Dubai: The Dubai Press Club (DPC) today launched the third edition of the Arab Podcast Program, held in collaboration with leading media organisations, prominent podcast creators, and industry experts. The initiative is part of the Dubai Press Club's efforts to enhance the capabilities and competitiveness of Arab media and support innovation in content creation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the three-week programme offers intensive sessions that combine theoretical insights with hands-on training, covering every stage of podcast production from idea development and audience identification to production, publishing, and marketing. The third edition also highlights the growing convergence of audio and video podcasting, as podcasts continue to gain popularity across the Arab world and internationally.
Maryam Al Mulla, Director of the Dubai Press Club, stated that the Arab Podcast Program underscores DPC's commitment to shaping the media sector's rapid evolution with impactful initiatives that reinforce Dubai's position as a leading hub for media innovation. 'The global audio content landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by changing audience preferences and growing demand for specialised content. This presents an invaluable opportunity for Arab media to strengthen their presence through compelling, competitive content,' she said.
Al Mulla also expressed gratitude to partner institutions, experts, and podcast creators enriching the Arab Podcast Program with their expertise, noting that such collaborations reflect a shared commitment to investing in media talent in line with Dubai's vision of becoming a global centre for media excellence and creativity.
Wedad Kahoor, Section Head - Media Talent Development at the DPC, mentioned that the Program, held until July end at DPC's headquarters, will see participants developing podcast projects evaluated by a panel of specialists. Three exceptional projects will be recognised with awards, encouraging new talent to achieve their full potential and transform innovative ideas into successful podcast productions.
The opening day featured a session titled 'How Podcasts Shape Contemporary Collective Awareness,' with insights from Safia Al Shehhi, Jamal Al Mulla, and Dr. Zainab Al Taie. The session examined the evolution of podcasts from an outlier in the media world into influential platforms capable of enriching public discourse, while discussing the importance of ethical podcasting and balancing digital trends with Arab cultural identity.
Another session, 'Introduction to Podcasting: Designing the Concept and Building the Identity,' was presented by Charbel Issa from Podeo, focusing on transforming podcast ideas into successful projects by defining a clear vision, selecting topics, building a brand identity, and developing effective production and marketing strategies.
