Dubai: Dubai Press Club unveiled a report on the podcasting industry in the Arab world (Arab World Podcasting Industry), titled ‘Generating Insights into the Podcasting Industry in the Arab World,’ during the 22nd Arab Media Forum at the Arab Media Summit.
The report was presented at a press conference attended by prominent media professionals, leading Arab digital audio content creators, and representatives from local, regional, and international media outlets.
Dr. Maitha Buhumaid, Director of Dubai Press Club, noted that the report marks the beginning of a new phase of growth for the regional podcast industry. She emphasized Dubai’s commitment to anticipating future industry needs and developing initiatives to foster growth and innovation. The report highlights key challenges and opportunities and suggests measures to advance the digital audio content sector.
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“Reports like this are crucial for preparing the ground for transformation, shaping a better future for the media, and keeping pace with rapid changes,” Dr. Buhumaid said. She added that the report aims to address the lack of research on podcasting in the region and provide Arab content creators with valuable insights to make informed decisions. Dubai Press Club plans to collaborate with industry leaders to implement the report’s findings, enhance the reach of podcasting, and nurture creativity and innovation in the media sector.
Mahfoudha Saleh, Specialist in Media Talent Development at Dubai Press Club, explained that the report outlines the major challenges and opportunities in the podcasting sector, providing industry leaders with the information needed to boost the sector. She stressed the importance of anticipating future changes and enabling Arab content creators to make strategic decisions based on credible research. The Dubai Press Club will work with stakeholders to pave a new growth path for podcasting in the region, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a hub for media and creative industries.
Podcasting, which has grown significantly since 2014, reached 464.7 million listeners globally in 2023, with 5 million podcasts and 70 million episodes published worldwide. The number of podcast listeners is expected to exceed 500 million by the end of 2024.
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The study, based on responses from 60 Arab podcasters and a focus group of 16 prominent Arab podcasters from 11 countries, found that 80 percent of participants considered Arabic-language podcasts more influential in the region than English ones. Additionally, 78 percent favored podcasts in local Arabic dialects over standard Arabic. The report predicts a significant rise in podcast listeners in the Arab world, especially in the Gulf region, with the UAE leading in podcast listening hours.
The report identifies opportunities for developing the Arab podcasting industry and offers solutions to challenges such as creating clear industry standards, ensuring financial sustainability, and developing training programs. It recommends transforming challenges into opportunities for collaboration, professional development, and growth.
![Podcasting Industry in Arab World](https://cdn.emiratitimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/29232753/Podcasting-Industry-in-Arab-World-2.jpg)
Participants highlighted the need for metrics, data analytics, and customised dashboards to analyze podcasting trends, which would help retain current audiences and attract new ones. The study also calls for more trained podcasters with the necessary skills to create, produce, and commercialize quality content.
Key recommendations include creating diverse and specialized Arabic podcast content, establishing high-quality standards, developing more podcasting platforms, and supporting Arab podcasters in creating viable business models and monetization strategies. The report emphasizes the importance of collaboration to build a vibrant community of Arab podcasters.
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