The fifth annual Music Cities Awards were held in Riyadh as part of Riyadh Music Week, marking the first time the event has taken place in the Middle East. The awards recognized initiatives and foundations from around the world for their work in transforming communities through music. The selection process was led by a global jury of experts, and winners included the city of Salvador in Brazil for Best Global Music City and the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra Foundation for Best Initiative to Support Music Education and Career Development. The event also kicked off the two-day Music Cities Convention, featuring panels and workshops on building a thriving music industry.