Doha: The Government Communications Office (GCO) and iHeartMedia, the leading global podcast network, have signed a groundbreaking multi-year partnership to create a thriving podcasting industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This collaboration was announced during the Web Summit Qatar 2025, which is ongoing at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) until February 26.
According to Qatar News Agency, the partnership aims to bring world-class podcasting infrastructure to Qatar, initiating a wave of creative storytelling throughout the MENA region and supporting Qatar's ambition to become a global podcasting hub. HE GCO Director and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organizing Committee, Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al-Thani, emphasized that this partnership is a crucial step in developing the region's podcasting industry while strengthening Qatar's position as a leader in digital content creation.
Sheikh Jassim expressed confidence that the platform will catalyze creativity, inspire new storytelling formats, and build a sustainable podcasting ecosystem. It also aims to create opportunities for a new generation of content creators in the Arab world. Bob Pittman from iHeartMedia highlighted the opportunity to collaborate with an extensive roster of creators and distribute content to new audiences in the Middle East.
The agreement includes developing a state-of-the-art podcast studio in Qatar, launching a lineup of original shows, and introducing popular global podcasts to Arabic-speaking audiences. Additionally, specialized masterclasses will be conducted to nurture local talent, and global industry events, such as Web Summit gatherings, will be hosted to position Qatar as a central hub for leading podcasting voices.
The partnership was unveiled live from Web Summit Qatar's main stage by Conal Byrne, Chief Executive Officer of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. The event featured notable iHeart talents, including Malcolm Gladwell, Jay Shetty, David Eagleman, and Jonathan Strickland.
Aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, this partnership focuses on investing in digital media and knowledge-sharing to empower new voices and promote Arabic content on a global platform. The announcement follows the earlier agreement between iHeartMedia and the GCO, which established iHeartMedia as the Official Podcast Partner for Web Summit Qatar 2025.