The Dubai Press Club has signed three collaboration agreements during the fifth edition of the “Dubai Podfest” yesterday, partnering with global platform “TikTok,” the leading audio industry company “MediaCast,” and “Dubai Media Corporation.” The aim is to empower audio content creators, enhance the podcast industry, raise digital awareness, and promote digital culture. Additionally, these agreements focus on improving mechanisms for identifying misinformation and protecting online privacy, especially considering the global shifts in audio content consumption.
Digital Trends
These agreements reflect the evolving podcast industry globally and in the Arab region, responding to rapid changes in audio content consumption. The Dubai Press Club is keen to stay ahead of future digital trends and believes in the importance of partnerships for enhancing media capabilities.
Notable attendees at the signing included Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club, Mohammad Mulla, CEO of Dubai Media Corporation, Amir Jilain, Head of Public Policy for the MENA region at TikTok, and Alaa Nawar, Business Development Manager at MediaCast.
New Horizons
Mona Al Marri highlighted that these agreements illustrate the confidence of global institutions in Dubai’s creative and impactful media environment. She pointed out that the three agreements mark a significant milestone in fostering collaboration and partnerships that continuously support the development of the media sector at local, regional, and international levels.
She stated, “Since its establishment, the Dubai Press Club has focused on creating effective communication channels between media institutions in the Arab region and around the world through a broad network of relationships and partnerships formed over more than two decades.”
Without a doubt, these new partnerships will enrich the media sector with additional competencies, experiences, and innovations that enhance its ability to adapt to rapid technological changes.”
She added, “We believe that the future of media lies in collaboration and the integration of efforts, which underscores the importance of these agreements in opening new avenues for development and sharing successful experiences. This serves the aspirations of the podcast sector in the Arab region, and strengthens its role as an influential media industry in the future.”
The Future Industry
Maryam Mulla, Director of the Dubai Press Club, expressed pride in the club’s collaboration with three leading media institutions. She remarked, “We are not just keeping pace with the future; we are contributing to its creation.”
This partnership brings together a global distribution platform, a production and technology partner, and an established national media institution, providing Arab creators with a comprehensive pathway from concept to publication, from training to professionalism.
Our goal is to build a robust Arab podcast ecosystem grounded in knowledge and professional standards, enabling the youth to transform their passion into an impactful industry, thereby enhancing Dubai’s status as a global center for digital content production,” she affirmed. These partnerships extend Dubai’s efforts to build a comprehensive media system that responds to technological transformations and meets audience expectations, thus boosting the competitiveness of Arab media in the international scene.
Dubai Media Corporation
As part of a strategic move towards enhancing the Arab podcast industry and improving quality media content, the Dubai Press Club signed a cooperation agreement with Dubai Media Corporation, represented by “Al Bayan.” The aim is to support and empower audio and visual content creators in the region.
Under this agreement, both parties will collaborate in producing audio and visual content for podcast projects within the “Arab Podcast” program. “Al Bayan” will provide full production services for podcast projects, which will include artistic and production planning, audio or video recording, editing, final directing, and delivering ready-to-publish materials.
Salem Balyooh, Executive Director of the Media Content Sector at Dubai Media Corporation, confirmed that the podcast industry currently represents one of the most important forms of new media based on creativity and innovation, as it allows for reshaping the media message through narrative and direct interaction.
He emphasized the significance of the cooperation agreement between “Al Bayan” and the Dubai Press Club and its role in developing media content and supporting the “Arab Podcast Program,” aimed at training a new generation of audio content creators in the Arab world amid the rapid growth of the podcast field globally.
He stated, “This agreement is a crucial step in showcasing Al Bayan’s role in supporting content creators in the podcast domain, providing them with ample space to express their ideas, perspectives, and future aspirations. It also reflects the newspaper’s capability to keep pace with the latest developments in the media sector.”
