Abu Dhabi, 19 May 2013:  During a visit to Washington, DC last week Noura Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of twoFour54 Abu Dhabi spoke at the Aspen Institute about ways to increase online Arabic media content, as well as the impact that the "content gap" has on the Arabic speaking community.  The program was organized with the assistance of the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC, as part of the Emirates-Aspen Partnership.

The Aspen Institute briefing was attended by senior US government officials, business executives and other policy influencers and media industry representatives.  H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States, and other UAE Embassy diplomats were also present, along with Walter Isaacson, Aspen Institute President.

At the briefing, Ms. Al Kaabi also discussed the role of twofour54, the commercial arm of the Media Zone Authority-Abu Dhabi, which has become the home of 200+ local, regional and international media and entertainment companies. twofour54 and its partners are all focused on generating content, exported from Abu Dhabi to the region and the world, building bridges across Arabic and non-Arabic speaking communities.

The Emirates-Aspen Partnership was established in 2010 to develop a dialogue that will cultivate relationships between civic, business, and government leaders in the US, the UAE, and the broader Middle East. 

The Emirates-Aspen Partnership organizes events, roundtables and exclusive discussions that explore issues and opportunities figuring prominently in US-UAE relationship. The Partnership addresses issues ranging from catalyzing science and technology innovation, to the role of women in civil society, to the UAE as a key patron of arts and culture. The Emirates-Aspen Partnership provides an opportunity for UAE and US leaders of all sectors to share and examine best practices, and develop new partnerships as the Emirates continues its rise in the region and in the world.

About twofour54
twofour54, the commercial arm of the Media Zone Authority-Abu Dhabi, is one of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region's leading media and entertainment hubs.  As part of its mission, twofour54 is driving the development of the creative industries in the region, supporting talent and content development initiatives, creativity and young entrepreneurs. 

 Its initiatives are contributing to the growth and diversity of the Abu Dhabi economy and its campus is home to over 200 local, regional and international companies, including Ubisoft, Cartoon Network, Sky News Arabia, CNN, Flash Entertainment, Sport 360, Reed Exhibitions, Charisma, Tahadi and Jawaker.

twofour54 provides a range of services including: training across all media sectors; business development and funding support to UAE nationals and other Arabs with great ideas; a creativity lab that allows members to get involved in creative projects; and it facilitates world-class content through its production and post-production facilities.  These services are supported by tawasol, facilitating easy business set-up and providing ongoing support services.

twofour54 powers the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, Abu Dhabi Media Summit and TROFPEST Arabia each year to drive the development of a vibrant film and entertainment industry.

About the Media Zone Authority-Abu Dhabi
The Media Zone Authority-Abu Dhabi was established in 2007 with a mandate to support and sustain the development of Arab-focused media and digital creative businesses, positioning Abu Dhabi as a regional centre of excellence across all media platforms.

To achieve this, the Media Zone Authority-Abu Dhabi is creating and sustaining a media and digital creative hub in Abu Dhabi, with clear strategies and initiatives to develop UAE nationals into media industry professionals.  It encourages foreign direct investment through 100% non-UAE business ownership, has a world class entrepreneurially friendly company regulatory structure creating private sector jobs, and drives the development of the region's media and entertainment industry through its clear content regulatory environment which is unique in the region.

Further information: Please contact Ahmad.issa@hkstrategies.com  (050 325 2670)  / Rachel.duffield@hkstrategies.com  (050 708 6352).

© Press Release 2013