Announcement

'Hydra Executives' rakes in top ratings

editor — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:39:24 -0800

'Hydra Executives', the brand new English reality-based series that pits a team of eight American contenders against a group of eight British rivals, has raked in top ratings with its pilot episode

Hydra Executives continuously breaking viewership records as the show's drama and excitement build up week after week. Critics have been lauding the show for introducing the concept of reality TV, which can potentially change the face of entertainment television in the Middle East. The program, which debuted on January 07, 2009, features a team of eight American contenders and a group of eight British rivals and the challenges they undertake to win a business grant worth USD 1 million.

With a total of four contestants eliminated - one from the UK Team and three from the US Team - the Brits are trying to keep the momentum of their early success, while the Americans are working harder to beat their opponents despite the disadvantage of being two team members short. All the tasks so far have presented the contenders with daunting challenges, which make it all the more exciting to see who will emerge as the first-ever 'Hydra Executive' in the season's 23 remaining episodes.

The show is being aired on two different timeslots - every Wednesday at 7 PM and at 11 PM on Showtime and Infinity TV. A delayed telecast of the show's latest episodes also airs every Tuesday on Hollywood.TV and Emirates TV.

Entertainment District Phase One at Dh660m

editor — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 05:27:59 -0700

Samira Abdulrazzak, CEO, Infinity Group

The newly-launched Entertainment District by the Dubai Infinity Holding is to be spread over an area of 150 hectares and will cost around Dh660 million, in the first phase of its development.

Explaining the latest project, Samira Abdulrazzak, CEO of the Infinity Group shared details of this joint venture with Yash Raj Films of India, one of the most successful film banners of Bollywood, producing successful feature films in India.

"Dubai Infinity Holding is an innovative and empowering investment establishment driven by the Dubai Strategy Plan 2015, vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. With that intention, we will always be seeking innovative ideas for investment and the Entertainment District just fits the bill catering to millions of people from the Sub continent," says Samira.

In a truly corporate tone, Samira throws some figures to back her latest project. "The country's population comprises 52 per cent residents from the Sub-continent, and they are very enthusiastic about their movies as they spend 68 per cent of their disposable income on entertainment. But despite this, very little caters to their demands and taste."

"The appeal of Indian cinema goes beyond the Subcontinent and is in fact very fondly followed by Emiratis and other Arabs," elaborates Samira while voicing her support on these facts and realities to provide an entertainment base for this consumer base. Adding more numbers in support of the project, Samira says: "Indian cinema is the fastest-growing film industry in the world [at a staggering 90 per cent], producing more than 1,000 films a year; in comparison Hollywood produces less than 500 and China less than 100 films anually."

The Entertainment District will contribute to Dubai's vision of becoming an entertainment hub with facilities that will cater to the industry people and provide entertainment and amusement to consumers and viewers of Indian cinema.

It will house cinema complexes, hotels and theme parks that will be inspired by the creations of Yash Raj Production on the big screen. "With close proximity to Mumbai, the district will be an ideal platform for industry professionals to give global base and exposure to their projects," says Samira.

On the question of selecting Yash Raj as a significant partner in the project, Samira emphasises "DIH would only be associated with the best in whichever industry that we venture into. So Yash Raj, the Godfather of Indian cinema was the obvious choice as a vital partner that added value to the project."

Yash Raj films has been known to be looking at feasibility of setting up a studio in the region and Dubai in particular, and now tying up with the Entertainment District will provide them more than a production facility.

Yash Raj Films started out as a film-making company in 1970. In the last three decades it has grown from strength to strength and to its credit today has some of the highest grossers in the entertainment business.

Yash Raj Films has expanded its horizons into distribution of in-house films as well as films made by leading names in the industry and has made an impact in home entertainment by marketing and distributing DVDs and VCDs of Indian movies.

Recently, Yashraj has ventured into creating its own music label - Yash Raj Music and has also built a studio.

The Infinity Holding is embarking on this project that has the potential of multiplying itself and take it beyond a real estate development with the district eventually turning into a film production base and a theme park for Indian movie buffs who will eagerly refresh their big screen memories with amusement and nostalgia, all packed in one and presented in truly Yash Raj style with efficiency and competence of Dubai.

"We are certain that this project will add to the tourism potential of the emirate and the project will start paying for itself soon after its first phase completion in 2012," says Samira.

