7 Essential Business Podcasts from MENA

Across the MENA region, the conversation around startups and venture capital has never been louder. Entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem insiders are using podcasts to trade stories, lessons, and predictions about the region’s growing innovation scene. In both Arabic and English, these shows chart the evolving identity of Middle Eastern business. Here are some of the most active and influential podcasts driving that discussion today.

Conversations with Loulou (UAE, Biweekly)

Hosted by entrepreneur and investor Loulou Khazen, this bilingual podcast explores the regional startup ecosystem through interviews with founders, executives, and venture capitalists. Episodes highlight trends shaping innovation across the Middle East.

Startups Arabia (UAE, Weekly)

Founded by Ali Zewail, this show features conversations with leading founders, investors, and startup operators across the Arab world. Topics range from scaling challenges to regional opportunities in emerging markets.

VC React Podcast (Saudi Arabia, Weekly)

Co-hosted by Ahmad Takatkah and Jamie Lane, the show reviews recent funding news and startup activity in MENA. Regular guests from the VC world weigh in on deals, valuations, and the broader investment landscape.

The MENA Startup Show (UAE, Biweekly)

Hosted by Samer Bejjani, this podcast focuses on candid discussions with founders and entrepreneurs from across the region. Episodes cover funding, growth, and lessons learned from building companies in MENA.

Sandpit Startups (UAE, Bi-Monthly)

Presented by Sam Drake and Abhishek Chatterjee, Sandpit Startups features interviews with entrepreneurs and investors driving the Middle East’s tech scene. Each episode examines how local ventures progress from early ideas to established businesses.

Startup Bel Arabi (Egypt, Frequent)

Created by Haitham Eldalil, this Arabic-language show provides practical insights for aspiring founders. It covers startup models, fundraising, and the day-to-day realities of building and managing new ventures.

Sawalef Business – Mashhoor Al-Debyan (Saudi Arabia, Biweekly)

Produced by Thmanyah, this long-running podcast hosted by Mashhoor Al-Debyan features in-depth interviews with Saudi and regional business leaders. Guests share experiences from their entrepreneurial journeys and insights on the region’s growing private sector.