Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, the Dubai Press Club hosted the fifth edition of Dubai PodFest, the region’s largest gathering for podcasters. The event welcomed over 1,200 participants, including top content creators, media professionals, digital platform representatives, and students.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed opened the event, highlighting Dubai PodFest as an initiative inspired by the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to build a globally competitive Arab media industry. He stressed Dubai’s dedication to providing opportunities that allow Arab media, both traditional and digital, to achieve excellence and deliver world-class content.
“Dubai PodFest reflects the emirate’s leadership in the Arab media landscape and its commitment to accelerating the growth of this vital sector. Digital content today is more than entertainment or communication, it has become a powerful tool that supports development, inspires positive change in societies, and builds bridges of dialogue between cultures. By empowering creators and amplifying their voices, we are investing in a future where Arab media can compete globally while staying true to its identity and values,” Sheikh Ahmed further said.
This year’s edition featured panel discussions and workshops addressing podcasting’s impact on social awareness, creator success factors, monetisation strategies, and integration with digital networks.
Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club, underlined the growing importance of podcasts in an evolving media environment. “In a rapidly changing world, podcasting stands out as a medium that combines credibility, influence, and direct reach to people,” she said.
“Through Dubai PodFest, we are providing a platform for youth, entrepreneurs, and Arab creatives to share their ideas and contribute to shaping the future of a rapidly expanding sector.” She added that Dubai has long recognised the importance of investing in new media, fostering an environment that enables innovation, and empowering talent in line with the leadership’s vision of an economy driven by knowledge and innovation.
During the opening session, Al Marri honoured the winners of the Arab Podcast Program, launched by the Dubai Press Club to support the growth of podcasting in the region through workshops and discussions that provide practical hands-on training. The second edition of the programme included 24 participants from across the Arab world.
First place was awarded to Emirati writer Amani Abdullah Al Teneiji for her podcast Mareekh. Saudi media professional Raghad Al Arishi secured second place for Qudam, a cultural and tourism podcast highlighting lesser-known Gulf destinations, while Syria’s Tahani Mohammed Zuhayman took third place for her podcast Esma’ha Meni (Hear It from Me).
Maryam Al Mulla, Director of Dubai Press Club, highlighted podcasting’s strong foothold in digital media, stating that Dubai PodFest has become an influential platform for exchanging ideas and shaping the future of this fast-growing medium.
“Podcasting has become part of daily life,” Al Mulla said. “Many people listen while walking, driving, or at home. It is also a promising driver of the creative economy, aligned with Dubai’s ambition to become a global capital for the digital and creative economy.”
The opening session, moderated by Stefano Fallaha, Founder & CEO of Podeo, featured insights from Bryan Barletta, President of Podcast Movement. Barletta discussed adapting global monetisation models, localisation strategies, and video integration to accelerate growth.
He highlighted the Middle East as an attractive market for advertisers due to high engagement in smaller communities and stressed localisation’s importance, given the region’s diverse Arabic dialects. Barletta also noted that podcasts remain under-monetised despite strong audiences and advised creators to diversify revenue streams through merchandise, e-books, memberships, licensing, and live events, with subscription models priced around one-third of major streaming services.
Barletta highlighted video as a key marketing tool but cautioned that low view counts could pose risks, noting YouTube as the strongest platform for video-to-audio conversion. He recommended creators focus on audience surveys, bonus content, peer model reviews, and niche communities to build sustainable engagement.
Dubai PodFest 2025, organised by Dubai Press Club, took place at the Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre, marking the fifth edition of the region’s premier annual gathering of podcasters.
(Inputs from WAM)
