Abu Dhabi, 14 June, 2005(WAM)--An agreement was reachedhere Tuesday between three leading media organisations to establish anew printing and publishing company that is set to be the first of itskind in the Middle East.

The three media organisations - Emirates Media Inc., Arab Media Company,and Saudi Research and Publishing Company- have teamed up to establishthe United Company for Publishing and Printing with a capital of Dhs.

300 million of which Emirates Media Inc. will contribute 40% while ArabMedia Company and Saudi Research and Publishing Company will contribute35% and 25% respectively.

The establishment of the company was announced during a press conferenceattended by Ahmed Ali Al Baloushi, Director General of Emirates Media,Nasser Al Dhaheri,, Director of Arab Media Company and Dr. Azam Khalil, Director General of the Saudi Research and Publishing Company.

+The new publishing house will be based in Abu Dhabi and will concernitself with publishing of newspapers and other publications. This is inaddition to rendering commercial printing and publishing services+ saidAl Baloushi, adding that the company will go operational as soon as itsboard of directors is formed.