Condé Nast expands Middle East footprint with full acquisition of WIRED ME
The transition, announced on Monday, marks the magazine's move from a licensing agreement with Dubai-based publisher Nervora to direct ownership by Condé Nast.
'Bringing WIRED Middle East into the Condé Nast Middle East portfolio reflects both the region's rapid evolution and our commitment to spotlighting the ideas and breakthroughs shaping its future,' said Thomas Khoury, Managing Director, Condé Nast Middle East.
'With its authority across technology, science, business and culture, WIRED is uniquely positioned to lead these conversations in the region.
Launched in 2019, WIRED ME has covered regional trends, breakthroughs, and major events such as Expo 2020 Dubai.
Condé Nast said the acquisition marks the next step in the brand's growth as it looks to expand alongside the region's fast-developing tech sector.
While the company suggested it will remain commitment to the print edition - currently published quarterly and claiming a readership of over 100,000, according to Advert On Click - it said WIRED Middle East would now serve as its flagship digital-first platform for tech, science, and culture in the region.
Katie Drummond, WIRED's Global Editorial Director, said the brand is eager to expand its editorial coverage of the Middle East, growing hand-in-hand with the region.
'This is a region driving some of the most dynamic and consequential stories in science, technology, business, and culture,' she said. 'We're excited to build a team dedicated to telling those stories with the ambition and world-class journalism that defines WIRED.'
The move follows a similar shift earlier this year, when Condé Nast took direct control of Vogue Arabia and GQ Middle East, also previously operated under license by Nervora.
The reshuffle has been widely viewed as a strategic realignment of the Arab fashion and media landscape.
With the addition of WIRED ME, Condé Nast's full Middle East portfolio now includes Vogue Arabia, GQ Middle East, Architectural Digest Middle East, and Condé Nast Traveller Middle East.
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