year. I (also) did my first photography exhibition,” he said.
“It was fascinating. It was an amazing experience. A lot of creatives, a lot of local people. It was, it’s beautiful to see all the changes happening and how so many creatives from all over the state and even internationally Saudis will come and discuss, talk about the music industry. And see how everyone can collaborate and MDLBEAST has given a lot of opportunities to a lot of local artists.”
Syed recalled DJ Khaled going to Saudi Arabia and performing. “He barely even flies. So he showed up and he performed at MDLBEAST. That was historic.
He said that he is happy to settle in Saudi and document the historical events happening in Saudi.