Samah ELsawy: A Pivotal Moment in Childhood That Shaped Her Career
Since childhood, Samah has been captivated by music and its ability to connect people across cultures and backgrounds. A pivotal moment in her life occurred when she attended her first live music concert as a teenager. The energy, creativity, and sense of unity among the crowd left a lasting impression on her. It was at that moment that she realized her deep passion for music and how powerful it could be in creating unforgettable experiences. That event planted the seed for her dream of working in the music industry, a dream that would ultimately shape her career.
The Right Career Choice: Aligning Passion with Purpose
Samah’s career choice in the entertainment industry felt like a natural step. Her love for music and creativity, combined with a desire to make a lasting impact, led her to establish ICD I CONCERT DXB in 2022. She recognized the immense potential in the UAE’s cultural landscape and saw it as the perfect opportunity to contribute to the growth of the region’s music scene. Samah’s vision was clear: she wanted to bridge cultures, foster artistic expression, and elevate the music industry in the region. The overwhelming success and positive response to their events affirmed that she was on the right path.
Building ICD I CONCERT DXB: A Key Achievement
One of Samah’s greatest achievements has been establishing ICD I CONCERT DXB as a prominent player in the UAE’s music industry within just two years. Through successful collaborations with major brands, hosting large-scale events, and being part of the prestigious Tomorrowland Middle East launch, Samah’s company has made a significant mark on the industry. This achievement is particularly meaningful to her because it represents her dedication, creativity, and ability to overcome challenges. It’s a reflection of her hard work and vision that has driven the company to success.

Starting From Scratch: Challenges in the Beginning
Samah’s journey began with little more than a dream and a love for music. In the early stages, she faced numerous challenges, from building credibility in a competitive market to establishing connections within the industry. She had to learn how to balance the creative side of her work with the business aspects of running a company. However, these challenges served as learning opportunities, helping Samah grow stronger and more resilient. Each setback brought valuable lessons that fueled her determination to succeed.
Current Projects: Revolutionizing the Music Industry in MENA
At present, Samah is focused on several exciting projects for 2025, including the launch of new festival concepts, media and music production ventures, and artist management. These initiatives are in perfect alignment with her long-term goal of transforming the music industry in the Middle East and MENA region into a global hub for artistic innovation and cultural exchange. By continuing to push the boundaries of creativity and collaboration, Samah is working to elevate the region’s music scene to new heights.
Inspirational Figures: Influences That Shaped Her Approach
One of the most significant influences in Samah’s career has been Quincy Jones, whose ability to transcend genres and create lasting impact has deeply resonated with her. His commitment to bringing out the best in artists, his work ethic, and his focus on collaboration have shaped Samah’s approach to her own projects. Quincy’s career has taught her the importance of nurturing talent, managing diverse teams, and creating opportunities for artistic growth. His example continues to inspire her in every aspect of her work.
Staying Motivated: Turning Setbacks into Opportunities
Like many entrepreneurs, Samah has faced her fair share of challenges. However, she remains motivated by the knowledge that her work has a positive impact on people’s lives. Music has the power to heal, inspire, and connect individuals, and Samah’s role in making this happen keeps her focused. She also embraces setbacks as learning experiences, viewing them as opportunities for personal and professional growth. This mindset allows her to turn challenges into stepping stones toward success.
Learning From Failure: The Early Hiccups
Early in her career, Samah encountered a significant learning curve in event logistics. She initially underestimated the complexity involved, which led to a few hiccups during her events. This experience taught her the importance of thorough planning, building a reliable team, and always having contingency plans in place. While humbling, it pushed her to refine her processes and elevate her standards in event execution.
The Most Important Lesson: Perseverance and Adaptability
Samah has learned that perseverance and adaptability are essential to success in the ever-changing music industry. She understands that staying true to her vision while embracing change is key to navigating the industry’s dynamic nature. By remaining open to new ideas, technologies, and trends, Samah has been able to stay ahead of the curve and continue to innovate in her work. This approach has helped her thrive in a highly competitive and fast-paced field.
Redefining Success: Moving Beyond Recognition
In the early stages of her career, Samah defined success by financial stability and personal recognition. However, as her career has progressed, her definition of success has evolved. Today, success means creating meaningful experiences, nurturing emerging talent, and contributing to the growth of the music industry. For Samah, true success is about the lasting impact she leaves on the industry and the people she works with, rather than simply achieving personal accolades.
Advice for Her Younger Self: Trust the Process
If Samah could give advice to her younger self, it would be to trust the process and embrace failure as an integral part of growth. She would encourage her younger self to focus on building strong relationships and understanding the value of networking. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and Samah would remind herself to be patient, persistent, and focused on the long-term goals. Additionally, she would stress the importance of balancing ambition with self-care, recognizing that personal well-being is just as crucial to success as professional achievements.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy in the Music Industry
Looking ahead, Samah hopes to be remembered as a visionary who transformed the music scene in the Middle East and MENA region. Her legacy will be one of innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. Samah envisions herself as a catalyst for change, creating opportunities for artists and music lovers while bringing people together through unforgettable experiences. Her goal is to leave a lasting mark on the industry, one that will inspire future generations to push the boundaries of artistic expression and cultural exchange.
Conclusion: Inspiring the Next Generation of Artists
Samah’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and adaptability. Through her vision and dedication, she has become a key figure in the UAE’s music industry, helping shape the future of music in the Middle East. Her story serves as an inspiration to anyone looking to break into the industry, showing that with hard work, creativity, and a clear sense of purpose, anything is possible. Samah’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations to innovate and create, ensuring that the music scene in the region continues to thrive.
Do follow her on Instagram.
You can also read about, Dubai’s Best Outdoor Cinemas.