By Omar Gouda
Podcasting in the Middle East and North Africa is evolving from niche curiosity to a dynamic mainstream medium. As smartphone and internet access expand across the region, creators are turning to audio to connect with audiences in ways traditional radio and TV often can’t. At the same time, Arabic-language platforms and networks are racing to build sustainable business models that can support this momentum.
But who are the key creators & stand-out voices in the industry?
Learn Egyptian Arabic with Eslam Badawy
A distinct example: a podcast created specifically for teaching Egyptian Arabic dialect. Each episode includes vocabulary, dialogues, and cultural notes.
Droos Podcast ‑ بودكاست دروس
Hosted by Ahmed Abouzaid, this Egyptian-based show covers self-improvement and life stories in Arabic.
Kalam Yenawar ‑ كلام ينوّر
A Lebanon/Egypt-region podcast (Arabic) focusing on financial topics — savings, budgeting, investment — making finance accessible in colloquial Arabic.
The Founder
An Egyptian business-oriented podcast focused on founders and entrepreneurship in Egypt.
Matbakh
This MENA-regional podcast explores food culture across the Arab world.
Awwal Shi Bonsoir
Part of the Hakawati network serving the MENA region in Arabic, covering personal stories and culture.
These examples reflect the diversity of themes (language-learning, self-improvement, finance, entrepreneurship, culture/food) and show the growing sophistication of Arabic-language podcast production.
Dialect & Language: Which Arabic Is Winning?
Many podcast creators across the MENA region are increasingly opting for dialectal Arabic—particularly Egyptian and Levantine—over formal Modern Standard Arabic (MSA or Fusḥā). This shift reflects a desire for greater accessibility and emotional resonance, as dialects tend to feel more personal and familiar to listeners. Egyptian Arabic, in particular, enjoys broad recognition thanks to its dominance in regional media and the size of Egypt’s population and diaspora.
The rise of educational podcasts like Learn Egyptian Arabic points to growing demand for dialect-specific content, especially among language learners and diaspora audiences seeking cultural connection.
Conclusion
The Arab podcast boom is unmistakably underway, and Egypt is emerging as a key force in its growth. From language learning and finance to culture, storytelling, and entrepreneurship, Egyptian creators are exploring a wide range of formats and themes.
WE ALSO SAID: Don’t Miss…Weekend Vibes: Podcasts on Resilience, Growth, and Cultural Joy
