Dubai PodFest 2025 Unveils Droob Areeka Podcast And Insaat Platform For Arab Creators

The fifth edition of Dubai PodFest introduced the Droob Areeka podcast and unveiled the Insaat digital platform for podcast production. This event attracted a notable assembly of content creators and media organisations from both regional and international spheres, marking a significant moment in the podcasting landscape.

The Droob Areeka podcast, produced by Ghmza Entertainment Production Company, is a fresh take on the popular Areeka series. It is presented by Bibi Al-Abdulmohsen and Talal Sam, with direction by Abdullah AlThamer. The show combines comedy with travel narratives, following the Areeka team on a 30-day journey across six GCC countries to explore their cultures. The first season will consist of 12 episodes, with filming set to start in October.

Insaat was also launched at Dubai PodFest as the first Arab digital platform dedicated to empowering podcasters and supporting the audio content industry in the Arab world. Insaat aims to create a vibrant community by bringing together distinguished audio content creators and helping them generate sustainable revenue from their work.

Abdullah AlThamer, co-founder of Ghmza and producer/director of Areeka, described the launch at Dubai PodFest as an important milestone. He highlighted the rarity of comedy-travel content in the Gulf and noted the opportunity to reach a unique audience. Talal Sam and Bibi Al-Abdulmohsen emphasised engaging with audiences across the region while experiencing cultural diversity firsthand.

Luca Allam, former CEO of PHD MENA and co-founder of Insaat, stated that digital content is evolving rapidly. He mentioned that audiences are increasingly seeking reliable material. Insaat aims to support podcasters in monetising their content while providing brands with innovative ways to engage audiences through high-quality, locally relevant content.

Hikmat Wehbi, founder of W Production and co-founder of Insaat, noted that podcasts offer a free space for storytelling beyond traditional media constraints. He added that Insaat seeks to unite Arab content creators, giving them a platform to share their voices and foster creativity in podcasting.

Dubai's Role in Digital Media

Mahfoudha Saleh, Manager of Dubai PodFest, highlighted its role in showcasing innovative projects like Droob Areeka and Insaat. She emphasised its support for Arab creators and reinforced Dubai’s status as a hub for digital media. Saleh added that podcasting fosters creativity and direct audience engagement, offering growth opportunities for Arab podcasters to share ideas with new listeners.

The new platform offers an ecosystem combining technical tools, production support, marketing assistance, and professional training. Insaat’s mission is to empower Arab creators to produce meaningful content while promoting diversity in the Arab digital media landscape.

With inputs from WAM