Post by : Bianca Qureshi
Dubai, October 1, 2025 – The fifth edition of Dubai PodFest witnessed two major launches aimed at transforming the Arab podcasting landscape – the debut of the Droob Areeka comedy-travel podcast and the unveiling of Insaat, the region’s first dedicated digital platform to support Arab podcasters.
The event, organised by the Dubai Press Club under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, brought together prominent content creators, media professionals, and regional organisations.
Droob Areeka: Comedy Meets Travel
Produced by Ghmza Entertainment Production Company, Droob Areeka is a fresh version of the widely followed Areeka podcast. Hosted by Bibi Al-Abdulmohsen and Talal Sam, and directed by Abdullah AlThamer, the show blends comedy with travel experiences.
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The first season will take the Areeka team on a 30-day road trip across the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, with 12 episodes planned – two per country. Filming is scheduled to begin in October.
AlThamer described the launch as “a milestone for Gulf entertainment,” highlighting the rarity of comedy-travel content in the region. Hosts Talal Sam and Bibi Al-Abdulmohsen expressed their excitement at engaging audiences across the Gulf and experiencing its cultural and geographical diversity.
Insaat: A Platform for Arab Podcasters
Alongside the podcast launch, Dubai PodFest introduced Insaat, a new platform designed to empower Arab podcasters and strengthen the audio content industry.
The platform, co-founded by Luca Allam, former CEO of PHD MENA and host of Luca’s Insight Track, and Hikmat Wehbi, founder of W Production and host of the Hikmat Wehbi Podcast, aims to help creators monetise their work, connect with brands, and deliver high-quality, locally relevant content.
Insaat provides a full ecosystem, including technical tools, marketing support, training, and professional development. “Digital content is evolving rapidly,” Allam said, adding that Insaat seeks to give podcasters innovative ways to engage audiences. Wehbi stressed that podcasts offer “a free space for storytelling beyond the limits of traditional media,” with Insaat positioned to foster collaboration and creativity.
Dubai as a Regional Podcast Hub
Mahfoudha Saleh, Manager of Dubai PodFest, reaffirmed the event’s role as the region’s leading platform for podcasting. She said projects like Droob Areeka and Insaat highlight Dubai’s commitment to supporting Arab content creators and strengthening its status as a hub for digital media.
“Podcasting offers creators a direct channel to their audiences and opens opportunities for growth,” she noted.
With these launches, Dubai PodFest 2025 has underlined its vision of promoting innovation, nurturing talent, and giving Arab voices new platforms to connect with listeners across the region and beyond.
Filming for Droob Areeka begins in October, with the first season expected to air in early 2026. Meanwhile, Insaat is now open to Arab podcasters seeking to grow and monetise their content.
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