CABSAT, Integrate ME and SATExpo Middle East begin today
Dubai World Trade Centre is set to host a major convergence of global media, broadcast, satellite and Pro AV industries as three powerhouse events—CABSAT, Integrate Middle East (Integrate ME), and the debut SATExpo Middle East—open their doors today, May 13. Running through May 15, the events promise to redefine the region's digital future through innovation, collaboration, and groundbreaking technology showcases.
Marking its 31st edition, CABSAT 2025 will feature over 700 leading brands from across the media, technology, and entertainment sectors. Dedicated international pavilions from countries including China, France and Germany will highlight cutting-edge developments in broadcast and communication technology. Visitors can expect a packed agenda with standout features such as the Content Congress, which will dive into critical discussions around AI ethics, immersive storytelling in AR/VR, and the fast-growing $100bn creator economy.
The Co-Production Salon will provide a platform for regional content creators to pitch their ideas directly to major production houses, OTT platforms and media investors. Attendees will also have the opportunity to join a behind-the-scenes Studio City Tour, offering a rare look at the region's most advanced production facilities—including the Middle East's only deep-water filming tank. Meanwhile, CABSAT TV & Podcast will offer real-time event coverage and expert insights from the exhibition floor.
Expected to attract more than 18,000 visitors, CABSAT is once again positioned as a hub for industry partnerships and innovation. Panasonic, a key exhibitor, is spotlighting its contribution to driving both technological progress and collaborative momentum across the event.
Carl Pocknell, Division Head & General Manager- System Solutions & Communications Division, said: 'Panasonic is proud to return to CABSAT, reinforcing our commitment to innovation in entertainment and technology. As a leading exhibitor, we continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions that empower content creators and industry professionals to push creative boundaries. CABSAT serves as a strategic platform to showcase our latest advancements in Broadcast and Projector technology, fostering meaningful collaborations and shaping the future of the industry.'
Running alongside CABSAT, Integrate Middle East returns with a sharp focus on the Pro AV sector's transformative impact on industries such as retail, entertainment, and enterprise. With more than 700 brands on display, the event will present the latest in digital signage, interactive technologies, immersive audio, and live event systems. Over 10,000 Pro AV professionals are expected to connect with expanding market opportunities across the MEASA region.
Alison Pei, Commercial Manager at NEEWER, added: 'Integrate Middle East has rapidly become a key platform for showcasing innovation in the AV and media space. At NEEWER, we are proud to contribute to this transformation by presenting our latest advancements in photography, live streaming and video technology. This exhibition offers the perfect opportunity to highlight how we have built a fully integrated ecosystem that seamlessly integrates social, commercial and creative solutions for content creation.'
Making its inaugural appearance, SATExpo Middle East 2025 will bring together 15 major players in the international satellite communications market, including E'shailsat, Intersputnik and Eutelsat. More than 8,000 industry professionals are set to attend the SATExpo Summit, which features keynotes and thought leadership from top experts. Highlights include a keynote address by Prof. Dr. Klaus Schilling on the ethics and innovation of interplanetary satellite missions, as well as a Fireside Chat with Prof. Sherif Sedky, focusing on the ambitions of the newly launched African Space Agency.
As regional connectivity becomes increasingly vital, companies like ABS are underscoring their role in delivering advanced satellite solutions that bridge digital divides.
Rasha Shokr, Public Relations Director at Nilesat, stated: 'It is an honour for Nilesat to participate in SATExpo 2025, reaffirming our deep-rooted commitment to the values, ethics and rich cultural legacy of our Egyptian, Arab and African heritage. As a proud Egyptian satellite enterprise, we are dedicated to advancing the future of media broadcasting and communications throughout the Middle East and North Africa region. As one of the region's leading satellite operators, Nilesat delivers a wide range of services, including direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasting, satellite broadband, and advanced communication solutions across Egypt and the wider MENA landscape.'
Shokr further noted: 'Our satellite operations team is at the heart of this mission, ensuring excellence through world-class teleport services, gateway operations and expert consultancy. With a relentless focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, we continue to empower broadcasters and service providers with seamless, reliable and powerful satellite solutions.'
