Podcasts have become increasingly popular in the Arab world in recent years, providing a platform for voices from all over the region to share their perspectives and stories. From comedy and culture to news and politics, there is a wide variety of podcasts to choose from.
However, today we wanted to highlight important podcast we believe are shaping the Arab world in various fields from comedy and culinary to culture, and more serious things.
Podcasts are created by individuals and independent groups, which means that they are not subject to the same editorial constraints as traditional media outlets. This allows for a wide range of topics and perspectives to be covered, including those that may not be represented in mainstream media.
And sometimes podcasts provide a platform for underrepresented communities to share their stories, perspectives, and experiences, which can help to broaden our understanding of different cultures and issues.
Here are some podcasts which we believe have paved for a more personal connection between the host and listener. Here is our collection of some of the best podcasts from Arab creators currently:
“As a little girl, I yearned for stories of successful Saudi and Arab women from our region. I also dreamed to have a voice that would be heard across the world.” Inspiring words by Emon Shakoor, host of Shaghaf, as she heads into Season 2 of her compelling podcast. This podcast is known to be one of the top shows in the Arab region that highlights the accelerating force of brilliant female talent. With Emon’s extensive experience and the journey she has created for herself, she shares her own stories along with the many prominent guests she hosts.
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Shakshuka
This comedy podcast, hosted by comedians Ahmed Malas and Mohammed Magdy, is one of the most popular in the Arab world. The duo discuss everything from current events to personal anecdotes, and their humor is relatable to audiences from all over the region. The personal touch the hosts place on this podcast really introduces a sort of familiarity with the audiences.
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The Mo Show
The Mo Show is a podcast hosted by Mo Gawdat, a former Saudi chief business officer at Google X, and the author of the book "Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy". The podcast talks about the life and culture of modern day Saudi Arabia, as Mo speaks to different guests who share their personal stories and experiences. Also, Princess Reema has recently made an appearance on The Mo Show!
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The Dukkan Show
The hosts of "Dukkan," Omar Tom, Reem Hameed and Mohamed Akkaoui, based in the UAE, share their stories, bring on cool guests, and discuss relatable issues. The show is often described as "the voice of Neo-Bedouins and the home of the others." The name "Dukkan" meaning "shop" in Arabic, is a reference to the show being a "birthplace of media and the community." The Dukkan Show covers a wide range of topics, from mental health and influencer marketing, to exploring Arab pop history, making it a compelling and informative listen.
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When Women Win
This podcast delves into the lives of remarkable female pioneers from the Arab World sharing their inspiring anecdotes and passing on their advice on how to navigate this world. With every different episode, host and creator Rana Nawas interviews one woman, whose position could be anything from CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors to artists, journalists, and athletes. The host and her guest discus issues of gender parity and internalized misogyny in their respective industries and sectors, as well as their personal stories of triumph.
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Dom Tak
This podcast takes listeners on an engaging journey through the golden age of Arab music, showcasing the lives of both well-known and lesser-known Arab artists, and exploring their experiences with fame. The show serves as a documentary, going into the lives of these artists, their struggles for recognition, and their relationship with fame. The show has a captivating storytelling style and keeps listeners hooked, much like a Netflix docu-series. Dom Tak is one of the many innovative podcasts produced by Jordan-based Sowt that is entirely in Arabic.
These are just a few of the many excellent podcasts available in the Arab world. Whether you're looking for laughs, insights, or inspiration, there is a podcast out there for everyone. So, whether you're commuting to work, doing housework, or just looking for something to listen to, give one of these podcasts a try.