In December 2023, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, hosted Soundstorm, the largest music festival in the Middle East. The three-day event featured over 100 musicians and DJs across multiple stages, along with striking art installations and interactive experiences. MTD supported Soundstorm 2023’s sustainability goals by maintaining and upgrading the existing water network, constructing a new grey water system, and introducing two Silver Label units to recycle and reuse water on-site. For the complete picture, make sure to watch the 2021 video below, to see what goes on behind the scenes!
Key points & numbers
MTD’s involvement in Soundstorm included both semi-permanent and overlay phases, aimed at enhancing water infrastructure and supporting the event’s sustainability vision:
10 km of new grey water network constructed
211 toilet containers connected
87 artist cabins equipped with water services
104 F&B kiosks and over 30 food trucks supported
8 Phil islands integrated into the water system
Requests
The Soundstorm organizers tasked MTD with a range of responsibilities to ensure a seamless water infrastructure. MTD inspected, modified, and maintained over 50 km of the site’s existing water and wastewater networks. Additionally, MTD constructed 10 km of new grey water management infrastructure and deployed two Silver Label units on-site to recycle water. MTD also provided potable water to all essential areas, including toilets, kitchens, F&B kiosks, artist cabins, and medical points. To guarantee water availability throughout, MTD supplied tanker truck services with standby units to maintain continuity, including during non-operational hours. An on-site team remained present throughout the event to ensure continuity and safety.
Challenges
Executing a project of this scale came with unique challenges. This marked the first deployment of Silver Label units at an event of this size, testing the technology under high demand. Additionally, the east bridge, a key connection point for the VIP areas, F&B kiosks, and toilet cabins, was only handed over three days before the event. MTD’s team rapidly installed 5.2 km of piping in just 48 hours, including 3.4 km over a road and under the bridge. Delays with a new main water connection resulted in damage to a valve chamber, which MTD repaired and extended by adding 150 m of piping. Late delivery of 211 toilet cabins and 87 artist cabins added further time pressure, with some units arriving as little as five hours before the event began. MTD sourced all major components for the new grey water network locally, adapting quickly to supply chain challenges.
Achievements
MTD successfully delivered the Soundstorm project on time, earning recognition from the client for the team’s responsiveness and dedication. The Silver Label units operated seamlessly, enabling grey water to be used for flushing and helping to significantly reduce water consumption on-site. Approximately 1,800 m³ of grey water was utilized, with plans to expand this to 3,600 m³ for the next event. With this project’s success, MTD has initiated upgrades to an existing main loop and is finalizing arrangements for Soundstorm 2024.
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