Anghami has seen significant growth in the music streaming industry. What are some of the biggest milestones Anghami has achieved since its inception? And what strategies or approaches have contributed to this success?
Since its establishment in 2012, Anghami’s original vision has been to create a local platform from scratch within our region. Over the years, the company has achieved multiple milestones. It has firmly established itself as the leading music- and entertainment-streaming platform in MENA that is focused on cultivating a complete ecosystem. Anghami has played a pivotal role in transforming the local music industry through digitization efforts and by offering a diverse range of audio experiences. These include live radio, podcasts, audio series and audiobooks. Beyond these, we have made significant contributions to the region’s music fabric by helping artists and labels in producing, publishing, performing and monetizing their art, in addition to connecting with a wider audience and more brands.

Tell us more about the OSN+ and Anghami merger. What are the main motivations behind the merger and what are the expected benefits? How is the $50 million investment from OSN Group being used?
The merger between Anghami and OSN+ represents a transformative step in reshaping the media and entertainment landscape across the MENA region. By bringing together two of the Arab world’s market-leading and home-grown streaming brands, this strategic alliance aims to create an industry powerhouse. Together, we seek to provide consumers with an unparalleled streaming experience that meets the region’s demand for high-quality multimedia content. There will also be multiple opportunities for cross-promotions between both offerings.

Anghami was the first Arab tech company to be listed on NASDAQ. What are the opportunities and challenges Anghami faces as a public company? How has the NASDAQ listing impacted Anghami’s financial performance?
In 2022, Anghami made history by becoming the first Arab tech company to be listed on NASDAQ. This accomplishment challenged industry norms and highlighted Anghami’s emergence as a key global player. As the first Arab tech company to achieve this milestone, we are confronted with the typical challenges faced by public companies. These include meeting shareholder expectations and striking a balance between growth and profitability. Additionally, we find ourselves in competition with and benchmarked against global tech giants like Apple, YouTube and Spotify.

How is Anghami contributing to the development of the MENA region’s digital music ecosystem?
Anghami serves as a dynamic platform for both local and global artists, while actively nurturing talent diversity. Initiatives like “Anghami For Creators” highlight the company’s commitment to supporting independent musicians and fostering a thriving and inclusive creative community. Add to that Anghami Studios, where we connect artists to brands and help them grow their revenues. Beyond its digital platform, Anghami’s impact extends to strategic initiatives aimed at nurturing the local music and entertainment ecosystem. These include Sound of Saudi, the biggest social talent hunt that took place in collaboration between Anghami, the Music Commission and TikTok. It generated 971 million views and brought over 32,000 participants to the competition.

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