2006
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TheShorts for Jordan and UAE
The Royal Film Commission of Jordan and SAE International have revealed that TheShorts International Short Film Competition and Festival will be launched in Jordan and the UAE in early 2007. The objective is to stimulate interest in film-making, thus boosting the development of the industry in both countries. A compilation of the best entries will air on local TV networks in the period leading up to the award ceremony in April.
Dubai Press Club sued
A journalist is suing the Dubai Press Club after it awarded the Arab Journalism Award for best investigative reporting to a Saudi magazine's Managing Editor, reported Gulf News. The un-named Jordanian journalist, who used to work for the Saudi publication, claims he and a colleague actually wrote the award-winning piece. The claimant wants Dhs500,000 in damages from the DPC, the AJA's organisers, the Saudi Editor, the magazine and its publishers.
Doha 2006 broadcast centre opens
The Doha Asian Games Organising Committee has opened its international broadcast centre to more than 1,800 rights-holding broadcasters and 2,000 host broadcaster staff to report on the upcoming 15th Asian Games. Located in the Qatar International Exhibition Centre, the IBC will serve as the central operational, production, technical and administrative base for Doha 2006 broadcast operations. The 100,000 sqft facility contains 12 TV studios.
DMC, no newspaper role
Dr Ameena Al Rostamani, the Executive Director of Media, Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority, has emphasised that Dubai Media City does not have a role in the issuing of licences for local newspapers, reported the local WAM news agency. Dr Al Rostamani's comments come in the wake of criticism of local English language newspapers for 'stepping beyond the limits'.
Man U book launch in Dubai
Former Manchester United greats Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, Peter Schmeichel, Bryan Robson and Eric Cantona are coming to Dubai for the Middle East book launch of the 'Manchester United Opus', Gulf News reported. The book traces the history of the highly successful football club. 10,000 limited edition copies are being released.
Dubai World ramps up website
Dubai World has launched a reworked website, dubaiworld.ae, to take in its various business units. The site has profiles of nearly 80 group companies with links to their portals, and a news centre providing updates of Dubai World projects. Visitors can subscribe to a corporate e-newsletter.
Viola wins AD accounts
Viola Advertising and PR says it has recently won deals with Abu Dhabi Municipality, the Arabian Gulf Cup 2007 and the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2007. The Abu Dhabi Municipality agreement gives Viola Pro Media exclusive concessions for 15 years for outdoor media locations, as well granting a three-year contract to Viola Advertising & PR.
WAN to recognise press freedom
The World Association of Newspapers will present the first Gebran Tueni award at a conference on press freedom in December in Beirut. The award will be given to a publisher or editor demonstrating the free press values upheld by the WAN Board member killed in a bomb attack, WAN said in statement. The group's Arab Newspaper Development Project for news companies in the region, will also be launched at the event.
PHD retains Qatari Diar
Real estate developer Qatari Diar has re-signed PHD as its media agency for its multi-million dollar account, PHD said in statement. Two other agencies had pitched for the account. Qatari Diar is developing the 35 sq km Lusail development. PHD is a member of Omnicom Media Group. It set up an office in Dubai in September 2005.
Malayalam news on Weyak
Weyak, Etisalat's web and mobile portal, is offering Malayalam news to UAE subscribers, the company said. The news from Kerala will be delivered via SMS on subscription. A similar service is being planned for Indian news.
Al Jazeera picks Apple
TV channel Al Jazeera International has chosen Apple technology for its video editing and storage. The end-to-end solution includes editing with Final Cut Pro to storage on ten 7-terabyte Apple Xserve XRAID. The system is being implemented by Apple reseller Pro Technology.
Zee, marketing show TV deal
Real Media-Zee Network and Zee Arabiya are to be the official TV channels for the upcoming Media and Marketing Show to be held from 27-29 November at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. Real Media-Zee Network and Zee Arabiya will have a booth and lounge at the venue on all three days of the show.
Ad spending to grow by 15%
The region's advertising spending, estimated at $3bn a year, will grow at an annual rate of about 15% for the next two to three years according to a local communications agency cited by Gulf News. Fadi Salameh, the CEO and President of Middle East Communication Networks, said the real estate, banking and telecommunications sectors were driving growth. Print, Internet and outdoor advertising are seeing particularly good gains.
Bobby opens DIFF
A film which focuses on the run up to the murder of US presidential candidate Robert Kennedy is to open this year's Dubai International Film Festival, reported Gulf News. 'Bobby' includes a host of Hollywood stars including Demi Moore, Sharon Stone, Martin Sheen and Christian Slater. The film was directed by Emilio Estevez and premiered at this year's Venice Film Festival.
Orbit, Rotana US TV deal
Orbit's Arabic Series Channel together with anchor channel Al Yawm will now be seen by Arab-Americans across the US. Orbit has struck a deal with Rotana for distribution through the Directv platform of Arabic TV programmes in the US. Directv is the leading satellite Pay TV provider in the US, with other key operations in Central and South America.
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