Future of TV amid thriving digital platforms discussed
The DPC hosted the first session of the Ramadan Majlis programme to discuss trends shaping the future of television and the surge in popularity of digital streaming plaforms
The Dubai Press Club (DPC) hosted the first session of the Ramadan Majlis programme on Monday to discuss trends shaping the future of television and the surge in popularity of digital streaming plaforms.
The event, held at DPC, was atended by prominent media personalities, industry experts and representatives of media organisations. The event was organised in line with precautionary measures outlined by authorities.
Participants included Ali Jaber, Group TV Director of MBC; Emirati artist and producer Ahmed Al Jasmi; actress Maysa Maghrabi; actor Abed Fahed; Essa Kayed, Director of Drama Projects at Abu Dhabi Media; actress and singer Aseel Omran; actress Dima Bayaa; and TV critic Jamil Daher. Presenter Nada Al Shaibani moderated the session, which was held in the presence of Maitha Buhumaid, Director of DPC.
Speakers in the session said that despite the success of streaming services worldwide and an increase in subscriptions, satellite TV remains the primary source of entertainment in this part of the world. Arab TV channels have effectively adapted to industry developments and diversified their content for various digital plaforms.
The focus of Arab digital streaming plaforms on producing exclusive content was a key factor in driving their popularity and increasing paid subscriptions. Despite the pandemic’s impact on Arab entertainment production, lockdowns drove a rise in viewership, speakers noted.
These plaforms continue to atract a large number of Arab viewers, especially the youth. Audiences are gradually moving away from linear TV and watching their preferred content on new media plaforms without advertising breaks. The Arab region needs to develop digital streaming plaforms independent from TV channels in order to compete with global streaming plaforms, the speakers added.
Maitha Buhumaid, Director of DPC, said the Ramadan Majlis programme provides a plaform to examine a range of issues affecting Arab societies. To be held throughout Ramadan, the Majlis seeks to foster a dialogue between members of the community on key challenges and issues. Buhumaid thanked the participants in the first Ramadan Majlis session for having contributed to a rich discussion.
The Ramadan Majlis is organised annually by the Dubai Press Club to examine local and international issues that are of interest to the Arab world.
HEALTH MINISTRY URGES PUBLIC TO FOLLOW VACCINATION SCHEDULES: Marking the World Immunisation Week 2021, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has urged the public to commit to vaccination schedules according to the National Vaccination Programme.
The international event, organised this year under the theme ‘Vaccines bring us closer’, aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against diseases, increase vaccination rates, and spread awareness of the importance of vaccinations and their influential role in eliminating communicable diseases.
The activities of World Immunisation Week seek to enhance the commitment of community members to vaccination schedules according to the National Vaccination Programme, disseminate scientific facts about the importance of vaccines for all community members to protect them from diseases and emphasise the safety of vaccines according to international best practices.
The Ministry harnesses all communication channels with the individuals to spread awareness-raising messages about vaccines, highlight vaccination services provided by health centres, and publish related scientific facts. This year’s campaign also includes a webinar on 29th April for medical cadres on the latest information and global practices related to vaccines.
“Keeping people healthy and safe from contagious diseases is a national priority. Therefore, we’ve launched this outreach campaign to encourage people to visit primary health care centres and clinics to take the vaccines to maintain their health,” said Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-secretary of Health Centres and Clinics Sector, and Chairman of the National Commitee for the Implementation of the Provisions of International Health Regulations and Prevention of Pandemics.