Once known for its quiet and reserved population, Saudi Arabia is now witnessing a wave of voices emerging, with locals embracing the podcast format to share their stories, thoughts, and perspectives. An increasingly popular medium—often dubbed the internet’s answer to radio—this form of expression has quickly become one of the kingdom’s favorite platforms for dialogue, touching on topics that range from personal experiences to pressing social issues and beyond.
To give you an idea of how rapidly this medium is developing, just last month, a Saudi podcast episode broke a world record by becoming the most-ever watched. Produced by Thmanyah, a digital space that describes itself as “the largest platform for podcasts in the Arab world,” their flagship show Fnjan made history with the episode “Secrets to Thriving Relationships,” which now holds the record for the most-viewed podcast episode on YouTube.
To celebrate the industry’s rising prominence and spotlight the trailblazers leading the way, we’ve curated a list of seven Saudi podcasts you need to tune into right now.
‘Fnjan’
Language: Arabic
Hosted by Abdulrahman Abumalih, this podcast features in-depth conversations with thought leaders, creatives, and change-makers in Saudi Arabia and beyond. It’s known for diving into meaningful discussions on culture, society, and innovation.
‘The 966’
Language: English
Whether you’re interested in understanding the complex U.S.-Saudi relationship or discovering the latest developments in the Kingdom, The 966 delivers thoughtful analysis and expert perspectives you won’t find anywhere else.
‘7 Years In Saudi by Lamia Podcast’
Language: English
The captivating podcast that chronicles one woman’s personal journey of living and thriving in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The host, Lamia, shares her unique experiences, insights, and reflections on life in the Kingdom, providing listeners with an intimate and honest look at the culture, lifestyle, and everyday adventures in Saudi Arabia.
‘The Mo Show’
Language: English
Hosted by Mohammed Islam, this podcast features interviews with a diverse range of guests, from influencers and creatives to entrepreneurs. It offers fresh insights into the Saudi creative scene and beyond.
‘Pass The Kabsa’
Language: English
Your go-to for unfiltered, entertaining conversations about everything from news and trends to pop culture, relationships, and music. Hosted by the lively ‘Kabsa Boys,’ each episode brings a fresh, raw, and uncensored take on the week’s hottest topics. No subject is off-limits, and the laid-back, sometimes hilariously misguided perspectives make it a fun listen for anyone who loves no-holds-barred discussions.
‘Kanaba Al Sabt’
Language: Arabic
With a mission to enlighten and enrich, the thought-provoking podcast delves into the depths of social, psychological, and philosophical topics, and occasionally ventures even further beyond.
‘Mstdfr’
Language: “Arablish”
One of Saudi’s most popular podcasts, Mstdfr covers a wide range of topics from geek culture and entertainment to social issues. The informal and fun format appeals to listeners who enjoy pop culture commentary with a Saudi twist.
