Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the second deputy ruler of Dubai and president of the Dubai Media Council, the Dubai Press Club organized “Dubai Podfest,” the largest gathering in the Arab world for audio content creators (podcasters), which took place yesterday. The event saw the attendance of over 1,200 participants, including prominent figures in the audio content industry, digital platform representatives, media officials, journalists, and media students.
A Warm Welcome
On the occasion of the fifth edition of the event, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum expressed his warm regards to all attendees, emphasizing the dialogue rooted in the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for the future. He highlighted the aim of fostering a developed and competitive Arab media landscape that garners the attention and trust of its audience. This reaffirms Dubai’s commitment to providing opportunities that elevate Arab media across all sectors, both traditional and new, ensuring high-quality content and excellence in presentation.
He stated, “Dubai Podfest’s ability to attract elite audio content creators reflects Dubai’s leading position in the Arab media scene and underscores its role in enhancing conditions for its prosperity.”
Key Discussions
Dubai Podfest engaged in various vital discussions surrounding the podcast industry through specialized sessions and workshops. Topics included the role of podcasts in community awareness, the elements crucial for thriving audio content, profitability, and effective monetization strategies.
A Leading Hub
During the occasion, Mona Ghanem Al Merri, Vice President and Managing Director of Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club, remarked: “In a rapidly changing world, podcasts emerge as media tools that combine credibility, impact, and direct engagement with audiences.” She reiterated the Club’s commitment to enhancing Dubai’s status as a leading hub for new media and a meeting point for content creators and innovators.
She added: “The timing of this dialogue coincides with the increasing interest of Arab audiences in podcasts, which have the unique advantage of conveying ideas easily. In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, podcasts stand out as effective media tools driven by Dubai’s vision for a forefront digital environment.”
Honoring Winners
Mona Ghanem Al Merri presented awards to the top three projects from the second edition of the “Arab Podcast Program,” a pioneering initiative aimed at supporting podcast development in the region. This edition included 24 participants from various Arab countries in different categories.
She honored Emirati writer and educator Amani Abdullah Al-Tunaiji for her project “Mars Podcast,” which earned first place; followed by Saudi media personality Raghad Bint Shaban Al-Arishi for “Qadam” in second place; and Syrian Tehani Mohamed Zahiman for “Listen to Me” in third place, wishing them continued excellence.
A Distinct Position
Maryam Mulla, Director of the Dubai Press Club, opened the sessions of Dubai Podfest with a welcoming speech, highlighting how podcasts have carved out a distinct and strong presence. She addressed the significant space that podcasts occupy in the digital content landscape and the potential of this industry in the Arab world for a prosperous future that meets audience aspirations for high-quality content.
She stated: “Dubai believes that media is a powerful force shaping the future, and our goal is to continue the dialogue, share knowledge, and provide inspiring pathways to success. Dubai Podfest is no longer just a traditional gathering; it has become a tangible platform with a notable presence and impact in exchanging ideas and defining directions for this rapidly growing media format.”
Maryam Mulla also pointed out that podcasts have become an integral part of daily life, with many people listening while walking, driving, or at home, stressing various aspects relevance of this industry, particularly its economic impact, as it aligns with the growth of the creative economy.
Economic Success
The first session of “Dubai Podfest 2025,” titled “Profits Outside the Box,” featured Ryan Barletta, President of the Podcast Movement, in a dialogue moderated by Stefano Flah, founder and CEO of Podio. The discussion focused on the economic aspects of the podcast industry and the essential ingredients for achieving profitability, including sponsorship, funding, and advertising.
Barletta noted substantial growth in the Middle Eastern podcast sector and attributed a global surge in podcast growth to the need for connection triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. He reaffirmed that a strong digital infrastructure is key to supporting the growth and flourishing of this industry. He observed that the diverse Arabic dialects present a unique opportunity for creators to build varied audiences.
The session examined ways to adapt podcast models for monetization, and Barletta highlighted the need for local relevance in content, advising creators to diversify income sources rather than relying solely on advertising.
Ryan Barletta suggested that podcasters consider subscription models as an alternative revenue source, while advising them to conduct audience surveys regularly to refine content that meets listener expectations.
Key Takeaways
- Maryam Mulla: The Arab world has a genuine opportunity for innovation in content that reflects our culture and values.
- Ryan Barletta: Significant growth in the Middle East’s podcast industry is supported by strong digital infrastructure; profitability, specialization in topics, and audience engagement are crucial for success.