How Saana Azzam Turned Public Speaking into a Paid Career in the Middle East

Published Nov 27, 2025

Public speaking is having a moment. Everywhere you look, people are stepping on stage, hosting panels, sharing stories, and discovering that a single idea, told well, can unlock opportunities that were never there before.

What many do not realise is that speaking is not just a skill. In the Middle East, it is now a career path. A real one. A paid one. And few people understand this better than Saana Azzam, Founder of MENA Speakers and an award-winning economist turned professional speaker.

In the latest episode of The Brand of YOU, Saana joins Robyn for a chat about all things paid public speaking. She lifts the curtain on what companies actually look for when hiring a speaker, why some people get booked repeatedly, and how your story and expertise can be shaped into an opportunity that pays. It touches on everything from how to become a paid speaker to practical public speaking tips, as well as the mindset that shapes a compelling personal brand.

She also speaks candidly about the earning potential she has seen first-hand. Professional speakers often earn between $3,000 and $12,000 for a single keynote, while celebrities and high-profile influencers can reach fees of up to $100,000 for a 30-minute talk. It is an eye-opening reminder that speaking is a profession that is valued across the Middle East.

It’s not a traditional interview. It’s more like listening in on the kind of conversation people wish they had before ever stepping on a stage.