Dubai, United Arab Emirates – May 08, 2025

In a significantmove aimed at transforming the podcast advertising sector across the MiddleEast and North Africa, Podeo and SMCGroup announce a strategic exclusive partnership. Under the agreement, SMCGroup will serve as Podeo’s exclusive advertising sales partner in the UAE andKSA.

SMC Group, a leading companyin digital advertising and integrated marketing solutions, and Podeo, the largest podcast platform inthe Middle East and North Africa, aim through this partnership to reshape thedigital audio advertising landscape across the region.

The partnership wasformally signed at a ceremony in Dubai, attended by Stefano Fallaha, CEO &Founder of Podeo, Michel Bayeh, Media Executive Director at SMC Group, andsenior representatives from both parties.

The collaborationmarks a significant step forward in the evolution of the region’s podcastlandscape. It aims to establish a robust ecosystem that connects podcastcreators with premium advertising opportunities, enabling brands to reachengaged audiences through high-value content in a more impactful andemotionally resonant media environment.

Podeo hasdistinguished itself as the only platform in the region built to empowerpodcast creators to grow, get discovered, and earn - turning podcasts intoincome with no extra effort. Through its powerful proprietary technology, Podeoenables creators to reach mass audiences and build sustainable revenue streams,some earning over AED 100,000 in monthly income through effective, targetedaudio advertising.

SMC isstrategically positioned to amplify the impact of Podeo’s ad inventory andintroduce innovative engagement models for advertisers. Backed by extensivecommercial expertise and partnerships with major media institutions, includingthe Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA), beIN Sports, Saudi Airline, Webook,Mawdoo3, Webedia — SMC brings valuable reach and capabilities to thiscollaboration.

Commenting on thepartnership, Stefano Fallaha, Founder and CEO of Podeo, said: “At Podeo, we’vebuilt the infrastructure to make podcast advertising effortless and powerful.This partnership is about unlocking podcasting’s true potential for brands and agencies,delivering undivided attention, authentic engagement, and measurable,long-lasting impact at scale.”

Michel Bayeh, MediaExecutive Director at SMC Group, added: “This partnership underscores SMC’songoing commitment to advancing the media landscape through smart,high-performance platforms. By aligning with Podeo, we’re not only enhancingour digital offering but also supporting the expansion of podcast monetizationacross MENA with more efficient, data-driven solutions.”

Together, Podeo andSMC Group continue to supercharge the future of media monetization in theregion. This partnership also sets the stage for developing an advanced datainfrastructure to enhance audience insights and campaign performance,supporting the rise of targeted audio advertising, one of the fastest-growingad channels globally.

About SMC Group

SMC Group is aleading media and advertising company based in Riyadh, specializing in thecommercialization of premium media assets across Saudi Arabia. Since 2018, SMCGroup has served as the advertising representative for major platformsincluding the Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA), beIN Sports, Saudi Airline,Webook, Mawdoo3, Webedia, offering strategic access to high-impact audiencesacross various media channels. SMC Group delivers integrated solutions acrossMultiple Advertising Solutions— enabling brands to engage effectively in afast-evolving market.

About Podeo
Podeo is the largest podcast platform in the MENA region that providesend-to-end AI-driven products for creators, listeners, and brands, withexclusive distribution integrations across airlines, automotive, radiostations, ride-hailing, and popular chat, gaming, and streaming apps. Podeo hasfirmly solidified its position as the unrivaled MENA leader in the podcastvalue chain, powering over 50 million listeners worldwide and over 100,000creators. Founded in 2020 by Stefano Fallaha, Anthony Essaye, and Mario Hayek,the trio is on a mission to democratize the power of stories and amplify voicesto billions worldwide.

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