Picture this: It’s rush hour, and you’re stuck in terrible traffic. Your indie-rock Spotify playlist simply isn’t doing it for your brain cells at the moment, and you want something to truly stimulate your mind and heart after a long day at work.
In the Arab world, millions of creatives are searching for the opportunity to have their voices heard (in Arabic) and host interesting podcasts that you can listen to.
Here is Cosmo ME’s selection of Arabic language podcasts to know about.
12 Arabic podcasts you need to listen to ASAP…
Bayneh W Baynak
Hosted by Rana Alamuddin, Lebanese actress and TV host, Bayneh W Baynak tackles sensitive topics such as abuse and women empowerment, ultimately allowing Arab women to reclaim how they define their future.
Language: Arabic.
Radical Contemporary
Hosted by Nour Hassan, Radical Contemporary (also a creative platform and online magazine) features interviews with prominent regional creatives from many different sectors including art, music, fashion, gastronomy, and more.
Language: English & Arabic.
The Mother Being
Hosted by Egyptian health educator Nour Emam, an episode of The Mother Being is released every Sunday discussing various aspects of reproductive and sexual health in the Middle East.
Language: Arabic.
Kearning Cultures
Kearning Cultures, shares honest and touching individual stories and experiences in Arabic and English, being called “‘This American Life’ of the Middle East” by The Guardian.
Language: English & Arabic.
AB Talks
AB Talks is a YouTube vodcast show that aims to showcase the unfiltered side of successful celebrities. During his interview-based show, renowned Emirati entrepreneur Anas Bukhash converses with actors, athletes, entrepreneurs, and influencers in an attempt to uncover “the human behind the title.” With interviews that can get highly emotional at times, AB Talks reminds us that irrespective of our status, it is our shared humanity and vulnerability that unites us.
Language: English & Arabic.
Dom Tak
The onomatopoeic podcast Dom Tak explores the golden age of Arab music and the nuanced lives of the Arab artists who composed it. Delving into the personal lives of famous Arab musicians, including their often turbulent relationship with fame and desire for recognition, the fully Arabic podcast is one you cannot miss.
Language: Arabic.
Hikmat Wehbi Podcast
On Hikmat’s podcast, he always brings in people with a lot to say about their personal lives and successes and failures. He gained popularity a while back, especially with having Salama as a guest to interview, who broke the internet when she had lowkey announced that she no longer was married to Khalid Al Ameri.
Language: Arabic & English
With NourAldin
NourAldin is all about vulnerability and has the unique ability to connect with his guests on a very spiritual level. He has a way of getting them comfortable, and he allows all kinds of expressions, from opinions to reactions. His interview with Salama also went viral when she confessed that her divorce from Khalid Al Ameri was finalized this year on February 14.
Language: Arabic
Podcast Swalif Amy
If you’re looking for relationship advice from friends to lovers, or just fust friends in general and how to cope and deal with them, Amy is your big sister. She is very woke and entertaining to watch when you’re having a bad day.
Language: Arabic
Keana Land
These 2 besties are having the bestest time while filming. These queens give you tips on being self-confident and discuss different societal pressures in the Arab world, such as the expectation to do well in your studies and be at the top constantly. They push boundaries in every episode!
Mazaj
Mazaj is a podcast that dives deep into conversations and taboo topics, and it likes to bring all types of perspectives and opinions to the table. Be wary of watching this, as it could be educational, and many triggering and sensitive topics are on the line. But def an interesting watch for sure.
Stars Podcast
Iraqi YouTuber and Personality Noor Stars launched her podcast last year, and she comes in with research honey. She asks her guests great questions and dives in deep into their lives. This is definitely one to watch because Noor is so good at interviewing her guests and knows how to get the convo going.