A study conducted by Markettiers MENA revealed that there are 5.1 million podcast listeners in Saudi Arabia (a podcast is a series of episodes posted online or on social media), with nearly 15% of the population tuning in regularly, at least once a week.
Many connect with the podcasts as they are easy and accessible, allowing people to multitask as they listen to their topic of interest, forming instant communities. Saudi Arabia has a new wave of creatives using this medium to highlight local stories, skills, and experiences innovatively. Here are a few podcasts that you can tune into.
The Mo show
The Mo show is the Kingdom's first English podcast. Through his show, the host, Muhammad Islam, converses about personal stories, businesses, startups, and tech with those actively involved in these fields. Episodes that are a must-listen are his interview with Saudi female race car driver Reema Juffali and Chairman of Al-Bilad media and publishing company Khaled Al Maeena, giving you a rare insight into these professions.
Active English
The English language is one of the most important languages used in education and media around the world. Active English shares lessons to make you more confident in using English conversationally and academically. They have episodes that teach you how to ace your English exams, Tips on speaking English more confidently, and Different language learning styles.
Fnjan Podcast
Hosted by Abdulrahman Abumalih, Fnjan is a Saudi Podcast covering topics ranging from artificial intelligence to veganism. The show is a part of Thmanyah, an Arabic content platform. With 215 episodes, the series consists of thought-provoking content like their interview with Mazin Alsudairi discussing what the global economy looks like in the future and an insightful discussion with Saleh Al Shebel on Marketing and its role in sales.
Paper Samwich
Paper Samwich is an audio umbrella for a group of artistic and knowledge-based podcasts, with multiple shows that discuss education, literature, holistic health, and more, amassing a total of 82.5k followers on Soundcloud. Their most popular episodes include 6 Pillars of Self-Esteem and Young Manager Tales Podcast: Grammar and Literature in Management.
Beyond law SA
Beyond Law is an Arabic podcast that deals with all things law in the country that is run by experts in law, entrepreneurship, finance, design, marketing, and technology. They try to close the gap between worldwide advancements in legal sectors and professional practices in Saudi Arabia in alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 ambitions. Their episodes give you industry insights, such as doing your master's in law abroad or their active discussions on study anxiety.
Minnana Minnakum
Hosted by Entrepreneur and designer Alaa Balkhi, the podcast Minnana Minnakum explores the stories of inspiring women in various fields. Sharing light-hearted conversations and anecdotes on contentious topics, giving us a deeper understanding of the experiences that made these women what they are today. Listen to the trailblazer Maha Al-Sudairi, founder of THINK TANK, discussing choosing your workspace or marketing your projects or tune in to an interview with the photographer and visual artist Marwa Al-Muqit about her experience working in photography in Saudi society.
The Mstdfr Show
Mstdfr is a podcast broadcasted in "Arablish." Every week, the show's hosts Ammar and Rami interview different regional guests about current events, culture, technology, media, and more. A few of their most popular episodes include: Let's help ourselves by helping others, where they interviewed Khaled Khalifa from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees along with No time wasted...we wasted it! Where they discuss the importance of time management and productivity.
Ted Talk Podcasts
Ted talk is a globally renowned media organization that works under the slogan of ideas worth spreading their podcasts host a wide array of segments discussing various topics, the most appealing being TED Health where professional medical practitioners, experts, doctors discuss medical sciences like The next software revolution: programming biological cells and WorkLife with Organizational psychologist Adam Grant where he explores various professions with episodes like how to navigating career turbulence.
Arbaa Podcast
If you are looking for something thought-provoking, tune into Arbaa where the hosts explore the world of business. Discussing relevant enterprise topics and issues most companies tend to deal with. Tune in every Wednesday to hear about the latest big ideas changing the business landscape and expert insights from industry leaders. One of their most memorable episodes is Episode 82, where they discuss the topic of ‘outsourcing’ in business.
Swalif Business
Swalif Business podcast is for those interested in business and entrepreneurship. Every episode is a detailed story about someone’s experience in various ventures. Every episode also focuses on a different topic in business. Useful content that can be beneficial for all those looking to break into the field, or for those already in it and looking to improve or discover new concepts and ideas. A great episode is an interview with Ahmad Bukhamseen, CEO and co-founder of Quant, a data science company.
Socrates Podcast
Saudi Arabia is experiencing drastic and exciting changes. Socrates Podcast takes questions regarding these changes and discusses them with the leaders involved. Listen to a variety of interesting people talk about their experiences whilst answering the listener’s queries in an effective, comprehensive yet compelling way. Episodes include an interview with the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, and an interview with the President of Thiqa Company.
With podcasts gaining popularity, many tools enable you to start your own shows and segments as a beginner. All you need is a script, voice recorder, and editing software. You can showcase your episodes via various platforms like Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Once you become more experienced, you can invest in professional equipment to up your podcast game.
You can also share your unique voice by enrolling in the enriching dialogue program offered by Misk Youth Voice
