Making it to the Billboard charts is a milestone for every artist – and it’s one that Arab artists can soon tick off.

The Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) and music media global brand Billboard are teaming up to launch Billboard Arabia. This platform will celebrate artists of Arab heritage, showcase their personal stories on a global platform, and be a hub for the latest releases, reviews, interviews, exclusive coverage of events, original photography, and special video content.

With several charts set to launch next year, the platform will use data from top digital streaming platforms such as Spotify, Anghami, and YouTube to showcase the artists and songs impacting the regional and global music industry.

Artists featured on Billboard Arabia will also be able to showcase their work to a global audience by republishing content across Billboard’s digital products. It will also host the Billboard Arabia Music Awards, live concerts, activations, and regional and international events to recognize music genres and artists impacting the industry.

MENA is the fastest-growing music region in the world, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. In 2022, a number of rising Arab artists garnered more than 1 billion streams, showcasing the potential of the music market in the MENA region.

“There is currently no dedicated platform to spotlight and tell the stories of the Arab artists leading innovation in the global music industry,” said Jomana R. Al Rashid, CEO of SRMG, noting how the music scene in the region is rapidly transforming. “Our partnership with Billboard will help fill that void in the market.”

As part of the launch, several artists from MENA will be joining SRMG in Cannes to showcase diverse music from the region, including performances from Elyanna, Felukah, Kouz1, DJ Outlaw, Jeed, Moayad Al Nefaie, Flipperachi, Meshaal and DJ Rodge.