To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the Arabian Radio Network (ARN) has added a new Farsi radio station to its seven stations, 'Radio Shoma' in the UAE. Broadcasting on 93.4 FM, Radio Shoma ('Your Radio') will also be available online via the internet. Transmitting for 24 hours each day, the new station will provide a wide range of entertainment and music shows.

ARN, a subsidiary of Arab Media Group, is the largest radio network in the UAE with eight dedicated Arabic, English, Hindi and Malayalam stations. The network also broadcasts a number of programmes targeted at the Filipino community and during the last six years broadcast a Farsi programme "Persian Wave" on Dubai Eye as part of its offering to listeners.

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The Dubai Press Club has honoured the organisers and sponsors of the Arab Media Forum 2011 in an event at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Dubai. The special gathering honoured representatives of the event sponsors including Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), Emirates airline, Arab Media Group (AMG), Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), JiWin Public Relations, Elaph electronic newspaper and 50 local media students from various universities across the country who contributed as volunteers.

Held from May 17-18, the 10th edition of the Arab Media Forum attracted more than 2,800 participants, in addition to 23 others who attended the meetings through live transmission.

Arabia Business reports that Abullatif Al Sayegh has stepped down as CEO of the Arab Media Group (AMG) after nine years with the company. “I am gone. This was on my own terms, with everyone’s approval, with everyone being happy. This is a company that I will be grateful to for the rest of my life. What an amazing opportunity I had – at this age to have all the knowledge that anyone would be dreaming (of having),” the 35-year-old said.

In October 2009, it was reported that Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI) had taken control of daily newspapers Emirates Business and its Arabic equivalent Al Emarat Al Youm from AMG after a resolution from ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Previously, AMG controlled 20 brands spanning television, radio, print, digital, outdoor advertising, printing and events.

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Followed by Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum’s instructions, government controlled radio stations, newspapers and television will be brought under the umbrella of one holding company. The emailed statement specifies that all assets, rights, contracts and liabilities will be transferred from Arab Media Group to Dubai Media Inc. 

Assets previously held under Dubai Holding's unit Arab Media Group, including the newspapers Emirates Business 24/7 and Arabic daily Emarat Al Youm, will now fall under the ownership of Dubai Media Incorporated.

Abdullatif Al Sayegh, chief executive of Arab Media Group, didn't answer phone calls.

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Arab Media Group (AMG) and Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC) will meet this week to discuss different aspects of collaboration.

"We are two of the most aggressive and expanding media firms and therefore, we only complement each other to become the largest media group in the region," said Abdullatif Al Sayegh, Chief Executive Officer, AMG, explaining the possibility of the collaboration between the two media groups.

Talks on the issue have been going on for long and now they are moving to a decisive stage with formal discussions to take place this week.

"We have been very alert under the circumstances and are eager to take this opportunity to tie up with suitable partners and engage in positive alliances," said Al Sayegh.

"The co-operation could be more of a strategic and commercial nature and will benefit both the establishments to strengthen their hold in the market by uniting their resources and efforts," he said.

"The details will be finalised depending on the outcome of our discussions with ADMC," said Al Sayegh.

The largest media organisation in the UAE, AMG's business interests include eight radio stations, three newspapers, television, online, distribution, printing, events management and outdoor advertising.

Emirates Business 24/7 reports that Noor Dubai TV channel, owned by Arab Media Group (AMG) is to go on air from first day of Ramadan. It's a new free-to-air television channel broadcasting locally-based programming and is a logical progression of the popular Noor Radio station.

The channel aims to embody the social and cultural values of the UAE, uniting all nationalities in positive and constructive discussions on current social, environmental, religious and humanitarian themes.

Abdullatif Al Sayegh, CEO of Arab Media Group, said: "Noor Dubai brings with it a different take on community programming and on television itself."

Arabian Television Network General Manager Maryam Al Falasi concurred: "The channel is a slice of UAE life as it is really led in harmony with our profound values that bring light - or Noor - to life, allowing us to be progressive while remaining rooted in tradition, family and togetherness. We have launched Noor Dubai for the betterment of the UAE society as AMG continues to grow at an exponential rate each year."

Nahla Al Fahad, Head of Radio Television Projects, commented: "Noor Dubai has always been a popular radio station that clearly speaks to the residents of UAE, both nationals and non-nationals alike, and reflects their thoughts and concerns. We wanted to expand the base of the Noor phenomenon by bringing it to television, to give the special Noor 'feel' a face and a visual identity."

Programming will range from talk shows and documentaries to programmes like Marmas Al-Noor, which will run daily from Sunday to Thursday from 10 pm to 11 pm and will discuss issues related to the UAE community. The aim of the programme is to bring the viewers closer to solutions.

Leish! Maa Um Khalid will be hosted by Um Khalid, a senior Emirati woman, and her young co-host Mona Khalil. Weekdays from 9 pm to 10 pm, the two women will present fresh and often divergent advice to callers who seek their wisdom on matters relating to child-rearing, marriage and education. Each Saturday from 9 pm, a special episode will showcase the highlights of the week. The 'old' and the 'new' facets of Dubai weigh in on real-life issues, highlighting the continuity and change between generations in this rapidly-evolving society.

Noor Dubai will be available on Arabsat Badr 4, Frequency 12169 Mhz.