Balyooh expressed happiness about the collaboration between the two parties, highlighting Al Bayan’s efforts to elevate the media sector, which aligns with Dubai Media Corporation’s objectives to enhance Dubai’s position as a global center for content creation and production.
TikTok
The memorandum of understanding with TikTok will launch its digital culture and media program, focused on supporting digital safety, combating misinformation, increasing awareness of privacy and mental health, and enhancing digital learning.
As part of this collaboration, TikTok and the Dubai Press Club will organize workshops to assist participants in navigating the digital space safely and addressing contemporary media challenges.
TikTok initiated this partnership with a live masterclass aimed at providing content creators and journalists with the tools and knowledge necessary for understanding global best practices in live storytelling and building a more impactful digital presence. This initiative exemplifies both parties’ commitment to developing journalists’ skills while adapting to fast-paced digital transformations.
Safe Community
On this occasion, Janan Al Hashli, Head of Public Policy for the GCC at TikTok, stated, “We are pleased to sign this strategic memorandum of understanding with the Dubai Press Club during the Dubai Podfest. Enhancing digital culture and developing digital awareness skills are essential elements in building a secure and informed community. Through this partnership, we aim to equip our community in the UAE with the necessary tools and knowledge to create authentic and reliable content, promote digital safety, and combat misinformation, thus reinforcing TikTok’s commitment to supporting the creative economy and advancing media development in the region.”
MediaCast
To further support the Arab podcast sector and empower young creators, the Dubai Press Club has entered into a cooperation agreement with MediaCast, aimed at enhancing collaboration in training, production, and providing technical services to participants in the Dubai Press Club’s programs and initiatives.
Under this agreement, MediaCast will deliver technical services and production support to content creators, including studio and recording services for participants in the Arab podcast program while working on their final projects.
The agreement also includes sponsorship for the first season of podcast programs for graduates of the program, with audio and video content being produced for them in MediaCast studios. Participants will be selected by the Dubai Press Club from among distinguished graduates who have submitted high-quality projects and outstanding topics.
Additionally, MediaCast will provide three days of specialized training, totaling about 18 hours, on DaVinci Resolve for winners in the podcast category of the Arab Youth Media Award (Ibda’a).
Strategic Step
Jaafar Sadiq, Head of Marketing and Business Development at MediaCast, stated that the collaboration with the Dubai Press Club represents a strategic step reflecting MediaCast’s commitment to supporting the Arab podcast industry and enhancing its regional and global presence.
He noted that this partnership will help create an inspiring environment for audio and visual content creators, particularly through the Arab Podcast program, which focuses on training and preparing talented youth while providing them with practical training and experiences necessary to enter the new media market.
He stated, “We provide participants with the latest production systems, including cameras, lighting, audio, and broadcasting and editing solutions, allowing them to receive the right education and hands-on training on the latest techniques in a professional environment. This integration of advanced technology and practical application grants them the best knowledge and experience, accelerating their transition from learning to execution with confidence and efficiency.”
A Pathway to Development
He added, “We take pride in this memorandum being a contributor to the development of a new generation of creators, especially the winners of the Arab Youth Media Award “Ibda’a” in the podcast category, as it will provide them with broader opportunities for learning, experimentation, and active participation in the Arab media summit. This will enhance their ability to represent the voice of Arab youth and highlight their talents widely. We are confident that this collaboration will create a qualitative addition to the podcast sector and solidify Dubai’s standing as a global center for media leadership and content creation.”
Salem Balyooh
The agreement between “Al Bayan” and “Dubai Press Club” supports the development of media content and prepares a new generation of audio content creators.
Maryam Mulla
The three agreements will provide Arab creators with a comprehensive pathway from concept to publication, from training to professionalism.
Janan Al Hashli
The collaboration between TikTok and the Club supports digital culture, empowers media professionals, and combats misinformation.
Jaafar Sadiq
The partnership between MediaCast and the Club reflects our shared commitment to supporting the Arab podcast industry and enhancing its regional presence.