Saudi Arabia’s soundtrack in 2025 was defined by nostalgia, emotion, and a powerful blend of local and global influences. Spotify has officially released Wrapped 2025 for the Kingdom, revealing not only the artists and songs that dominated the year, but also the deeper listening habits shaping music culture across Saudi Arabia.
The results highlight a nation whose musical identity is evolving, yet still deeply rooted in familiar voices, sentimental storytelling, and sweeping emotional compositions.
Ayed Leads Arab Artists for the Second Year
For the second year in a row, Saudi singer Ayed emerged as the Kingdom’s most streamed Arab artist, underscoring his continued rise as one of the defining voices of the country’s modern pop landscape. He leads a star-powered lineup that reflects the staying power of Arabic icons across generations.
Egypt’s Amr Diab, still a cross-regional phenomenon, claimed second place. Abdul Majeed Abdullah, often referred to as the “Prince of Tarab,” followed in third, with Iraqi composer Nasrat Al Bader and Gulf legend Rashed Al-Majed rounding out the top five.
The Top 10 list also included Fairuz, Majid Almohandis, Abadi Al Johar, Mohammed Abdu, and rising star Sabah Mahmoud, who had a breakthrough year on the platform.
Heartbreak and Nostalgia Defined Saudi Listening in 2025
If Wrapped 2025 revealed one thing, it is that Saudis leaned heavily into emotionally charged music this year. The most streamed Arabic song was “Aftini” by Sabah Mahmoud, a melancholic hit that anchors its power in raw sentiment and traditional Iraqi musical textures.
Hassan El Rassam’s “Alak Alak” resurfaced as a national obsession, thriving on social media despite being released years ago. This nostalgia-driven revival continued with Mahmoud’s “Mit Ani,” followed by Tayseer Al Safeer’s “Hatha Dam‘ak,” and Ayed’s “Lammah,” which delves into unrequited love.
The prominence of Iraqi ballads – with their mix of sorrow, tenderness, and rhythmic beauty – reflects a broader regional trend: Saudis increasingly gravitating toward music that expresses vulnerability and emotional depth.
Billie Eilish Tops the Kingdom’s Global Charts
On the global side, Billie Eilish secured the top spot as the most streamed artist in Saudi Arabia overall. Her tracks “WILDFLOWER” and “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” also claimed the first two positions on the Kingdom’s Top Songs list.
Eilish’s introspective style, known for its quiet intensity, has resonated strongly with Saudi listeners for several years now. Her presence at the top signals a growing appetite for slower, mood-driven international hits; a trend reinforced by The Marías’ “No One Noticed,” James Arthur’s “Impossible,” and Gigi Perez’s “Sailor Song.”
Artists like The Weeknd, Drake, Taylor Swift, Travis Scott, Lana Del Rey, and Cigarettes After Sex also maintained substantial followings, demonstrating the Kingdom’s increasingly globalized music taste.
A Year That Blended Icons, Emotion, and Discovery
Wrapped 2025 paints a clear picture of Saudi Arabia’s evolving sonic identity. Local artists remain hugely influential, Iraqi melodies continue to resonate, and global pop’s atmospheric, introspective side is thriving. The songs that dominated the year were emotional, nostalgic, and unapologetically intimate.
The Kingdom’s musical tastes are becoming increasingly diverse, and Wrapped shows a population comfortable jumping between genres, languages, and eras. It shows that Saudi Arabia’s soundtrack is as rich, expressive, and multidimensional as the country itself.
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