Boost to music industry as SAE opens its first institute in the region

The SAE International Technology Institute is the largest audio, film and multimedia college worldwide and has over 45 colleges strategically located in 20 countries across Europe, the USA, Asia & Australia.

Originating 30 years ago from a backroom in Sydney, the company's primary purpose, and thus its resultant educational philosophy, is to provide learning opportunities that allow students to pursue their chosen careers in the fields of music, creative media, film and other digital media. SAE encourages students from all backgrounds to undertake courses which will expand and develop their career options and opportunities. Uniquely, and in line with the transient nature of life in the Middle East, students have the option of commencing studies in one location and finishing in another, allowing for a truly international educational experience.

SAE will operate at Knowledge Village for the next two years and then move to Dubai Studio City, Dubai's new film, broadcast and music production cluster, when its infrastructure is ready. The facility in Dubai will initially specialise in three areas, 3D Graphics and Animation, Film Making and Audio Engineering.

Marco Batteli, General Manager of SAE Dubai comments, "The industry is now quite small but obviously set to expand. We felt it was important to be here during this set up period, at ground level, to provide and train students ready to take on the many positions that will need to be filled as Studio City and the industry develops."

Jonathan Gadalla, Project Manager - MUSAC 2006, IIR Exhibitions, pointed out that over the past few years, Dubai, through initiatives like Dubai Media City and Dubai Studio City, has emerged as the focal point of the media boom in the region. "As the industry develops further, institutes like SAE will be able to add tremendous value to the pool of creative media training expertise in the region and contribute to the development of the industry in general."

SAE will further emphasise its presence here by exhibiting at MUSAC, which will hold its 2nd edition in April 2006 as part of PALME, the Middle East's professional sound, light, music, audio visual and systems integration exhibition.

Batteli explained that SAE will exhibit on two levels, firstly as an education provider for the industry but also as the owner of AMS Neve, the largest console system in the world. "It will be the first time that AMS Neve has been showcased at an event in the Middle East and given the current level of local interest and industry development, it is the right time to bring this technology to the Gulf region." he explained.

SAE acquired the world's leading console manufacturer in June this year and to underline the significance of this product, over 80% of Hollywood productions use Neve consoles.

MUSAC provides an all encompassing profile of musical instruments and accessories, music distribution, publishing, promotion and production as well as computer software for music and merchandising and retail support. It has been specifically designed as the showcase where the region's key buyers and decision makers can see the very latest products from the leading names in the music industry.

"We are very pleased to welcome SAE as a new exhibitor at MUSAC - we are committed to expanding the unique focus and depth of the event and companies such as the SAE Institute will further enable us and our visitors to maximise the tremendous opportunities on offer at the show." added Gadalla.

Organised by IIR Exhibitions, MUSAC benefits not only from the established global success and credibility of PALME, but IIR's experience in staging other highly successful music industry shows such as CALM (China Audio Light & Music in Beijing, China) and WASBE (The World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles conference).

PALME, the Middle East's premier professional sound, light, music, audio visual and systems integration exhibition, takes place at Dubai International Exhibition Centre from April 23-25, 2006. "Already well over 70% sold out with over six months still to go, we know that, based on the enthusiastic support of the industry, we will deliver an even bigger and better show in 2006, with participation from many of the key major names in the industry." concluded Gadalla.