21 April 2009
Dabbagh Information Technology (DIT), publisher of English and Arabic language magazines, has confirmed the closure of its operations in the UAE and suspended all publishing.
This followed the expiry of its publishing licence for Forbes Arabia, the flagship publication of the group. In the wake of that, the group decided to cease its media operations in the UAE.
"The decision was conveyed to us by the head office in Saudi Arabia as they decided to cease all their operations and wrap up DIT," said Rumiz Mohideen, head of finance at DIT .
The DIT Group, a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabia-based Dabbagh Group of Companies, was registered in Dubai Media City and was a publisher of international publications in the technology, lifestyle and business segments including Forbes Arabia, PC Magazine (English), PC Magazine (Arabic), YourBusiness and Arabian Reseller.
The DIT Group had been in the publishing business since 1993. Over the years, it had moved to publishing licensed products.
Replying to the question if the titles are available for sale to any other parties, Mohideen said: "We only published international licensed titles and the decision to stay in this market and negotiate with new owners is totally theirs [international title owners]."
The company has also been involved in hosting and organising some corporate events, and "the decision to close covers the entire operations as the parent group has decided to move out of the media business," said Mohideen. The DIT Group employed more than 50 staff.
Dabbagh Information Technology (DIT), publisher of English and Arabic language magazines, has confirmed the closure of its operations in the UAE and suspended all publishing.
This followed the expiry of its publishing licence for Forbes Arabia, the flagship publication of the group. In the wake of that, the group decided to cease its media operations in the UAE.
"The decision was conveyed to us by the head office in Saudi Arabia as they decided to cease all their operations and wrap up DIT," said Rumiz Mohideen, head of finance at DIT .
The DIT Group, a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabia-based Dabbagh Group of Companies, was registered in Dubai Media City and was a publisher of international publications in the technology, lifestyle and business segments including Forbes Arabia, PC Magazine (English), PC Magazine (Arabic), YourBusiness and Arabian Reseller.
The DIT Group had been in the publishing business since 1993. Over the years, it had moved to publishing licensed products.
Replying to the question if the titles are available for sale to any other parties, Mohideen said: "We only published international licensed titles and the decision to stay in this market and negotiate with new owners is totally theirs [international title owners]."
The company has also been involved in hosting and organising some corporate events, and "the decision to close covers the entire operations as the parent group has decided to move out of the media business," said Mohideen. The DIT Group employed more than 50 staff.
By Vigyan Arya
© Emirates Business 24/7 2009
