Abu Malih reveals the truth about the departure of "Eight": There are no disagreements and the project continues
Abu Malih breaks his silence: “I am leaving the position, not the project.”
Saudi media personality and entrepreneur Abdulrahman Abumalah, founder of the media production company "Thamania," announced his departure from his position as CEO, a move that sparked widespread reaction in media and cultural circles. In a post on his "X" platform account, Abumalah categorically denied rumors of internal disputes leading to his departure, emphasizing that his decision was a natural part of the company's development.
Abu Malih wrote, “The rumors circulating about disagreements are untrue. That was one phase, and a new one is beginning.” He clarified that he will step down as CEO but will not leave the project he founded, retaining his 25% stake as a partner and continuing to provide support and guidance in the coming period. He added poignantly, “I am leaving Eight as CEO… but it will never leave me,” indicating that the leadership handover process will take the next two months to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities.
Historical context: The success story of "Thamania" from podcast to media phenomenon
Founded in 2016 by Abdulrahman Abumaleh, Thamaniyah marked a turning point in the Arabic digital content industry. The company began its journey with the podcast "Fengan," which quickly gained widespread popularity thanks to its in-depth and unconventional interviews with diverse personalities, presenting a new model of purposeful media that moved beyond superficiality and the fast pace of news. Thamaniyah successfully built a loyal audience seeking rich and reliable content, and later expanded to include the production of documentaries, articles, and newsletters, becoming one of the leading new media platforms in the region.
Event significance: Strategic acquisition and future challenges
Thamaniyah’s journey witnessed a significant strategic turning point in 2021 when the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) acquired a 51% stake in the company, before raising this stake to 75% in May 2024. This acquisition represented an important step for the major media group to modernize its portfolio and reach the youth segment and the digital audience, while it provided Thamaniyah with huge resources for expansion and growth.
Abu Malih's departure from executive management comes in this context, representing a natural progression in the life cycle of startups following major acquisitions, where founders often transition to advisory or strategic roles. The significance of this change lies in its anticipated impact on Thamaniyah's creative identity. The biggest challenge for the new leadership will be balancing the demands of business growth within a large corporate structure with preserving the independent spirit and authenticity that have been the secret to the company's success and appeal to its loyal audience in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world.
