GCC advertising veteran and Memac Ogilvy founder Edmond Moutran dies

Moutran, 77, founded the agency Middle East Marketing and Communications (Memac) in 1984

Arabic version of Celebrity Game Face to broadcast on Abu Dhabi TV

In Media Plus is producer of the show under license from NBCUniversal

‘No longer possible for us to offer content for free’ – Gulf News CEO

The Dubai-based daily has announced plans to launch a paywall for its online content

Qatari media ‘undermining’ efforts to end GCC dispute – UAE minister

The political and social climate in the GCC looks toward ending the Qatar crisis, Anwar Gargash said

MBC Group reappoints Sam Barnett as CEO

Marc Antoine d’Halluin, who spent a year as group CEO at MBC, has now been appointed as a board advisor

Abu Dhabi to expand media hub in effort to diversify economy

Twofour54, named after Abu Dhabi’s geographical coordinates, was set up in 2008

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Social space: A roundup of all the GCC social media news in October

Fadi Khater, founder and managing partner of digital marketing agency Netizency, provides an overview of social media trends in the region

Sharjah Book Authority

Sharjah Book Authority launches new literary agency to stimulate Arabic publishing market

The Sharjah International Literary Agency will promote Arabic literary and cultural content globally

Ibrahim Al Abed

Obituary: Ibrahim Al Abed, an inspirational journalist

Al Abed, founder of the Emirates News Agency WAM, passed away on October 20

Ibrahim Al Abed

Founder of UAE’s state news agency WAM, Ibrahim Al Abed, dies

He was a prominent figure within the country’s media industry

Eureka Digital

Four reasons why digital marketing is key for pharma firms in MENA – Eureka Digital

Digital marketing has become the best way to reach a wide audience in a cost-effective way

social media

Social space: A roundup of all the GCC social media news in September

Fadi Khater, founder and managing partner of digital marketing agency Netizency, provides an overview of social media trends in the region

Dubai Lynx

Dubai Lynx announces line-up of speakers for virtual event

The virtual media and advertising event will be held from October 5-7

Why gamers will love the new OPPO Reno4 Pro 5G

Gamers are a demanding lot – but then the OPPO Reno4 Pro 5G is one formidable smartphone

twofour54 Abu Dhabi

CNN opens first training academy for journalists in Abu Dhabi

Starting January 2021, the academy will offer a full-time five-week course with a combination of online learning sessions and in-person workshops at CNN

Abu Dhabi and Israel to cooperate on film and TV content production

A regional annual film festival will be held in rotation between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv

Myrkott Studio[2] copy

Netflix signs five-year partnership with Saudi studio Myrkott

The partnership will involve the production of new and exclusive seasons of the Masameer series

Vikings on STARZPLAY[6] copy

UAE video streaming service Starzplay adds 600,000 subscribers so far this year

The increase was driven by user growth in Saudi Arabia and the UAE during the Covid-19 period

social media

Social space: A roundup of all the GCC social media news in August

Fadi Khater, founder and managing partner of digital marketing agency Netizency, provides an overview of social media trends in the region

ESPN adds documentaries, college sport and news to streaming service

ESPN Player available on desktop, mobile, tablet and Android TV across MENA

UAE Covid-19

UAE detains two for ‘spreading false rumours’ about five Covid deaths in a family

Authorities have warned of strict action against anyone found spreading false and inaccurate information related to the coronavirus

Spotify signs up as sponsor for Riot Games’ League of Legends

Spotify will be audio streaming partner for League of Legends global events

Vox Cinemas Imax Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi cinemas to reopen at maximum of 30% capacity

All staff members must undergo Covid-19 testing before these cinemas resume operations

Arabic drama podcast ‘The Basement’ to run from September

Podcast series will be available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Anghami, Deezer and Spotify

Study says 15% of Saudis tune in to podcasts at least once a week

Listeners trust podcasts more than radio, newspapers and websites, Markettiers report says

Social media

Social space: A roundup of all the GCC social media news in July

Fadi Khater, founder and managing partner of digital marketing agency Netizency, provides an overview of social media trends in the region

Saudis spend twice as much time watching mobile video as TV, study shows

Most consumers say a full-length TV or video series is too much of a time commitment

Abu dhabi uae capital flag

Here’s how UAE SMEs can benefit from this $1m advertising support scheme

Motivate Media Group has launched a $1m initiative to support homegrown UAE SMEs with free advertising and marketing

IESF

UAE government signs agreement with IESF to promote tolerance in esports

An IESF Global Commission of Tolerance and Coexistence in Esports will be formed as a result of the agreement

Dubai Airports partners with OSN to offer streaming service to travellers

Passengers at Dubai International (DXB) will gain complimentary access to OSN’s new streaming app from July 14, 2020