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The National
04-08-2025
- The National
How Andy Roddick swapped his tennis racquet for a mic and served up a hit podcast
When Andy Roddick launched his tennis podcast Served back in January 2024 with an episode recapping the Australian Open alongside the journalist, author and broadcaster Jon Wertheim, the American Hall-of-Famer was looking to just have some fun. 'I don't know that we thought it was going to really be anything, which was kind of a superpower,' Roddick told The National in an interview at Wimbledon last month. 'Because if you don't have any expectations, you're not really scared of anything. 'For me it's been great, because I'm a bit of a tennis nerd, and so when we can invite people on, I can ask them all the questions that I would never bother them with in private. So selfishly it's a nice little gig.' It's shaping up to be not so little. It turns out lots of people enjoy listening to Roddick geek out over tennis. The former world No 1 quizzes his guests with such infectious passion and curiosity, you can easily forget he also happens to be a US Open champion and three-time Wimbledon finalist. 'He's sort of the Hall of Fame resume with the perspective of the common fan who is still asking questions,' is how his frequent co-host Wertheim describes him. 'I feel like he's always been, from when he was a teenager, he's always been very witty. And there's an element of self-deprecation that comes with it. 'He's very observant. He's good at communicating in plain speak. And he's sort of this mixture of … he sees the game through a fan's [eyes]. There's not this curse of expertise. He understands the fan's perspective, but also has this accumulated knowledge of having played in major finals.' From the get-go, Roddick and Wertheim tackled all the hot topics dominating the tennis headlines, while delivering an episode every Tuesday covering the week gone by on tour. Whether it's breaking down the doping cases of Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, or discussing gender inequality in the sport, or scrutinising some of the bold claims made by the player association PTPA, Roddick rarely shied away from speaking his mind. Together with Wertheim, producer Mike Hayden, techie Sean Wilcoxson, and Sophie Cabaniss, who is responsible for social media, Roddick created a podcast that filled a gap in the tennis media space, where someone with his level of expertise provided fresh takes on a weekly basis straight to people's smartphones. 'Here was kind of the general thought with producer Mike when we were looking at it – Earth pays attention to tennis eight weeks a year [during the Grand Slams], right? In unison. That's a lot of football field left,' explained Roddick. 'And there was really no place on a random Tuesday to go get a story told, or get an update on tournaments that you couldn't watch for time zone reasoning or anything else. So our idea was kind of try to attack that open space a little bit more and provide a little bit of continuity. 'Not something here, something there, but every Tuesday when you wake up, it'll be there. And if you care enough to listen to it, then great. 'We didn't think that we needed a studio, we didn't think we needed all of the things if the storytelling was good enough; whether it be first-person experience, or other people who were smarter coming on and giving us their time.' A few episodes in, Roddick started inviting guests to join him on the show, initially bringing in former players he has a good relationship with, like Kim Clijsters, James Blake, Lindsay Davenport, and Mardy Fish, coaches like Brad Gilbert, and agents like Max Eisenbud, who provided great insight into what it takes to manage the careers of superstars like Maria Sharapova, Li Na and Emma Raducanu. He interviewed current players like Danielle Collins, Aryna Sabalenka, Madison Keys, and most recently Iga Swiatek, and had revealing, in-depth conversations with Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi. 'It was something that was largely ignored, that tennis coverage still largely centres around live rights. Those are expensive. It's not something that anyone with an opinion can do,' said Roddick. 'Meeting people where they're at, on the internet or on audio, is not expensive. So it's something that could be done easily. So we were kind of in the camp of 'why not?'. And then we started, and kind of a couple people listened, then more people listened, and now more people listen.' For years now, experts have claimed the sports podcast market is saturated and it's difficult for a new show to gain traction. Served with Andy Roddick is disproving that theory. A year and a half in, it has climbed the Apple charts to become the No 1 tennis podcast in the United States, and in several other markets. With 150,000 subscribers on YouTube, and another 150,000 followers on Instagram, Roddick's show is one of just two tennis podcasts currently ranked in the top 100 in sports on the US Apple charts. 'I think sports in general, people watch the actual competition less and less, but they care more and more about everything else in the community. So I think that was something we thought we were going to be tapping into,' said Wertheim. Last December, it was announced that Served has partnered with Vox Media to handle the show's sales, marketing and distribution duties as part of a multi-year deal. I think sports in general, people watch the actual competition less and less, but they care more and more about everything else in the community Andy Roddick Tennis can be a difficult sport to follow, given the ever-changing time zones and the fragmented TV rights deals that often require fans to pay for multiple subscriptions to watch the matches all year round. Even videos of match highlights can be geo-blocked on social media, making it even more frustrating for tennis aficionados. Podcasts cut through all that, which makes it a medium perfectly suited for tennis, according to Wertheim. He also believes Roddick has an edge over many pundits because there isn't much preventing him from speaking his mind. 'When you're trying to get a coaching gig, you're not going to be as candid as you might otherwise. Andy, to his credit, there's no sacred cows. There's full transparency. If there's a conflict, he'll disclose it,' he said. Roddick is not active on social media and only knows if a clip from the podcast has gone viral if a friend or his producer sends it to him. His philosophy on giving strong opinions on the podcast is that it must always come with context. 