SceneNoise to Host Panels on Egypt & Lebanon's Electronic Scene at ADE

For decades, while the global narrative around electronic music was defined by established Western capitals, scenes across the Arab world, most notably in Egypt and Lebanon, have had to chart a completely different course. Across Cairo, Beirut, and beyond, electronic music ecosystems have developed not because of ideal conditions, but in spite of them.

Whether operating under such constraints is purely a hindrance or a driver of raw innovation is a complex dynamic. On one hand, physical space shortages in Egypt, coupled with Lebanon’s severe economic shifts and political instability, create relentless friction for artists and promoters alike. On the other hand, these very challenges have bred a fiercely resilient, independent spirit that has allowed distinct local soundscapes to emerge and make waves far beyond their geographic borders.

During Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) 2026, SceneNoise is set to host two panel discussions at Felix Meritis on October 24th. Both sessions will be moderated by SceneNoise founder Timmy Mowafi, examining these resilient ecosystems and taking a close look at how Egypt and Lebanon’s key players continue to build culture, navigate systemic hurdles, and export homegrown movements to the international stage.

The first panel, ‘Egypt’s Electronic Music Scene: Building Culture Without the Infrastructure’, will address the unique realities of one of the Arab world’s largest cultural hubs. The discussion will explore how Egypt’s scene operates amid a shortage of venues, an uneven infrastructure, and a nightlife economy divided between massive commercial spectacles and underground communities. Panellists will examine where audiences are moving, how promoter networks are adapting, how uniquely Egyptian sonic identities are travelling globally, and what it takes to build a sustainable ecosystem without relying on Western blueprints. The session will feature Zeina (DJ/producer & Founder, Unfamiliar), Aly Goede (DJ & Head Artist Booking, Nacelle ), and Ahmed Ganzoury (Founder & CEO, GNK Group and Human Figures).

The second panel, ‘Beirut Keeps Moving: How Lebanon’s Electronic Music Scene Survives & Evolves’, turns the spotlight on a city that has long served as a beacon for regional nightlife. Despite enduring severe economic pressure, political instability, and a steady displacement of talent and venue operators, Beirut’s electronic music scene remains remarkably adaptive and internationally influential. The panel will dive into how artists and nightlife pioneers navigate a state of constant instability and transition, from exporting Lebanese concept nights abroad to sustaining local communities, balancing underground integrity with commercial survival, and creating new pathways onto the global circuit. The discussion features Tala Mortada (DJ & Co-founder, Grand Factory), James Khoury (Co-founder & CEO, Hot Axis), and Rolbac (DJ/producer).

Arguably the world's largest annual electronic music conference and festival, ADE is returning from October 21st to 25th for its 30th anniversary, bringing together the global electronic music industry for five days of club nights, live performances, industry discussions, and cultural programming across the Dutch capital. This year’s programme spans more than 1,300 events across 300 venues, featuring over 3,600 artists alongside a conference and an expanded arts and culture programme.

You can book your passes for ADE 2026 via their official website.