Six of the best UAE podcasts
Whether you’re interested in culture, news, or just after a good laugh, the country’s podcasters have got you covered…
Over the past few years podcasting has exploded worldwide, thanks in part to highprofile shows such as the mysterythriller Serial and S-Town.
More and more people are switching off their radios in favour of on-demand, downloadable audio programming.
While the uptick in the Middle East has been slower than in other parts of the world, there are some genuinely engaging podcasts being conceived of, scripted and recorded right in our own backyard.
Here are our picks of the six UAE podcasts you should be listening to.
01. Dukkan Show
What is it? Hosted by OT, Toofless, Irshad and Reem (above), the Dukkan Show is the audio embodiment of four friends shooting the breeze at their local grocery shop. Quintessentially UAE in every way, there’s comedy, music, philosophical musings and pretty much anything else that happens to spring into the brains and out of the mouths of the charismatic hosts. For fans of? Pop Rocket Where can I listen? iTunes, Soundcloud, dukkanshow.com
02. Shady Shadow Show
What is it? Shadi Megallaa, a prominent figure in the UAE music scene, gathers together a different guest each episode (usually other impresarios of the country’s nightlife circuit) and gives them free reign over his turntables to spin their favourite records over the course of a few hours. All genres of music are fair game, and the banter between Shadi and his guests over the tunes is always entertaining. For fans of? Dekmantel Podcast
Where can I listen? Mixcloud
03. Motellacast
What is it? Fed up with the lack of alternative music on UAE radio, local dJ Mocity (above) started his weekly podcast Motellacast in 2015. Each episode is packed with an eclectic range of music, from reggae and classical music to vintage hip hop. For fans of? Rap Radar, BBC Radio 6 Music Where can I listen? motellacast.com
04. The Learning Curve
What is it? A podcast for businesswomen in the UAE, started by dubai-based small business owner (and former Abu dhabi resident) nicholla henderson hall. She interviews entrepreneurs in the MEnA region weekly and looks at the story behind their businesses and what they have learnt along the way. For fans of? Profit. Power. Pursuit Where can I listen? iTunes, facebook.com/groups/ podcast co mm unityUAE, thelearningcurvepodcast.com
05. Behind The Bytes
What is it? A weekly round-up of tech news. The three hosts are each prominent tech editors, but use the podcast to chat about everything from the latest smartphones to how technology looks to affect the future of the UAE. Expect spirited discussions. For fans of? The Vergecast Where can I listen? iTunes, Soundcloud
06. Kerning Cultures
What is it? The jewel in the UAE podcasting crown, Kerning cultures consists of concise, half-hour stories from across the Middle East. Exploring topics such as currentaffairs, history, science and culture, a rotating cast of nine producers means that each episode has a fresh perspective and impeccable production values. We particularly love the episode that charts the history of Al Ain’s public health system (and the American couple behind it). For fans of? This american Life Where can I listen? iTunes, kerningcultures.com