#Media

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+

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

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

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

Spotify MD MEA Akshat Harbola

Spotify’s Akshat Harbola is keen to support local talent, read to know more

The managing director for the MENA region and South Asia shares the key trends impacting the streaming platform, inclusive initiatives that are bringing fresh talent to the fore and his strategy to get everyone on Spotify

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

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

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

Can't Sleep? These podcasts can help GettyImages-151327388

Can’t sleep? These podcasts can do the trick

The boom in sleep services comes at a moment where millions of people are struggling to balance the demand for productivity with the fact that sleep is a crucial component of health

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

as creative hub twofour54 to open new fim studio

Abu Dhabi-based twofour54 unveils ambitious plans to build film studio

Set to span over 100 acres, twofour54 Studios will be a next-gen, virtual production-ready, metaverse-enabled and fully-fledged production studio

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

BotimGPT

BOTIM launches region’s first Arabic ChatGPT with MBZUAI 

BOTIM’s Arabic Chat GPT will support features such as international money transfers, bill payments and e-commerce

conceptual ERA

Marketing firm Conceptual ERA eyes regional expansion

Marketing firm Conceptual ERA is drawing on the UAE’s strengths and a combination of social media, unique campaigns and targeted content to enhance its regional presence

UAE President Sheikh-Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issues law to establish Abu Dhabi Media Office _photo WAMcourtesy

UAE President issues law establishing Abu Dhabi Media Office

The new entity will form strategic partnerships with local, regional, and international media organisations to advance Abu Dhabi’s media sector

Whatsapp

WhatsApp to stop functioning on older smartphones from January 2023

In October, WhatsApp experienced a glitch, making it inaccessible temporarily to thousands of users worldwide

Sharjah

Sharjah Media City unveils new company to launch media, technology startups

The company will serve as an integrated platform that brings together media talents, entrepreneurs and experts to establish media projects supported by advanced technology

Saudi unveils $1.1bn programme for digital content creation, media production

The ‘Ignite’ initiative will offer several incentives such as financial support for local, regional and international companies and startups

SME Revival case study: Dubai’s Finyal Media on its expansion plans

The podcast network creates content for young Arabs across the MENA region

Media and entertainment: Envisioning cloud-based production ecosystems

As the media and entertainment industry looks towards the road to production in the cloud, new opportunities to drive innovation and change are emerging

Whats On Saudi Arabia Arabic

What’s On Saudi Arabia launches Arabic site

The English version of the website launched in January 2021

Dubai’s OSN appoints interim chief after CEO Patrick Tillieux resigns

The company has appointed non-executive board director Sangeeta Desai as the interim CEO

Cinépolis Cinemas Muscat Oman

Cinépolis opens GCC’s first Luxury Cinemas concept in Muscat

It is located at the Oman Avenues Mall in Muscat

OSN gets exclusive streaming rights to Gangs of London in the Middle East

The Gareth Evans-created crime drama, one of the UK’s most popular original dramas of all time, is available in the region on OSN

Patrcik Tillieux_CEO_ OSN

Five minutes with Patrick Tillieux, CEO of OSN

Over the last 18 months, OSN have produced new content, launched a revamped platform, forged new partnerships and entered new markets