* 4x countries: Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
* 3x Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah
* 12 x venues
* 20 x concerts & gigs
* 15+ leading artists
… and one comedian!
MAC Global’s 2023 diverse output embraced a range of genres from across the musical spectrum; from indie pop and boybands, through rock, soul, classical, opera to drum n bass. Not to forget a bit of laughter thrown in by way of UK national treasure, Jason Manford.
We programmed 30% more concerts and gigs than in 2022, including 3-day festivals, one-off pop concerts, mini-regional tours and full orchestral pieces.
Here’s a short stroll down memory lane.
In February, we created an office base in Zabeel House which became our hub for face-to-face meetings, team bonding and plenty of creative banter. And, as the business developed over the course of the year, MAC Global expanded its team from a quartet to an ensemble of ten.
Fast forward to June and MAC Global’s CEOs, Rob and Dan, delivered a presentation at a conference hosted by Sony Music Entertainment Middle East at Dubai’s Theatre Of Digital Art (TODA). They outlined the company’s vision in contributing to the music and entertainment sectors in the Middle East. Their appearance also served as an opportunity to reinforce MAC Global’s position as part of the international Sony Music family.
In Tune With The Region:
As noted by Andre Paine in his Music Week article dated 9 June 2023: “MENA is a fast-growing region for music and that also opens up opportunities for exports. And there are increasing signs that Saudi Arabia – a country with a population of 36 million – wants to become a major music industry player.”
One of the many highlights of the year was our blossoming relationship with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, The Saudi Music Commission and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC).
On The Road To Saudi:
Throughout the year, the team travelled back and forth to Saudi for meetings and to oversee the production of our events. With exclusive regional rights to intellectual properties such as Jurassic World and Light Trails, MAC Global is well-positioned to deliver world-class immersive entertainment experiences in the region.
In the Saudi capital, we presented three concerts at the Riyadh Film Festival and then later in the year, we were involved with the 3-day International Opera Festival.
We visited our colleagues in Sony Music Japan’s Jeddah-based HQ, Roberta spoke at Saudi’s XP Music Futures Conference and we even attended The King Cup in the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium – a major fixture in the sporting calendar organised by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
Awards And Applause:
MAC Global’s 2023 roll call boasts maestros in their craft: 3x Brit Award winners; a 4x Grammy Award winner; 2 x Ivor Novello Award winner; NME Award winner; Silver Clef winner; Best DJ Drum & Bass Arena Award winner; a Tony Honours winner; a Laurence Olivier Award winner; Writers Guild of Great Britain’s Best Comedy Newcomer Award winner; Smash Hits Award Most Fanciable Male (Ben Adams); a Knight of the Order of the Arts and the Letters; an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and that’s not to mention Sarah Brightman’s Golden Keys to the Cities of Chicago and Istanbul and her Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
A Standing Ovation To You:
MAC Global extends massive thanks to the ticket buyers, venue operators, artists, performers, and their management for making 2023 such a resounding success.
Stay tuned for more big MAC Global announcements!
In the immortal words of social media’s viral audio … “And with that the 2023 season comes to an end. Goodnight.”
2023: As It Was
FEBRUARY 2023
André Rieu – Al Dana Amphitheatre, Bahrain
MARCH 2023
Seal – Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Sharjah
MAY 2023
Sandman; A Metallica Tribute – Sheraton Hotel, Oman
Jason Manford – Mövenpick JBR, Dubai / Al Bustan Palace, Oman / Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
Björn Again – Dubai Opera / Sheraton Hotel, Oman
JUNE 2023
Razorlight – Bla Bla, Dubai
JULY 2023
Game On / Star Wars In Concert / Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone In Concert – The Red Theatre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
SEPTEMBER 2023
A1 & 911 – The Agenda, Dubai
OCTOBER 2023
Project 174 featuring Andy C – P7 Arena, Dubai
Sheyla Bonnick’s Boney M Experience – Movenpick JBR Dubai / Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Abu Dhabi
NOVEMBER 2023
Bastille – Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
International Opera Festival, starring Sarah Brightman, Vittorio Grigolo, Michael Ball & Alfie Boe, Eurielle – The Red Theatre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia