The fifth edition of the “Dubaipodfest,” organized by the Dubai Press Club under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, is set to take place on September 30. This anticipated event will gather prominent media institutions and Arab content creators, alongside regional organizations specialized in podcasting, aiming to explore the future of the podcast industry and highlight its digital advancements in the region.
Coinciding with International Podcast Day, the event celebrates the influence and broad reach of audio content creators worldwide. “Dubai Podfest” asserts its position as the first event of its kind in the Arab world, uniting a select group of Emirati and Arab journalists, content creators, and key stakeholders in a comprehensive dialogue about enhancing this vital sector and expanding its presence across the Arab world.
As Vice President and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Chairwoman of the Dubai Press Club, Mona Ghanem Al-Merri emphasized that hosting the fifth edition of “Dubai Podfest” reflects the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to position Dubai as a hub for Arab media and a pivotal platform for creative content. “The directives from His Highness place a clear goal before us: to cement Dubai’s status as the capital of Arab media,” she stated.
She continued, “This can be accomplished not only by keeping pace with global developments but also by actively contributing to shaping the digital media landscape and creating quality opportunities for Arab talents. Our aim is to facilitate impactful content that can compete globally.” The conference, which aligns with International Podcast Day, has become the premier event in the region, providing a comprehensive platform that brings together distinguished Emirati and Arab journalists, regional production companies, and exceptional content creators to discuss ways to support the growing podcast industry.
Al-Merri reiterated that the Dubai Press Club will continue to launch initiatives that enhance the Arab media’s ability to adapt to the future while solidifying Dubai’s position as a nurturing ground for innovative ideas and creators.
Meanwhile, Mariam Al-Mulla, Director of the Dubai Press Club, stated, “The organization of the fifth edition of ‘Dubai Podfest’ reinforces our commitment to supporting and empowering the audio content industry in the Arab world. We deeply believe in the significance of podcasting as a modern media tool capable of influencing and conveying ideas in innovative and engaging ways.”
She added, “Through this event, we aim to provide a platform that gathers a wealth of creators, producers, and specialized institutions to explore ways to develop Arabic digital content and enhance its competitiveness both regionally and internationally. ‘Dubai Podfest’ represents a vital opportunity to spotlight successful stories and experiences and encourages youth to engage creatively in this field, further solidifying Dubai’s status as a leading regional center for digital media and specifically for podcasting.”
Mariam Al-Mulla highlighted the ongoing success of “Dubai Podfest” since its inception, reflecting Dubai’s forward-looking vision and continuous investment in nurturing creative talent. “The event underscores the importance of podcasting as an influential medium, capable of conveying the voice of the Arab individual to the world with innovative ideas and inspiring messages,” she noted.
According to Mahfouz Abdullah, Director of “Dubai Podfest” and Head of Media Talent Development at the Dubai Press Club, “Dubai Podfest” is establishing its role as a leading regional center for digital media, shining a light on unique success stories while continuing to explore avenues to elevate this expanding media sector not just regionally, but globally. “The rapid technological advancement has allowed anyone aspiring to enter this field to excel and shine,” she expressed.
She further emphasized the significance of timing this edition of the event with International Podcast Day as a message that highlights the importance of this creative sector and showcases its latest developments and strengths.
The Dubai Press Club invites all those interested in the podcast industry, including content creators, journalists, entrepreneurs, and media studies students, to register for “Dubai Podfest 2025” and benefit from the inspiring discussions that will take place.