IAA Chairman Joseph Ghossoub is Campaign’s “Man of the Year”

editor — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 13:50:02 -0800

The International Advertising Association (IAA) is pleased to announce that Chairman and World President Joseph Ghossoub has been selected “Man of the Year” by Campaign magazine’s Middle East edition.

The award was presented to Ghossoub in Dubai by the editors of Campaign for promoting the Middle East region’s advertising and media industry around the world. Campaign is an ITP publication and a regional outgrowth of Britain's Campaign magazine.

“I know that I speak for the whole IAA network in congratulating Joe on receiving this great honor. We are always thrilled when our colleagues within the association receive such peer recognition,” said IAA Executive Director Michael Lee.

" Ghossoub is Chief Executive Officer of The Holding Group (THG), parent company of Team/Young & Rubicam, Intermarkets Advertising, ASDA’A public relations, mediaedge:cia and Wunderman. As one of the Middle East communication industry’s most prominent spokespersons, he has been involved in managing regional and global agencies for over two decades.

When asked to comment on Ghossoub’s contribution and dedication to the world of advertising, Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP stated, “We tend to associate awards and honors in the communications industry to specific creative work and products, design, packaging or even jingles, so it is always good to be reminded of the people behind it all. All of us within WPP are very proud that Joseph Ghossoub has been named Campaign’s “Man of the Year”. It is a great honor and truly well deserved.”

Ghossoub joined Team Advertising as Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer in 1993. In 1997 he and his partners formed THG. Under his leadership, THG has grown to be one of the most successful Middle East communications groups, with offices throughout the Arabian Gulf, the Levant, North Africa and beyond.

Ghossoub took office as Chairman and World President of the IAA in March 2006, coinciding with the start of the 40th IAA World Congress in Dubai. During his term at the IAA, he has worked to open levels of communication across marketing disciplines encouraging the industry to work more closely together.

Previously, he was the President of the IAA United Arab Emirates (UAE) Chapter and in 1996 he joined the IAA World Board and IAA World Council. He was elected International Vice President and Area Director of IAA Middle East North Africa (MENA) in 2000.

Ghossoub also serves a number of business and educational institutions. He has presided over the Lebanese Business Council and is an advisory council member of the American University in Dubai. In 2003, Ghossoub was appointed as a board member of the Dubai Media Incorporation by the Government of Dubai and most recently he has worked to strengthen cultural ties between the countries of his birth and professional life through the establishment of the Emirati Lebanese Friendship Association.

Decorated with Lebanon's highest civilian honor in 2004, Ghossoub is a Knight of the Order of the Cedar, in recognition of his achievements and services towards promoting regional and international understanding and cooperation. In May 2006 he was awarded the Presidency Shield of the Republic of Lebanon in recognition of his role as the Chairman and World President of the IAA.

Sky News Arabia moves into its new state-of-the-art studio complex

editor — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:03:45 -0800

Sky News Arabia, the free-to-air 24-hour Arabic rolling news channel, launching in spring 2012, announced the move of its editorial and operational teams into its newly built state-of-the-art studio site in Abu Dhabi city. The new studio and production facilities are considered to be the most advanced in the region.

The channel will deliver breaking news in both HD and SD formats focusing on the Arab world via twelve dedicated bureaus across the region and globally, as well as access to Sky News' international bureau network.

Nart Bouran, Head of Sky News Arabia, said: "The move to the new site is a significant milestone in the Sky News Arabia launch plan, launch plan. We are already carrying out technical rehearsals and will start with full studio rehearsals later this month. Our investment in this high-tech studio complex affirms our commitment to provide fast, fresh live, evolving news across our multiple platforms - television, tablet, mobile and online."

Since April 2011 the technical integration process at the new studio complex, which is now located inside twofour54 the Abu Dhabi media hub, has been supported by Television Systems Limited (TSL), who have worked closely with Sky News Arabia's engineering team on the design.

Last month, TSL handed over the broadcast system including approximately 208 kilometres of cables into the facility, in addition to over 100 tonnes of state-of-the-art broadcast equipment.

Bouran added: "We have appointed a great mix of talented presenters who will be engaged through multimedia platforms in advance of the TV launch. The technical operation we have delivered will allow each presenter to deliver a vibrant and fresh format in news delivery."

