While the podcast industry is positively BOOMING in the states and elsewhere, this region is slower to catch on, but slowly it’s happening…

And once you get stuck in, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

This weekend saw the first ever Middle East Podcast Forum and with that the announcement of a podcast section on Anghami. And while there may be only around 250 podcasts in the region RN, there is some serious quality listening for you to delve right into.

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Bookmark this page: here are seven podcasts you need to pay attention to

Kerning Cultures

‘Radio documentaries from the Middle East,’ Kerning Cultures with Hebah Fisher and Razan Al Zayani digs deep into a topic before bringing you a thorough analysis, from episodes on the start-up culture in the UAE, Lebanon and Egypt to a conversation snapshot of Trump’s travel ban that targeted six pre-dominantly Muslim countries. Listen here.

When women win

There may not enough female driven podcasts in the region, however this female lead (by creator Rana Nawas) and female focused podcast is a shining example to budding podcasters, entrepreneurs and ladies who want to boss it any any field.

Take a listen here and take inspo and learnings from incredible women in the region.

Basel Meets ‘the world’s most interesting people’

Basel Meets is number two on Apple podcast here and his podcast does exactly what it says on the tin. Basel Anabtawi seeks out a great guest list and covers topics ranging from but not limited to new media, the vegan lifestyle, Instagram ‘fluencers, Tinder, film, entrepreneurship and more.

Listen here.

Forget my previous tweet, we just locked in the number 2 spot on the @ApplePodcasts chart’s !!! Truly honored! pic.twitter.com/nopsmc8CI0

— Basel Anabtawi (Basel Meets) (@BaselAnabtawi) August 18, 2018

Dukkan Show

Turn on OT, Reem, and Akkawi and you’ll feel like you’re listening to old friends hang out. The podcast brings cohosts along for a genuine conversation that celebrates society and culture with a focus on Dubai and the UAE.

Listen here.

It has been a while since we kicked it, but @otofficial & @reemhameed came together to discuss their businesses, online content, the future of content, and taking an social media hiatus for mental health.https://t.co/63JyzkgvNv
???? by @waleedshah. #WelcomeToYourTribe #podcast pic.twitter.com/jYnvZtjNNF

— Dukkan Show (@DukkanShow) September 19, 2018

Hamburger Generation Podcast

Lighthearted story-telling at its best, Jamil Adas & Isra Abu Zayed cover everything from reiki to backpacking in Cambodia. Give it a listen here.

The Mstdfr Show

The Saudi based show is part of the Mstdfr network, the country’s first ever podcast network. Ammar and Rami host The Mstdfr Show which covers everything trending from culture and current affairs to media and the challenges facing the new Arab generation. Listen here

Gift #2@ApplePodcasts has featured #mstdfr #podcast as part of their new Apple Watch IOS5 promotions on their website! Along side some familiar friends @DukkanShow @kerningcultures @BaselAnabtawi & @bulaqbooks

Thank you #ApplePodcasts ????

Congratulations @rtaibah & @Sabban31 pic.twitter.com/k3r4qpptTj

— بودكاست مستدفر (@mstdfr) September 25, 2018

Lovin Dubai Before Brunch Podcast

Hey hey, Lovin has a podcast too – where we take the latest news in the region and see how it relates to our lives. Hosted by Caitlyn and Casey, Before Brunch is the chats you’ll be having with your friends at brunch, in podcast form.

iTunes: check out the #LovinDubai before #brunch podcast HEREEEEEhttps://t.co/Wun0HkM4R8

— Lovin Dubai (@lovindubai) September 20, 2018

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