Nickelodeon Arabia to participate in Character Dubai 2008

To be organised by Dubai-based Index Holding, the Dubai International Character and Licensing Fair 2008 (Character Dubai) is scheduled to be held from 28-30 October 2008, at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over 250 companies are expected to participate in the exhibition that is forecast to receive 10,000 trade visitors.

Emphasizing the significance of Nickelodeon Arabia participation in Character Dubai 2008, Abdullatif AlSayegh, CEO of Arab Media Group, said it reflects the widely acclaimed international channel's strategy and commitment to serve a wide spectrum of the region's viewers through interacting with business partners and industry leaders at the event.

He added: 'The existing partnership between Arab Media Group and INDEX Holding aims at attracting foreign direct investments capable of creating quality business with high international standards, focusing on copyrighted products in the UAE in general and Dubai in particular. We believe through extending media support to high-calibre events we can achieve this objective.'

'AMG has taken the initiative to promote Character Dubai, fully realising the event's positive impact on all sectors of economy. Character Dubai 2008 will enjoy our critical support, while the participation of Nickelodeon Arabia and members of the Arab Media Group will pave way for global brands to take notice of the event.'

Mariam Al Falasi, Managing Director of Arabian Television Network (ATN), the mother company of Nickelodeon Arabia, said: 'The participation by the 24-hour children's animation channel will further exemplify the importance of character and products licensing in the region. The event will additionally help government authorities and private sector organisations to focus on trademark protection to ensure only world class quality products come to the region.'

Abdul Salam Al Madani, President of INDEX Holding, thanked Arab Media Group for its the support of Character Dubai 2008.

Al Madani said: 'Character Dubai is the only fair of its kind in the entire Middle East and North Africa. It will focus on IP characters, as well as on technological, cultural and educational aspects of the industry. The event will bring together a wide spectrum of investors, innovators, manufacturers, importers, distributors, traders and business leaders under one roof.

'The inaugural event in Dubai will signify the importance of trademarks and patents and will open up fresh avenues for investors. The implications of the event are enormous as the regional markets are among the largest importers of such products and services, estimated to be worth tens of billions of dollars.'

Al Madani confirmed the participation of a large number of national and international companies, including that of platinum sponsor Dubailand, a member of Tatweer, as well as Copy Licensing Agency, Spacetoon International, Palm International and S.E.E.N.A. The event will also boast country pavilions by South Korea, Japan and the US.