Aramco’s Wa’ed invests in Saudi platform that monetizes podcasts

The company plans to launch another tech solution to allow corporate sponsors to place ads in archived podcasts. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 29 September 2021
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Aramco’s Wa’ed invests in Saudi platform that monetizes podcasts

  • The investment aims to empower audio content creators in the Kingdom, where podcasts attract 5.1 million listeners a week

DUBAI: Aramco’s investment unit Wa’ed is pouring SR1.9 million ($506.5K) into Mohtwize, a podcast technology provider, as the audio medium attracts more listeners in Saudi Arabia. 

The investment aims to empower audio content creators in the Kingdom, where podcasts attract 5.1 million listeners a week, the company said in a statement. 

Mohtwize will use the funds to further develop its software, expand staffing, and increase the platform’s content offering. 

Although podcasts are growing in the Kingdom and the region, Mohtwize founder Khalid Alkenaa said monetization opportunities are scarce.

The former podcaster built the platform to allow advertisers to enter the scene, and give creators the chance to make money off their content.

“Mohtwize is a smart way to monetize the podcast sector, and our platform is helping this sector grow and flourish in Saudi Arabia and the Mena region,” its founder Khalid Alkenaa said. 

Wa’ed’s managing director, Fahad Alidi, said they believed in this vision, hence the funding. 

“Mohtwize’s unique platform is helping monetize Saudi Arabia’s sector and its sustainable financial model is supporting more content,” he explained.

The company plans to launch another tech solution to allow corporate sponsors to place ads in archived podcasts. 


Stc Group issues US dollar-denominated sukuk with a total value of $2bn

Updated 09 January 2026
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Stc Group issues US dollar-denominated sukuk with a total value of $2bn

RIYADH: Stc Group has issued US dollar-denominated sukuk with a total value of $2 billion across two tranches.

The group clarified that the issuance included the offering of $750 million in sukuk with a 5-year maturity at a yield of US Treasury plus 75 basis points, and an issuance of $1.250 billion with a 10-year maturity at a yield of UST plus 90 basis points, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

It noted that the total order book exceeded $8 billion across both tranches, with a coverage rate exceeding 4 times, and participation from over 300 investors in the subscription.

The issuance garnered strong demand from a broad and diverse base of international investors, reflecting solid confidence in the robustness and efficiency of stc Group’s business model and strategy. 

This strategy is aimed at strengthening its digital leadership, seizing infrastructure opportunities, enabling massive projects, and contributing to the realization of Vision 2030 objectives, with a focus on achieving sustainable growth based on operational efficiency and maximizing shareholder value.

This issuance enhances stc Group’s access to international capital markets and solidifies investor confidence in the strength of its credit position. 

It also supports its strategic role in accelerating the pace of digital transformation in the Kingdom and building a thriving digital economy.