The Dubai Press Club has announced the organization of the fifth edition of “Dubai Podfest,” scheduled for September 30, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. This edition will feature prominent media institutions and Arab content creators, as well as regional entities specializing in the podcasting industry, aimed at exploring the future of podcasts and highlighting the developments within this digital sector in the region.
This event coincides with World Podcast Day, a celebration of the influential role that audio content creators play globally, underscoring the significance of “Dubai Podfest” as the first of its kind in the Arab region. The event will gather esteemed Emirati and Arab journalists, content creators, and relevant organizations for an extensive discussion about ways to support this vital sector and enhance its visibility and growth throughout the Arab world.
Dubai Podfest serves as a unique platform for exchanging experiences and ideas between content creators while providing a clear vision of the needs required to elevate this media industry in line with the global surge in podcasting listenership and production rates.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about best practices and successful experiences regionally and internationally, as well as discuss the key challenges that audio content creators face and how to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and excellence.
The event will also promote partnerships between media organizations and creative content supporters, facilitating the expansion of this promising industry and solidifying Dubai’s status as a leading hub for talent and innovative initiatives in the digital media sector.
On this occasion, Mona Ghanem Al Merri, Vice President and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club, remarked that the organization of the fifth edition of “Dubai Podfest” under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum exemplifies His Highness’s strategic vision to establish Dubai as the center of Arab media and a pivotal platform for developing creative content.
She stated, “The directives from His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum provide us with a clear goal: to firmly establish Dubai as the capital of Arab media, not only by keeping pace with global developments but by actively participating in shaping the digital media landscape and creating significant opportunities for Arab talents to produce impactful content that can compete internationally.”
Al Merri added, “Dubai Podfest, coinciding with World Podcast Day, has become the most important event of its kind in the region, offering a unifying platform that brings together distinguished Emirati and Arab journalists, regional production companies, and outstanding content creators to explore ways to support the growing podcast industry and broaden its reach to meet the increasing interest of the Arab audience.”
She emphasized that the Dubai Press Club will continue to launch initiatives that enhance the ability of Arab media to keep up with the future and solidify Dubai’s role as a nurturing ground for creatives and innovative thinkers.
Moreover, Mariam Malla, Director of the Dubai Press Club, expressed that organizing the fifth edition of Dubai Podfest confirms the club’s commitment to supporting and empowering the audio content industry in the Arab world, highlighting the significance of podcasts as a modern media tool that can influence, create awareness, and convey ideas in an engaging manner.
Malla added, “This event aims to provide a platform that unites a distinguished array of creators, producers, and specialized institutions to discuss ways to develop Arab digital content and enhance its competitiveness regionally and internationally. Dubai Podfest also represents an important opportunity to showcase successful stories and experiences and encourage youth to creatively enter this field, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading regional hub for digital media and particularly podcasting.”
She stated that the continuous success of “Dubai Podfest” since its inception reflects Dubai’s forward-looking vision and its ongoing commitment to investing in nurturing creative talents, solidifying the role of podcasting as an influential medium capable of amplifying the voice of the Arab people through innovative ideas and inspiring messages.
In her remarks, Mahfouda Abdullah, Director of “Dubai Podfest” and Media Talent Development Manager at the Dubai Press Club, highlighted that in its fifth edition, “Dubai Podfest” continues to engage with prominent digital content creators to enhance the growth of this expanding media sector, not just in the region but globally, especially given the rapid technological advancements that allow anyone interested in entering this field to excel.
She noted, “We ensured that this edition of the event coincides with World Podcast Day to emphasize the importance of this creative sector and highlight its latest developments and attributes of excellence.”
The Dubai Press Club invites all podcast enthusiasts, including content creators, journalists, entrepreneurs, and media students, to register for “Dubai Podfest 2025” and benefit from the inspiring discussions that will take place. More details and registration can be found at the provided link.