Podcasts You Should Keep on Your Radar on International Podcast Day

This International Podcast Day, the spotlight is on the MENA region’s growing podcast scene, where creators are carving out space for conversations that are raw, personal, and deeply local. From Cairo to Riyadh, Beirut to Amman, hosts are experimenting with formats that mix humour, culture, music, and social commentary in ways that resonate with audiences across the Arab world. We’ve put together a list of standout names worth tuning into... The W - Hosted by Dina Ghabbour Inspired by Ghabbour’s journey as both a mother and an entrepreneur, ‘The W’ sheds light on unfiltered success stories, highlighting all the hardships along the way. Coffee Break - Hosted by Nathalie Elmasri & Nadyn Chalhoub ‘Coffee Break’ started off as a joke between two best friends, Nadyn and Nathalie. Today it’s an established podcast that discusses cultural trends, politics, and personal experiences in a humorous way. The Mo Show - Hosted by Mo Islam Hosted by Mo Islam, ‘The Mo Show’ offers a window into modern-day Saudi Arabia, spotlighting the country’s culture and progress through personal stories and impactful guests from business, arts, and sports. Conversations With Loulou - Hosted by Loulou Khazen In ‘Conversations With Loulou’, tech founder and venture capital investor Loulou Khazen talks with leading founders, CEOs, and ecosystem builders, sharing insights and stories that spotlight the Middle East’s growing startup scene. Eib by Sowt Podcasts ‘Eib’ showcases everyday stories that are shaped by societal norms and gender roles, or experiences that are taboo. It challenges cultural expectations, sparks dialogue, and creates space for stories that are rarely heard on mainstream platforms. The You in Human - Hosted by Deana Shaaban In every episode, a celebrity sits down for a conversation that goes beyond success stories, diving into every aspect of their lives, raw and unfiltered. G Talks - Hosted by Shady Sherif Hosted by Shady Sherif, ‘G Talks’ is dedicated to sharing real, inspiring stories that motivate others to pursue their own dreams. Dom Tak by Sowt Podcasts ‘Dom Tak’ is all about the music that shapes the MENA region. It takes listeners on a sonic journey through the diverse musical worlds of the MENA region, exploring everything from traditional sounds and forgotten gems to contemporary hits and cultural movements. AB Talks Originals - Hosted by Anas Bukhash In a series of interviews, Anas Bukhash hosts true and heartfelt conversations with celebrities, showing sides of their lives that are unknown to people. It spotlights the not-so-shiny parts of these stars’ lives. With NourAldin - Hosted by NourAldin Every Thursday, host NourAldin takes celebrities and public figures on a journey through their past, exploring childhood and present behaviours. The podcast also dives into their views on the future and how early years may have shaped them 2043 - Hosted by Ziad Aly Podcast ‘2043’ is all about the future and the opportunities it holds for us. It focuses on the tech field and how it can be integrated into all aspects of life, especially AI. It seeks to answer all the questions that come to mind when contemplating our future in the presence of AI. Andy So’al - Hosted by Mohamad Kaiss In ‘Andy So’al’, host Mohamad Kaiss has meaningful conversations with celebrities, revealing untold parts of their lives. From Hadia Ghalib and Najwa Karam to Hend Sabry and Nour Arida, he’s probably interviewed your favourite star. Pass the Kabsa - Hosted by Adel Al Ghamdi, Terki Shalhoub & Mohammed Al Shamsi Saudi-based ‘Pass The Kabsa’ is a creative studio where the Kabsa Boys host raw, uncensored chats on media, entertainment, and pop culture. Each week they dive into news, trends, pop culture, relationships, and music… no topic is off the table. El Podcasters - Hosted by Bassel Al Zaro and Karim Rihan    'El Podcasters' brings conversations with influential people who are making a difference, but don’t expect it to be all that serious… Fadfadet Awi - Hosted by Moataz El Tony Moataz El tony, a name that instantly brings comedy to mind, has fun conversations with the most beloved actors… and the conversations are just as fun as he is. Hewarat Ma’ Abbas - Hosted by Abbas Abu Al Hassan Writer and screenwriter Abbas Abou El Hassan hosts warm and heartfelt talks with unique individuals and real-life heroes whose journeys are inspiring. Kefaya Ba’a - Hosted by Alaa El Sheikh ‘Kefaya Ba’a’ is a sarcastic podcast showcasing Egyptian insights and social problems, and discussing them without any filters. Finjan - Hosted by Abdulrahman Abumalih Every Sunday, a different public figure joins the podcast for conversations on a wide range of topics with no set theme. It’s diverse, insightful, and undoubtedly entertaining.