Strategic expansion for the Saudi Research and Marketing Group (SRMG) in regional media sectors

Dr. Azzam Al Dakheel, SRMG's CEO, in a keynote, delivered at the Arab Media Forum, held in the Monarch Hotel, Dubai, said that the steps taken by the Group in this respect included a number of strategic applications in the light of the challenges imposed by the technological revolution.

Mr. Al Dakheel added that "the challenges faced by traditional paper-media should not be undermined, especially that the majority of the Arab readers are the young category that tends to the non-traditional means of accessing information. However, there are big opportunities for developing digital media industry, and generating new revenues through sales of e-ads and digital content, This will certainly contribute to the growth of media and the development of the means of editing and producing".

Dr. Al Dakheel stressed that the strategic vision of the group is based on employing and integrated network of means and mechanisms to provide content. The matter will not be continued to issuing newspapers only but going beyond that to new horizons of innovations and specializations.

Dr. Al Dakheel revealed that SRMG had acquired 51% of the net assets of a number of the affiliates of the University Bookshop Group. The total value of the deal came to SR73m.

"This acquisition forms an added value to content provided through various media channels." He added " University Bookshop is mainly specialized in educational content. Through this deal, we enter into the curricula world, rich with knowledge that we will present to the Arab world, relying on leading and accumulating experience of our personnel".

The Saudi specialized publishing company had established a specialized media company in Dubai Media Free Zone. This company will be active in developing "content" in all its types and categories.

Dr. Azzam Al Dakheel explained that this new firm will enrich media in the region with an excellent collection of media brands specialized in vital sectors that are badly needed by the knowledge market in the region.

"We will cultivate knowledge everywhere. We are keen to achieve ready platforms and will use technology as extra platforms to communicate a unique content. This will cover conference and exhibition industry. For this, we declare the establishment of a new company, Mu'tamarat, for Conferences and Exhibitions, with capital of one million Saudi Royals. The company is fully owned by the Group", he added.

Dr Al Dakheel said: "When we speak of professionalism, we are aware of the fact that professionalism will enrich content in all its categories. Therefore, the Group will commission on 27th April, Prince Ahmad Bin Salman Institute for Applied Media. The institute's objective of preparing professional staff in content creation in a way that copes with the rapid development and breakthrough in the Arab and global media markets".

The Institute represents a unique initiative in the field of training and rehabilitation in the region, and aims at building up the personnel that would raise levels of information contents in the region.

It is to be noted that the SRMG is headquarted in Riyadh, and has many offices across the world. The group intents to own a plot of 32.000 squared feet in Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone. This property will be used for building new offices for the affiliates, providing them, with the required equipments in order to expand the activities of the Group in UAE and the neighboring countries.