Sky News Arabia will broadcast from a single large studio, housing a number of permanent sets dedicated to different programs, providing seamless flow from one area and presenter to another, giving production directors maximum flexibility over their 11 cameras.

A massive 10 meter wide video wall will be employed to visually aid in-depth analysis of stories being covered.

The studio will be technically advanced with HD equipment and tapeless newsroom production facilities, allowing content to be transferred for near-instant availability across Sky News Arabia's regional and international networks.

All these technical specifications at the new studios aim to ensure that Sky News Arabia will deliver fast, breaking news 24-hours a day.

Ipsos releases KSA and Egypt Online Panel Data

editor — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:32:35 -0800

Two years after the launching of the Online Audience Measurement project, Ipsos has released KSA and Egypt panel data. Therefore, Ipsos audience software “Gexplorer” now covers online audience data for 8 MENA countries; UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Morocco. The data encompasses 300 regional participating websites and full Panel Data for KSA and Egypt (including participating websites, non-participating websites, multinational and social networks).

“It took us some time to launch the panel data since the recruitment process was challenging. We needed to achieve a representative sample size in both countries. Also, we were validating the data based on internet penetration by demographics collected from monthly offline studies”. Joud Nawar – Ipsos Media Research Manager

In 2012, Ipsos will add UAE, Lebanon, Jordan and Kuwait to its Panel portfolio. Ipsos will also introduce the online planning software by mid-2012. Consequently, media agencies will have a unique online planning system similar to the existing offline Ipsos flagship services.

Download latest numbers from Ipsos here.

YahLive brings first 24-hour 3D channel to the Middle East

editor — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:51:50 -0800

The US-based 3D entertainment channel 'High TV 3D' is to launch in the Middle East and North Africa, courtesy of UAE satellite broadcaster YahLive. "I am delighted to bring our viewers not only the highest level of HD programming but also the only 3D channel in the Middle East today. The revolution in TV entertainment technology combined with the amazing price drops, has driven consumers to acquire 3D smart TVs at a phenomenal rate. Now millions of viewers in the Middle East and North Africa will be able to enjoy High TV 3D, only on YahLive," said Mohamed Youssif, chief executive, YahLive.

Top trends revealed at Digital Media Forum 2012

editor — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:04:31 -0800

The inaugural Digital Media Forum - Dubai 2012, an event to discuss the rapidly growing digital arena, has revealed a number of key trends predicted for the coming year. The event served as a meeting point for industry leaders to share concepts and ideas, as well as forecast developments in the fields of social network marketing, e-commerce and e-education, mobile applications and digital media regulations.

In addition to a number of international experts, speakers who participated in the event included UAE-based advertising and media heavyweights Raja Trad, CEO of Leo Burnett Group MENA, and Joseph Ghossoub, Chairman and CEO of MENA Communications Group (MENACOM). Commentary was also provided by Osman Sultan, CEO of du, who explored how 'social media is a tsunami that has changed everything', and Khalifa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Technology Strategy for the Etisalat Group, who offered an insight into the telecommunications industry, whose expression 'customer data is today's new oil' resonated profoundly with the audience and on Twitter channels.

Those attending the forum included a mix of industry peers, business executives and students, all active participants in the region's digital growth. In addition, the event was well-received by Twitter users across the GCC, predominantly in the UAE. Discussions on the social media platform resulted in #DMF2012 (the official hash tag for the event) becoming a top trending topic in the UAE on both days of the forum, with revelations of the event being shared and distributed with a wider audience.

Raja Trad offered his insight, commenting, "The growth of advertising on social media channels in the next few years will be profound. It is now more important than ever for professionals to find ways to make communication innovative and fresh in order to captivate their audiences across various mediums."

Zafer Younis, CEO of The Online Project, elaborated on the importance of a studied and focused approach in terms of social media, saying. "Professionals need to first evaluate what the message, audience and themes are before jumping on to the digital media bandwagon. For example, Facebook does magic for FMCGs, while B2Bs will benefit more from LinkedIn. Social Media is not all or nothing."

Dan Stuart, Managing Director of Living Social Middle East, discussed emerging e-commerce in the region, saying "The key to its success is support and collaboration with local business in order to attract a resident consumer base."

