Media & Advertising
From The Report: Abu Dhabi 2016
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The media industry in Abu Dhabi has witnessed a surge in investment recently as sector infrastructure is developed to support the expansion of local production and content creation. By early 2015 direct spending on television and film production was expected to contribute $108.9m to the UAE’s economy over the next five years while the Media Zone Authority is looking to expand the breadth of services and networks it offers, including costume design, hair stylists, makeup artists, camera operators and post-production facilities. Meanwhile, e-commerce presents a significant range of new opportunities, with the segment expected to see growth of 40% by 2020 in GCC states, and with sales likely to reach $41.5bn. This chapter contains an interview with Noura Al Kaabi, Chairwoman, Media Zone, Authority–Abu Dhabi and twofour54.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

On the set: Efforts are under way to expand local production and content creation in line with broader diversification goals
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The media industry in Abu Dhabi has witnessed a surge in investment recently as sector infrastructure is developed to support the expansion of local production and content creation. This includes both physical infrastructure and human resources capacity. Sector expenditure is on the rise as well. Local English-language daily The National reported in May 2015 that direct spending on television and film production was expected to contribute an estimated Dh400m ($108.9m) to the UAE economy over the…

Interview

Lights, camera, action: OBG talks to Noura Al Kaabi, Chairwoman, Media Zone Authority–Abu Dhabi and twofour54
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Interview:Noura Al Kaabi To what extent is financing readily available for startups in new media given the reluctance of many banks to lend to such initiatives? NOURA AL KAABI: Abu Dhabi is currently experiencing a surge of new digital startups, including games, channels and productions that can help position the city favourably as venture capital continues to expand and grow in importance. The aim now should be to examine ways to support startups from the very beginning. Many startups are…