Dubai’s position as global hub for media stronger

DUBAI: With less than six months to go until it begins, Expo 2020 Dubai is strengthening Dubai’s position as a regional and global hub for media, content creators and influencers, stated Majed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director of Dubai Media City.

Many institutions, media plaforms and production companies have already begun to boost their local presence in preparation for one of the largest global events since the pandemic.

The six-month spectacle will cement Dubai’s competitiveness and ability to manage large-scale events. It also enhances the atractiveness of the city’ s media and content creation industries, essential players that will bring the event to people from all around the world via round-the-clock coverage.

The integrated business ecosystem — represented by Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City and the in 5 Media startup incubator — has seen an increase in activity, as the days count down to what has been described as one of the greatest shows on earth.

Collectively, the three business districts host over 3,000 media institutions, 34,000 media professionals, 122 TV and radio channels, and 163 publications and plaforms. Content is beamed to millions of people in Arabic, English, Chinese, German, Tagalog, Hindi and Urdu. There are also hundreds of print publications produced in a variety of languages enjoyed by readers around the world.

Dubai Media City was the first of the three business districts. Established in 2000, it was followed by Dubai Production City and Dubai Studio City. Together, these cities have nurtured a business ecosystem that has atracted thousands of companies and professionals to Dubai. The flagship Dubai Media City - which turned 20 last year — has atracted some the world’s largest media corporations, including CNN, BBC, MBC, and CNBC Arabia.

Last November, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, marked Dubai Media City’s 20th anniversary, tweeting, “Today, Dubai Media City completes 20 years since we established it in 2000... Today the city is home to 3,000 media outlets, 34,000 journalist... It hosts 122 TV and radio channels, and 163 publications and plaforms... Nothing is impossible in the UAE.”

Al Suwaidi said, “Expo 2020 Dubai will strongly motivate all media plaforms and institutions, large and emerging production companies, content creators and independent talent. It provides opportunities to develop unique global content in various relevant sectors for humanity as a whole, as the focus shits towards turning environmental, technological, and societal challenges into opportunities.”