TECOM Investments Entities Dubai Internet City and Media Cluster Support Largest Show for Interactive TV Markets in MENA Region
Dubai-UAE: 2 November, 2011 - The convergence of technology and media will open doors to a number of opportunities and cross leverage expertise. Adoption of latest solutions and the availability of new forms of media have helped drive this convergence, concur top executives from TECOM Investments' Media Cluster and Dubai Internet City (DIC).
The comment was made at the IP & TV Forum MENA 2011 and Digital TV Middle East 2011 that drew the support of the TECOM entities. Organised by Informa Telecoms and Media, the two events were held from 1-2 November at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai.
Dubai Internet City was the official ICT partner at the IP & TV Forum MENA 2011 for the third consecutive year, while the Media Cluster comprising Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City and International Media Production Zone was the main sponsor at Digital TV Middle East 2011.
The IP & TV Forum MENA showcased the latest developments in the TV industry and provided a high profile networking platform. The event annually attracts decision makers from regional and international operators, satellite and cable providers, as well as content aggregators and broadcasters.
The Digital TV Middle East 2011 focused on the investment opportunities in the region guiding investors on the potential areas of growth in the evolving digital TV landscape.
The telecom and media industry has witnessed a phenomenal growth as the number of IPTV homes in the Middle East and North Africa has shown a steady increase. Subscribers are predicted to rise ten-fold and expected to touch 1.6 million by 2014 at a penetration rate of 2.1 per cent, according to Informa Telecoms and Media.
Similar growth is observed in the TV industry across the Middle East and North Africa, with DTH (direct to home) satellite making a huge penetration in the region. Over 60 per cent of the 80 million TV households are currently receiving TV via DTH satellite, according to Informa Telecoms & Media.
Malek Al Malek, Managing Director at Dubai Internet City and Dubai Outsource Zone, said: "The IP&TV Forum MENA 2011 comes at a time when technology convergence is witnessing immense growth in the region with the latest innovations and applications requiring high bandwidth and infrastructure support. Telecom operators are also making investments in upgrading infrastructure and offering a wider range of value-added services to meet local requirements and fuel further growth across the region.
"Dubai Internet City remains committed to the telecom industry through hosting the presence of global technology companies including AT&T, British Telecom, Verizon and Cable & Wireless. In our enabling role as engines of industry growth, the IP&TV Forum MENA 2011 gave us an opportunity to map trends and interact with path-breaking technology players."
TECOM Investments' Media Cluster participated in a panel discussion on the first day of the event focusing on 'Developing a Content Creation Industry in the ME Region'. The seminar examined the broadcasting industry outlook and the Media Cluster's role in providing the infrastructure and other enabling services to companies.
Mohammad Abdullah, Managing Director of TECOM Investments' Media Cluster, said: "The creation of local content is possible only by providing a conducive environment, tools to innovate, as well as access to information and experts. As the Media Cluster plays an integral role in such an environment, we have provided incentives to encourage the local development of content. The presence of leading international media brands has also spurred the growth of several home-grown companies.
"Digital TV provided a platform to these companies to interact with investors and gain a deeper understanding of new technologies and the regional broadcasting scenario."
At the forefront of the region's ICT industry, Dubai Internet City remains committed to supporting emerging technology trends in the region and continues to play an instrumental role in developing the industry while contributing to Dubai's drive for creating a knowledge-based economy.
TECOM Investments' Media Cluster - Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City and International Media Production Zone - has evolved dramatically through offering business friendly regulatory frameworks and a state-of-the-art infrastructure. Its support of industry events comes as part of its long term objective to build a knowledge base for the benefit of stakeholders in the media sector.
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About Dubai Internet City
Dubai Internet City (DIC), a member of TECOM Investments, was established in 2000. It is currently regarded the Middle East's largest information and communications technology (ICT) cluster. Built as a strategic base for companies targeting emerging markets in several neighbouring regions, DIC's core focus area extends from the Middle East to the Indian Subcontinent, and from Africa to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), covering nearly three billion people with a GDP of over US$10 trillion. As a knowledge-oriented business model, DIC has created a dynamic international community of IT companies hosting business partners that include most of the Fortune 500 brands, as well as a number of small and medium enterprises and ventures. In 2009, 135 new companies joined the DIC cluster. For more information, please visit: www.dubaiinternetcity.com
About Dubai Media City
Strategically located at the crossroads of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, Dubai Media City, a member of TECOM Investments, is rapidly emerging as the region's media hub. The City provides an advanced infrastructure for media-related businesses to operate globally out of Dubai. Dubai Media City is the place where activities Publishing, Music, Film, New Media, Leisure & Entertainment, Broadcasting, Media & Marketing Services, and Information Agencies will thrive. The facility offers an environment that allows companies and individuals to operate with collective synergy and freedom.
Companies based in Dubai Media City have the unique edge of commercial benefits derived from our free zone status including 100 % business ownership and exemption from personal income and corporate taxes. Since its official opening in January 2001, Dubai Media City has grown to become a thriving media community of over 1400 companies and hundreds of freelance media professionals. Several global media giants and promising entrepreneurial ventures have joined this unique community.
For further information please contact:
Nancy Sudheer
APCO Worldwide (JiWin Public Relations)
Tel: +9714 369 2834 (direct)
+9714 361 3333 (switchboard)
Mob: + 971 50 7055290 / + 971 55 954868
Fax: +9714 388 8001
E-mail: nsudheer@apcoworldwide.com
© Press Release 2011
