2006
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Sign & Graphics show, 95% sold
The Sign and Graphics Imaging Middle East exhibition, scheduled to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 27-March 1, has so far sold 95% of its 130,000 sqft floor space and is aiming to beat the total of $125m worth of deals completed at last year's event. More than 200 companies have confirmed their participation.
HSBC takes Flip stake
Flip Media has revealed that HSBC Private Equity Middle East has acquired a significant equity stake in Flip Media Investments. Flip Media Investments is the holding group of Flip Media, Neo Digital, Flip Media India and other subsidiaries. Martin Diessner, Flip Media's CEO said the HSBC's involvement will enable the firm to boost its regional growth.
MTV Arabiya in 2007
Arabian Television Network will launch MTV Arabiya in 2007, in a deal with MTV Networks International, a unit of Viacom Networks Europe. ATN is a subsidiary of Dubai-based Arabian Broadcasting Network. MTV Arabia will be a 24-hour free-to-air channel screening programmes on Arab music and culture.
MBC to air Cirque du Soleil
TV network MBC will air performances of Cirque du Soleil under a cross-channel agreement, the company said in statement. MBC is the official sponsor of the modern circus under the terms of the deal. Cirque du Soleil is bringing its production of Quidam to the Middle East for the first time early 2007.
Iraq deadliest for journalists
Iraq was the deadliest country for journalists in 2006 according to a study by the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists. Thirty-two journalists were killed in Iraq, of whom 30 were Iraqis. Nearly all were targeted by insurgents. The CPJ has recorded 55 journalists killed worldwide during the course of their work in 2006, and is investigating another 27 deaths.
Al Jazeera documentary channel
Al Jazeera will begin broadcasting a 24-hour Arabic documentary channel from 1 January 2007. Programmes will range from social and political documentaries to history, science and the environment. Al Jazeera says it wants to sponsor talent and work in partnership with international filmmakers to develop content.
CNN, live Hajj coverage
For the tenth consecutive year, CNN International is to offer special coverage of the Hajj pilgrimage. Correspondent Zain Verjee will make live broadcasts from Saudi Arabia from December 28 until January 3, interviewing pilgrims from around the world. CNN correspondents based in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the US will report on how young Muslims view their spirituality and social standing, growing up in both Muslim and non-Muslim countries.
ABN launched at DSC
The Arabian Broadcasting Network has been launched and will base its production and broadcasting facilities at Dubai Studio City. ABN will incorporate its newly formed subsidiary, the Arabian Television Network, and other related media properties under its umbrella. ATN will soon roll out a series of free-to-air satellite TV channels and digital broadcast services.
Dubai Properties, DPC tie-up
Dubai Properties has signed up as a corporate sponsor of the Dubai Press Club. The agreement covers a period of six months and Dubai Properties will work with DPC to organise specialised forums and media roundtables, in addition to workshops that focus on media, IT, education and business in Dubai and the GCC.
Gulfimages.com scoops award
Stock picture library www.gulfimages.com has won the top prize in the Art and Design category of the UAE Web Awards. Gulfimages.com, which offers royalty-free and rights-managed products, features an online credit card payment facility enabling customers to download high res images straight from the Web.
Film targets Aids
A Kenyan woman working in a children's nursery in Dubai has scripted a film highlighting the misery caused by Aids, reported Gulf News. Milly Wambui, 25, said methods of educating people about the disease were failing and a new approach was needed. Her script is entitled Maisha, the Swahili word for 'light', and focuses on the plight of children left orphaned by the disease; Wambui is seeking backing for the project.
Al Jaz live on MTC-Vodafone
MTC-Vodafone customers in Bahrain can view Al Jazeera Arabic and English news on mobile phones through live TV media streaming, Trade Arabia reports. SMS and MMS alerts are also available. Users need to download the Media Centre application onto their handsets to access the service.
Largest advertising billboard
A Kuwaiti developer has applied for recognition from the Guinness Book of World Records for an advertising billboard. Mabanee will put up a 1km-long, 117,600 sqft billboard to advertise the opening next year of The Avenues shopping mall. The flex material billboard was built by Alam Al Tassameem, with the graphics designed by Leo Burnett. It will be unveiled in three stages over six months.
Dubai daily vending machines
Awraq Publishing, a member of the Arab Media Group, has introduced automated newspaper vending machines in Dubai, according to Emirates Today. More than 100 AVMs are being installed across the city, allowing people to buy newspapers 24/7, the company said.
TV advertising loses impact
Two major regional advertisers have criticised television as an advertising medium, according to Campaign Middle East. Both Emirates airline and Unilever say TV no longer has the same impact on consumers. They plan to shift more advertising to online and in-store promotions.
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