Podcasting in the UAE is on the rise. More creators, entrepreneurs, and influencers are launching shows to build their brand, tell stories, and connect with audiences.
But if you’re a podcaster, one of the biggest challenges you’ll face is finding great guests. The kind of guests who bring value, spark real conversations, and help expand your reach.
At Emirates Podcast, we’ve worked with dozens of creators across the UAE. One thing is clear your guests can make or break your show.
Here’s how to find podcast guests in the UAE who are relevant, reliable, and ready to talk.
Know Who You’re Looking For
Before you reach out to anyone, get clear on what kind of guest fits your podcast.
Think about your niche. Are you interviewing business leaders, creative professionals, or fitness experts? Do you want Emirati voices, expat entrepreneurs, or international guests targeting the UAE market?
A well-defined guest profile will help you focus your search and find people who align with your brand and audience.
Search LinkedIn for Industry Experts
LinkedIn is one of the best places to find professionals in the UAE.
Use keywords like:
- Founder in Dubai
- Marketing consultant UAE
- Author Abu Dhabi
Go through their profiles. Check if they’re active, have interesting insights, and might be open to speaking.
Send a short message introducing yourself, your podcast, and why you’d like them on the show. Keep it professional but casual.
Reach Out to Local Influencers
The UAE has a booming influencer scene. Many content creators in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are looking to grow their reach.
Check platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. Look for influencers who match your podcast’s theme business, travel, lifestyle, fitness, etc.
Instead of cold messaging, start by engaging with their content. Comment, share, and build rapport before inviting them on your show.
Recording at a top-tier studio like Emirates Podcast can also help impress high-profile guests who value quality production.
Tap Into Co-working Spaces and Startup Hubs
Places like Astrolabs, The Co-Dubai, Nest, and Hub71 in Abu Dhabi are filled with interesting professionals.
These hubs host workshops, events, and community meetups. Many of their members are entrepreneurs, creatives, and early-stage founders perfect for podcast interviews.
You can visit in person, or email the community manager and ask if anyone in their network would be a good guest for your show.
Explore UAE Universities and Educators
Some of the best minds in the UAE are at its universities.
Reach out to professors, researchers, or even standout students at institutions like:
- NYU Abu Dhabi
- Zayed University
- American University in Dubai
Academics often have unique perspectives and are happy to share their knowledge in a more casual podcast setting.
Look up recent articles, press releases, or conference speakers connected to these universities. Then contact them directly or through their media office.
Join Local Facebook and WhatsApp Groups
There are many UAE-based groups where professionals hang out.
Look for ones like:
- Dubai Entrepreneurs & Startups
- UAE Business Women
- Abu Dhabi Creators
Join the conversation. Introduce your podcast and share what kind of guests you’re looking for.
These communities can be surprisingly responsive, especially if your podcast has a specific focus and a clear message.
Attend Events and Conferences
UAE hosts world-class events that attract talented speakers and attendees.
Consider visiting:
- STEP Conference – for tech/startups
- GITEX – for innovation and AI
- Arab Media Forum – for media and content creation
Connect with speakers and network during the event. Afterward, follow up with a short message inviting them to your show.
You can even do on-site interviews if your podcast format allows. That’s something Emirates Podcast helps many of its clients do during major events.
Use Podcast Guest Platforms
Several websites help podcasters connect with potential guests.
Check out:
- Podshow
- PodMatch
- MatchMaker.fm
- PodcastGuests.com
Set your location preferences to UAE or MENA to filter relevant profiles. Also, post your own podcast listing so people can apply to be guests.
Mention that your show is recorded in the UAE and highlight any unique selling points, like being hosted at a professional studio or targeting a specific audience.
Connect with Other UAE Podcasters
Podcasting is a small but growing scene in the Emirates.
Collaborate with other local podcasters. You can recommend guests to each other, do guest swaps, or co-host episodes.
Studios like Emirates Podcast often work with multiple creators, making it easy to network and find guests through shared contacts.
You don’t need to see other podcasters as competition. Collaboration leads to more reach and better content.
Read Also: How Frayto Helps Businesses Avoid Freight Delays
Make It Easy for Guests to Say Yes
Once someone agrees to be on your podcast, don’t overcomplicate things.
Send them:
- A short summary of the episode topic
- The date, time, and duration
- Whether it’s audio or video
- A few prep questions (optional)
- A clear idea of what’s in it for them
Keep it professional. Let them know when the episode will go live, and tag them in your social posts.
The easier the process, the more likely they are to refer others to you or come back for a second episode.
Final Thoughts
Finding podcast guests in the UAE takes effort, but it’s worth it. The country is full of talented voices, industry leaders, creatives, and up-and-coming personalities ready to share their stories.
Whether you’re looking to feature an expat entrepreneur in Dubai, an Emirati artist from Sharjah, or a tech founder in Abu Dhabi, the opportunities are endless if you know where to look.
And remember, presentation matters. Recording in a high-quality space like Emirates Podcast not only improves your audio but also attracts bigger guests who want to be associated with professional production.
Great guests lead to great episodes. And great episodes grow your podcast.