Najla Semaan Mazboudi, Managing Director of SPOTON Media Services and Events, commented on the success of the forum, "We were pleasantly surprised by the feedback we witnessed on Twitter (@DMForumDXB). Our number of followers increased drastically over the two-day period that the forum took place, and still continues to grow. Looking at this positive response, we have already started making preparations for Digital Media Forum 2013."

Nogoum FM and Nile FM bring first kids' radio station to KidZania Cairo

editor — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:57:35 -0800

Budding young radio hosts now have a place to hone their skills while having fun as KidZania Cairo signed a partnership agreement with Nile Radio Productions, owner of popular Nogoum FM and Nile FM, bringing the first Kids' radio station to the city where children will have the chance to be part of a versatile informative and amusing radio programs.

"Adopting a philosophy based on exclusivity and innovation, KidZania Cairo is bringing its young patrons a miniature radio station that will teach them about the fascinating world of radio broadcast. A unique experience that will go a long way towards building-up their self-confidence and giving them a unique opportunity to voice their thoughts and articulate their ambitions," said Mr. Tarek Zidan KidZania Cairo Governor.

"With a station planned to be broadcasting throughout the city and listened to by all visitors, children can get over the well-founded fear and anxiety of setting behind the microphone and talking on the radio," added Mr. Zidan.

"Kids will read out news, comment on sports events and even interview celebrates and well-known figures. What's more, KidZania radio station hosts will have a keen eye on spotting singing talents of their fellow visitors. They will be given the chance to demonstrate their talents and perform to the listeners. As personal experience is a powerful learning tool and in order to make it a memorable escapade towards better planning for a future job, little associates of KidZania radio station can keep a copy of their contributions for the station on a CD of their own to take home and keep," Mr. Zidan clarified.

Ms. Hala Hegazi - Managing Director of Nile Radio Productions - was thrilled at the new cooperation with a miniature Nogoum FM and Nile FM radio stations coming into existence inside KidZania. "Putting that new twist on the learning process by allowing our kids to live true-to-life experiences through role-playing a wide range of jobs is such an awe-inspiring educational concept. I am absolutely glad with this partnership as it will push the knowledge horizons of young ones and help them learn about the know-how of the radio profession. The educational value offered by KidZania radio will provide far-reaching benefits for children. They will become familiar with creating radio shows, receiving calls from audiences, and understanding intricacies associated with radio broadcast, which are all of the essence on the path to radio professionalism," Ms. Hegazi explained.

"KidZania radio will present versatile programs ranging from news bulletins, climate broadcast, traffic updates, all the way to commentaries on sports games, and even star-studded interviews. There will also be entertaining music shows on the airwaves," Ms. Hegazi added.

KidZania, coming to Cairo shortly and now present in eight cities including Mexico, Tokyo, Jakarta, Seoul, Lisbon, Koshien and Dubai, will be the first in Africa and the Second in the Middle East.

KidZania Cairo is an entire kids-scale city built to simulate real life. Children between the ages of 4 to 14 are able to choose from more than 70 real-life jobs in a wide variety of sectors including retail, media and entertainment, construction, culture, sports and industry. Children can role play activities such as doctors, firemen, pilots or chefs in fully-equipped facilities, move around the edutainment city in cars or via public transportation, practice driving at the driving streets within the city, dine at restaurants, or explore their talents at the theatre. As in the real world, children perform jobs and are either paid for their work or pay to shop, or to be certified, or entertained.

Chrome comes to Android phones, tablets

editor — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:36:17 -0800

Google has launched a beta version of Chrome for Android smartphones and tablets. . "Our goal was to get all of Chrome onto Android,"said Sundar Pichai, senior vice president of Google Chrome. The computer browser was launched in 2008, when Google decided to take on Microsoft, Mozilla by launching its own internet browser. Since then, Chrome has increased its browser market share. It recently surpassed Firefox and has become a popular alternative to the dominant Internet Explorer.

Mobile Internet usage has doubled every year since 2009

editor — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:58:18 -0800

According to analytics firm StatCounter, users accessing the Web through mobile devices has doubled every year since 2009. In its latest report, StatCounter says that global Internet usage through mobile devices rose to 8.5%. According to the firm's report, the global leader in mobile Web devices is Nokia, accounting for 40 % of usage. The firm believes that Nokia's global dominance is due to its high penetration in emerging markets like India.