Dubai Press Club (DPC), under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and supported by the Dubai Media Council, is set to host the fifth edition of Dubai PodFest on September 30, 2025. Coinciding with International Podcast Day, this landmark event continues to cement Dubai’s position as the leading hub for Arabic podcasting and digital media innovation. It brings together a vibrant community of Arab podcasters, media professionals, and creative platforms to explore the evolving audio content landscape, spotlight success stories, and empower the next generation of creators.
Dubai PodFest : A premier platform for Arab podcasting
Dubai PodFest has grown into the region’s foremost event dedicated exclusively to the podcast industry. This year’s edition, like the fourth edition in 2024, coincides with International Podcast Day, although earlier editions were held in other months such as May and November.The festival serves as a dynamic forum where prominent Arab podcasters, media organisations, and digital content platforms gather. The fifth edition aims to deepen conversations on global podcasting trends and exchange best practices tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities in Arabic content creation.Participants engage in diverse activities including panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions that explore ways to increase the visibility and competitiveness of Arabic podcasts on a global scale. The event also focuses on empowering emerging talent and fostering partnerships between media institutions and creative industries, transforming industry challenges into avenues for innovation and growth.Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club, emphasized that the fifth edition of Dubai PodFest, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, embodies his vision to establish Dubai as a hub for Arab media and a global destination for creative content development and new media talent. She added that H.H. Sheikh Ahmed’s directives offer a clear roadmap to strengthen Dubai’s role as the capital of Arab media, not only by anticipating global trends but also by actively shaping the digital media landscape and empowering Arab talent to produce impactful and globally competitive content.
Empowering Arab talent: initiatives and training
Dubai PodFest is not just an event but part of a broader strategy to nurture Arab media creativity and innovation. Maryam Al Mulla, Director of Dubai Press Club, described the festival as a reflection of Dubai’s investment in talent development and innovation across the media sector. The festival serves as a platform to spotlight inspiring success stories, motivating young content creators to confidently enter the podcasting space with creativity and purpose.In addition to the festival, DPC recently concluded the second edition of the Arab Podcast Programme, a five-week immersive training course designed to develop new Arab podcasters. The programme, held from July 7 to August 5, 2025, attracted widespread participation from aspiring audio creators across the region. It combined theory and hands-on practice, covering all podcast production aspects including concept development, storytelling, editing, marketing, and distribution.Expert-led workshops provided insights into audio branding, narrative techniques, editing skills, content promotion, and monetisation strategies. The course also addressed emerging podcast technologies such as artificial intelligence and immersive 3D audio, aligning with Dubai’s vision for a future-ready, innovative media environment.
Dubai Media Council and Dubai Press Club: Pillars of Dubai’s media strategy
The Dubai Media Council (DMC), established in 2022, oversees Dubai’s media sector strategy, promoting media establishments and enhancing their global competitiveness. It represents Dubai’s media interests domestically and internationally, ensuring the emirate’s media landscape remains vibrant and forward-looking.Founded in 1999 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Press Club (DPC) is dedicated to supporting and developing the regional media community. DPC organizes several high-profile initiatives, including the Arab Media Forum (the largest media gathering in the region), the Arab Journalism Award, the Emirates Media Forum, and the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit.The Press Club actively provides networking, professional development, and knowledge-sharing opportunities for media professionals. It regularly hosts workshops and activities focused on various sectors including strategic communication, business, economy, and education. The success and continuity of Dubai PodFest further underline DPC’s role in shaping a media landscape that embraces innovation, talent, and digital transformation.
Participation and further information
Dubai Press Club invites podcasters, media organisations, entrepreneurs, and content creators to register and participate in Dubai PodFest 2025. The event promises to be an essential gathering for those invested in advancing the Arab podcasting sector.Additional details and registration information are available at the Dubai Press Club’s official website: https://dpc.org.ae/en.
