Podeo raises $5.4m in series A round

MENA podcast platform Podeo raises $5.4m in series A round

Podeo started as a podcast app but quickly evolved into an all-in-one platform that streamlines content creation, distribution, and monetisation

1 Billion Pitches invites ideas from startups, content creators

1 Billion Pitches invites ideas from startups, content creators

The top 25 entrants will be selected to embark on a specialised mentorship and training programme led by industry veterans

Anghami reports 18.3% rise in video streaming subscribers post merger

Anghami reports 18.3% rise in video streaming subscribers post merger

Factors driving growth include Anghami securing an exclusive multi-year deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, bringing Max Originals and Warner Bros. films to OSN+

UAE's Myco raises $10m plans expansion Image supplied

UAE’s Myco raises $10m; plans expansion, blockchain migration

Following expansions into North America and Egypt, Myco is exploring growth territories and aims to conclude a second closing of its Series A funding by early 2025

Afreen Razak on how to build and leverage influence in the creator economy

The creator economy: How to build and leverage influence

The creator economy is not just a passing trend but a fundamental shift in how we consume media and make purchasing decisions

Aref Yehia-Head-of-Retail-E-Commerce-at-TikTok-MENA

TikTok’s Aref Yehia on how F&B brands leverage the platform

The head of Business Partnerships for Retail and E-Commerce shares how F&B brands are using the social media platform to enhance their marketing efforts

Influencer

What you need to know about Abu Dhabi’s social media influencer licence

The rules aim to ensure transparency and accountability in the fast-growing field of influencer marketing

Oman

Oman announces plans for a multi-million dollar ‘Film City’

The ‘Film City’ project, aims to generate substantial employment opportunities, with plans to create over 100 jobs for Omanis in its first year

RedBird - A logo of The Daily Telegraph newspaper on a newsstand in London, UK, on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. and the publisher of the UK’s Daily Mail tabloid are weighing an offer for the company that owns the Telegraph newspaper and Spectator magazine, alongside United Arab Emirates-backed investment fund RedBird IMI, people familiar with the matter said. Photographer: Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg

Abu Dhabi-backed RedBird IMI withdraws from Telegraph deal

RedBird IMI said its focus was on securing the best price for the publications

shark tank uae-dr shimmari

‘If you don’t integrate AI, you’re out’: Shark Tank contestant talks future of startups

Dr Abdullah Al Shimmari, an entrepreneur and participant in TV shows like Bebaan and Shark Tank, shares insights into securing funding and the future of AI in business

RedBird IMI strikes $1.45 bln deal for UK's All3Media

Abu Dhabi-backed RedBird IMI strikes $1.45bn deal for UK’s All3Media

The investment group said the All3Media deal is its fifth acquisition and the largest so far

Saudi Arabia bolsters film industry with $100m fund

Saudi Arabia unveils $100m film fund in entertainment push

The fund will collaborate with major international studios and provide content that reflects Saudi culture and values

Five key trends shaping the region's advertising sector. Image Getty images

Insights: 5 trends shaping the region’s advertising industry in 2024

The regional advertising market is predicted to surge by 6.2 per cent in 2024, reaching a value of $6.9bn

Shares in MBC Group soar 30% on Saudi exchange debut

Shares in regional broadcaster MBC Group soared 30 per cent on its debut on Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul stock exchange on Monday

James Hartt, director at ad gaming on the growth of abu dhabi as a gaming and esports powerhouse

Insights: Abu Dhabi strengthens its status as a global gaming and esports powerhouse

More than 70 game developers and esports teams are now based in the UAE capital, and this is set to grow rapidly over the coming years

MBC Group sets price range for IPO, seeks to raise $222m

Saudi Arabia’s MBC Group sets price range for IPO, seeks to raise $222m

The broadcaster plans to use the proceeds to repay debt, enhance its financial flexibility and invest in new content for Shahid

MBC GROUP to float IPO on Tadawul Image MBC group

MBC Group IPO: Saudi media giant plans to list on Tadawul

On Tuesday, November 21, the kingdom’s Capital Market Authority approved the company’s application for registering 10 per cent of its share capital

Google account holders may have their accounts deleted inactive for too long

Millions of Google accounts to be deleted in December; here’s why

Emails, documents, calendar appointments, photos and videos from Google accounts that have been inactive for at least two years will be permanently deleted

WhatsApp to allow Multiple-Accounts image Meta

WhatsApp to allow access to multiple accounts, users can log in on same device

Users will be able to easily switch between accounts – such as their work and personal ones – without having to log out each time or carry two phones

WhatsApp Channels Global Launch_Image Meta

WhatsApp Channels sees global rollout, includes UAE and Saudi Arabia

Channels is a one-way broadcast feature that allows admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls to their followers

G20 in Delhi AlNeyadi billboards adorn Delhi Image courtesy WAM

G20 Summit: Billboards in Delhi celebrate UAE’s Sultan AlNeyadi

AlNeyadi successfully completed the longest Arab space mission aboard the International Space Station

Movies, TV shows available on streaming jumps 39% in two years Image Getty Images

Movies, TV shows available on streaming rise 39% in two years

Netflix and Disney+ are among 167 streaming providers, up from 118 two years ago

Bob Barker dies

Bob Barker, courtly host of ‘The Price Is Right,’ dies at 99

Barker holds the record for hosting the longest-running game show in US television history

BCCI to auction cricket broadcast rights for bilateral series

Amazon, Google wooed by India’s BCCI for $750m cricket rights: Report

The reportedly lukewarm response by media firms ahead of BCCI’s auction highlights the struggle to make money from bilateral cricket series

8 great books to inspire ceos of a startup Getty Images

Startup reading list: 8 inspiring books for entrepreneurs

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, these reads will equip you with the tools and wisdom to navigate the exciting world of startups

Saudi Football League signs deals for global broadcast Al Khaleej VS Al Taawon Image courtesy Saudi Pro League

Saudi Football League lines up deals to broadcast games globally

The deals supposedly span more than 130 territories at rates as much as four times higher than last season’s total revenue from broadcast rights

OSN

OSN’s Devrim Melek, Andy Grant share top trends in media and entertainment industry

In an exclusive interview, OSN unveils the impact of the evolving media landscape on modern viewers

Investcorp invests $100m in communications firm SEC Newgate

Bahrain’s Investcorp invests $100m in communications firm SEC Newgate

The transaction is expected to close between the third and fourth quarter of 2023, subject to regulatory approvals

Astra Tech National Bonds Sign MOu to iffer investment solutions to Botim Image Astra Tech Botim

Botim users to benefit from Astra Tech, National Bonds saving, investment solutions

This partnership gives Astra Tech customers access to microfinance options specifically designed for individuals with low and medium incomes through Botim, supported by National Bonds’ Al Manassah Platform

WhatsApp Channels Image credit whatsapp

WhatsApp introduces Channels, here’s how it will help

To help you select channels to follow, WhatsApp is building a searchable directory where you can find your hobbies, sports teams, updates from local officials and more