Dubai PodFest 2025 To Host Global Podcast Leaders On September 30 In Dubai

The Dubai Press Club (DPC) has announced the agenda for the fifth Dubai PodFest, scheduled for 30th September 2025 at the Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre. This event, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will gather podcasters, audio creators, and industry experts to discuss podcasting's future and growth opportunities.

The event will open with a keynote on ‘The Future of Podcast Monetisation’. Bryan Barletta from Podcast Movement and Stefano Fallaha of Podeo will discuss economic fundamentals and innovative revenue models. They will explore how monetisation strategies can enhance content quality and audience reach in the Arab podcasting ecosystem.

Maryam Al Mulla, Director of DPC, highlighted that the agenda reflects Dubai's role as a hub for creativity and media development. She emphasised that the event aims to not only adapt to changes but also shape podcasting's future. The focus is on leveraging technology and partnerships to strengthen content and expand its influence globally.

Mahfoudha Abdullah, Project Manager of Dubai PodFest, stated that this edition aims to foster dialogue and learning. Alongside main sessions, practical workshops led by experts will be offered. These workshops aim to bring audiences closer to success stories and provide hands-on tips for overcoming challenges from production to monetisation.

Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson of the Dubai Media Council, expressed pride in Dubai PodFest becoming a key platform for discussing podcasting trends in the Arab world. She noted that podcasting is rapidly growing due to its ability to engage new media audiences effectively.

Advertising and Audience Engagement

A session titled ‘Podcast Advertising – Unlocking Value for Brands and Audiences’ will feature Pauline Rady from WPP Media, Luca Allam from ‘Luca’s Insight Track’, and Lemya Soltani from NBM. Moderated by Anam Amin, they will discuss Arabic advertising market maturity and creative approaches needed for commercial confidence.

‘Podcasts and the Rise of Streaming Platforms’ will explore how visual storytelling techniques are expanding podcast reach through partnerships with leading networks. It will highlight growth opportunities across regional and international markets.

Political Awareness through Podcasts

A panel discussion on ‘Shaping Awareness through Media’ will examine podcasting's unique qualities compared to traditional media. It will focus on its role in fostering political awareness and how audience engagement with political content influences digital format themes popular among Arab listeners.

‘Independent vs Platform Podcasting’ will weigh benefits of joining platforms versus operating independently. Meanwhile, ‘Beyond the Screen: The Rise of Podcasting’ highlights broadcasters transitioning from radio/TV to digital audio.

Health Awareness via Podcasts

A session titled ‘Raising Health Awareness through Podcasting’ will discuss podcasts' role in addressing mental health topics. It focuses on their effectiveness in fostering greater awareness while examining broader social impacts of normalising such conversations.

‘Inside a Successful Podcast Episode’ delves into essential elements of compelling long-form storytelling. Additionally, ‘The Rising Popularity of Crime Podcasts’ explores this genre’s blend of suspense, awareness, and entertainment.

Challenges Facing Arab Platforms

The agenda includes a panel on ‘Arab Podcast Platforms: Challenges and Opportunities’. Regional creators who have established successful platforms will share lessons on network-building, audience development, and evolving creator-distribution platform relationships.

‘Inspiring Stories from the Arab World’ showcases creative success stories across the region. It offers insights into content development, audience growth, and evolving podcast landscape dynamics.

The event concludes with ‘Art and Creativity in Sound and Visual Media’. This session reflects on podcasting journeys — from passion-driven beginnings to broader creative impacts across audio-visual media landscapes.

With inputs from WAM