The Leading Network to initially invest Dhs 30 million in the new Int'l Operations HQ

Dubai, July 18th, 2004. Seeking to enhance its scope of international business, Zee Network, a leading Indian film and entertainment network, announced today that they will establish their Head Quarters for International Operations at Dubai Media City (DMC). 

The largest producer and aggregator of Hindi programming in the world, Zee, will invest 30 million Dirhams in the initial phase of the new facility, which will be equipped with the most sophisticated infrastructure, and state-of-the-art studios.

Following the signing of the formal agreement between Zee and Dubai Media City, Subhash Chandra, Chairman & Managing Director of Zee Telefilms Limited said, "Considering that Dubai is at the crossroads of the Middle East, Europe, Africa and South Asia, this move is strategic to Zee Network, as it will help enhance reach to our international viewers."

"Zee Network, as a global media conglomerate, would like to associate with Dubai Media City, which is rapidly emerging as a global media hub. Dubai Media City is not only providing us with a business-enabling infrastructure, but also a community of like-minded individuals and companies, with rich environment and networking opportunities.", Mr. Chandra added.

"DMC has always been keen to partner with leading international and regional media players which contribute to our vision of building a unique and specialised media cluster. We see our partnership with Zee Telefilms as a vehicle to achieve this and at the same time enhance Zee's position of leadership in the global broadcast industry", said Mr. Ahmed Bin Byat, Director General of Dubai Technology & Media Free Zone.

Welcoming the renowned film and entertainment network to the DMC community, Mr. Abdulhamid Juma CEO of Dubai Media City said, "The presence of Zee Network within Dubai Media City further signifies the growth and diversity occurring in our broadcasting segment. It also contributes to our position as the biggest and fastest growing media hub in the region".

"We believe it is such synergies that foster and accelerate mutual success. Accordingly, we would like to extend our complete support to Zee, in their future business endeavors from the Dubai Media City.",  he added.

With a bouquet of 21 satellite TV channels dispersed around the Indian sub-continent, the Zee Network enjoys an estimated reach of 6.5 million households, and a viewer-ship of 225 million people in over 80 countries. Zee Network will use the Dubai Media City facility for the play-out and up-linking of its International beams.

Dubai Media City's sophisticated communication infrastructure and wide spectrum of support services has made it home today, to over 30 broadcasters operating more than 60 TV channels. Geographical regions they service include the Middle East, North Africa, South Africa, the Indian subcontinent, CIS countries and Europe.

Over a period of less than four years, Dubai Media City has succeeded in attracting leading regional and international broadcast names. This success has been primarily attributed to its state-of-the-art teleport facility, run by its sister concern SamaCom; a vertically integrated satellite services provider, with a self-owned and self-managed communication infrastructure. 

Apart from the commercial benefits that include 100 % ownership of businesses and complete exemption of taxations and custom duties, broadcasters based at the Dubai Media City also benefit from their presence among a growing specialized media community comprising similar and complementing industries. As such, they have immediate access to production and post-production companies, equipment manufacturers, system engineers, graphic designers and content producers. Moreover, being close to those in the related media sectors such as publishing, advertising, public relations, research, new media and music, allows for rich networking and channel marketing opportunities.

This partnership is not the first in relationship developments between Dubai Media City and Zee.  In February this year, Zee Television's Cine Awards, the first Indian film awards ceremony hosted in Dubai, was held in association with the Dubai Media City. The four-hour event having attracted nearly 300 film stars, producers and directors from Bollywood, was a spectacular success.

-Ends-

About Zee Telefilms Limited
Founded in 1992, Zee Telefilms Ltd. (ZTL) is India's largest vertically integrated Media and Entertainment Company, with market capitalization of USD 1.5 billion. Zee has an integrated range of businesses, encompassing the content-to-consumer value chain of media and entertainment business.

Ranked as the ninth most popular brand within a decade of its launch, Zee is the largest producer and aggregator of Hindi programming in the world. Zee is also the largest MSO in India with an estimated reach of 6.5 million households, one of the largest Indian multiple distribution platforms with an estimated reach of 225 million viewers in over 80 countries globally, including USA, Canada, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand. It is the only media company which is part of the BSE-30 Index (Sensex).

About Dubai Media City
Strategically located in Dubai at the crossroads of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, Dubai Media City is rapidly emerging as a global media hub. Launched in January 2001, Dubai Media City is a creative community for the media industry, designed to give media businesses the 'Freedom to Create'. This City within the city aims to provide a free and flexible environment where ideas flow transparently and without barriers. Dubai Media City is a global launch pad for media business, creative talent and international corporations.


Companies within Dubai Media City enjoy the commercial benefits of a free zone status, including 100% business ownership requiring no sponsorship and a guaranteed 50-year exemption from personal income and corporate taxes. Comparatively lower operating costs prevalent in the region also contribute to a significant competitive advantage.

Today, with over 850 companies, Dubai Media City's ever increasing number of companies reads like a 'Who's Who' of the media business community. Leading global players such as Associated Press, Bertelsmann, CNN, CNBC, Int'l Advertising Association (IAA), McGrawhill Platts, Sony and Reuters rub shoulders with regionally reputed companies like Middle East Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), Saudi Research and Publishing (SRPC) and Taj TV.

For more information on Zee Telefilms,                                      For more information on Dubai Media City,
please contact:                                                                    please contact:    
Sanjay Arora                                                                        Mohammed Abdelmonem
Seniro Manager, Corporate Brand Development                           Media Relations Manager, DMC
Tel: + 91 22 5697 1479                                                         Tel: (+971) 4 391 4552
Fax: + 91 22 2496 5619                                                         Fax: (+971) 4 391 4589
Email: sanjayarora@zeenetwork.com                                        email: mohammed.abdelmonem@dubaimediacity.ae

© Press Release 2004