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Transforming Podcast Advertising in MENA

 

Podeo, the leading podcast platform in the Middle East and North Africa, has forged an exclusive partnership with SMC Group to revolutionize podcast advertising across the region. As part of this agreement, SMC Group will act as Podeo’s exclusive advertising sales partner in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with the goal of establishing a new benchmark for digital audio advertising.

A Milestone Ceremony

 

The partnership was officially sealed during a ceremony in Dubai, attended by Podeo Founder and CEO Stefano Fallaha and SMC Group’s Media Executive Director Michel Bayeh, along with senior representatives from both organizations. This collaboration is poised to transform the podcasting landscape by linking content creators with premium brand advertisers, delivering impactful and emotionally engaging ad experiences.

Empowering Creators

 

Podeo distinguishes itself as the only podcast platform in the region specifically designed to help creators expand their audience, enhance visibility, and effortlessly monetize their content. Thanks to its proprietary technology, some creators on Podeo have already achieved over AED 100,000 in monthly income by utilizing targeted audio advertising. The platform is tailored to convert podcasts into sustainable revenue streams without demanding additional effort from creators.

Strategic Market Expertise

 

With strategic alliances across major media outlets, including the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, beIN Sports, and Saudi Airlines, SMC Group brings extensive market knowledge and reach to this partnership.

Vision for the Future

 

Reflecting on the partnership, Stefano Fallaha stated: “At Podeo, we’ve developed the infrastructure to make podcast advertising both effortless and impactful. This collaboration is about unlocking the true potential of podcasting for brands and agencies, ensuring undivided attention, authentic engagement, and measurable, long-lasting impact at scale.”

Michel Bayeh, Media Executive Director at SMC Group, added: “This partnership highlights SMC’s ongoing dedication to advancing the media landscape through innovative, high-performance platforms. By partnering with Podeo, we’re not just enhancing our digital offerings; we’re also facilitating the growth of podcast monetization across MENA with more efficient, data-driven solutions.”

Shaping the Future of Media Monetization

 

Together, Podeo and SMC Group are set to supercharge the future of media monetization in the region. This partnership also lays the groundwork for developing an advanced data infrastructure that will enhance audience insights and campaign performance, supporting the rise of targeted audio advertising—one of the fastest-growing advertising channels globally.