'My stance is, I think it's okay to, I don't want to say criticise, but to have an opinion on someone, as long as you tell the reason why, whatever it is, is hard. I think for a long time, tennis analysts have acted almost like it's too easy,' said Roddick. 'You don't want to be the player that walked uphill both ways to school. So if you have a criticism, say, this person's struggling, this pattern is hard, explain why. Why it's a struggle and how they can improve. Don't just say, this person's playing badly, I think that's generally lazy.' Roddick's personal highlights so far have been interviewing Nadal and Agassi. With Nadal, he got into the nitty gritty details of how the Spaniard approached the matches with his two biggest rivals, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. 'In terms of ball control, Novak is the best I ever played, and I ever saw,' Nadal told Roddick, explaining how there was less of a clear game plan against the Serb compared to his clashes with Federer. Against the Swiss, Nadal said the strategy was both simple and obvious to anyone watching – he just relentlessly targeted Federer's backhand until it broke down. 'For me, he was making a little bit mistake against me at the beginning of his career that he was trying to play from his backhand again with topspin, so he gave me the chance to keep hitting forehands against his backhand,' said Nadal. 'At the end of his career he started to go in, taking more risk. He was playing, for me, honestly 2017, for a while, was the best level of his career. You felt like you were in his hands. He played very, very aggressive and his serve was so difficult to read.' A beaming Roddick quickly jumped in and gushed about how Federer had the ability to hit seven different serves off of the same ball toss. That segment of the conversation alone amassed over 800,000 views on YouTube. With Agassi, Roddick listened intently to his idol talk about his conflicted feelings about tennis. 'Let's just get to the heart of it: I never chose tennis, right from day one. News alert, the most controversial thing in my book came on page one that I hated tennis. I'm not making that up,' said Agassi. 'I saw what it did to my family, I saw what it did to relationships, it always meant too much, I always resented it. It didn't mean that I wasn't good at it, but you can be motivated through two things in your life: fear or love and it was fear that was driving me.' In last week's episode, Roddick got freshly-crowned Wimbledon champion Swiatek to open up about her contamination case, detailing the exact moment she found out about her failed doping test and how it affected her emotional state for many months after she'd been cleared. Roddick admits there isn't a concrete plan for the podcast moving forward as they continue to learn as they go. 'There are people I want to interview. Obviously, I want to sit down with Roger [Federer] and sit down with Serena [Williams], but I also think the timing has to be right for those things,' said Roddick of his vision for what's next. 'I'm confident those type of things will happen. Those are my favourite shows. Those are the ones I get nervous for. But I don't know. We'll see. We don't want to just be a show. We want to be a media company.'
Web Release
01-08-2025
- Web Release
Panasonic Introduces Versatile, Powerful and Hygienic Stick Vacuum Cleaners
Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa FZE (PMMAF) has announced the official launch of its latest premium cordless stick vacuum cleaners in the region – the MC-SBR70 and MC-SBR40. Reflecting Panasonic's renowned global standards, both models combine hygienic, powerful performance with extended runtime, all packed into a compact, reliable appliance. Top of the line model MC-SBR70 even boasts an intelligent dust sensor, which automatically increases the vacuum cleaner's suction power when it detects higher dust levels for a more efficient cleaning. This MC-SBR70, as the premium version, is also engineered with a high-torque, brushless motor and energy-efficient inverter that can deliver up to 135W of suction power. This ensures exceptionally effective cleaning, effortlessly tackling dirt and even microscopic dust on any surface – from tiles to carpets to wooden floors. Sleek and lightweight at just 2.7 kg, it also comes with an additional battery and charger for extra convenience. For uninterrupted cleaning sessions, the premium model also boasts a longer running time, offering a total of 116 minutes of operation with the 2 batteries. Complementing the MC-SBR70's raw power is its Dust Sensor Feature. The dust sensor detects dust particles as small as 0.02mm in size. Based on the amount of dust detected, it notifies the user by changing the ring light on the display across 6 levels and automatically adjusts the suction power. The integrated LED Light illuminates hidden dirt and dust, leaving no corner unnoticed and ensuring a truly thorough clean. The vacuum cleaner also incorporates an advanced, four-stage filtration system designed to capture fine dust particles and allergens, ensuring that only clean air is released. Its HEPA filter makes it possible to capture and lock-in 99.99% of microscopic dust and allergens, helping maintain a cleaner, more hygienic home. Takashi Sasaki, Director, Consumer Marketing Division, PMMAF, said: 'Consumers have long grappled with the common pain points of vacuum cleaners – short run time of battery, inadequate suction power, even the inability to effectively clean tricky, hard-to-reach areas. Our new cordless stick vacuum cleaners address all those concerns and more, developed with our customers' needs in mind, to solve their everyday cleaning dilemmas and offer a truly superior, more hygienic, and effortless experience that redefines cleanliness in the home.' 'Panasonic's commitment to health and hygiene, deeply rooted in Japan's cultural values, naturally extends to every aspect of our home appliances. Both MC-SBR70 and MC-SBR40 vacuums are a direct reflection of that unwavering dedication, that is why we designed these new models with top-notch innovations aimed at providing our customers with a hassle-free cleaning experience like never before,' Sasaki added. Truly feature-packed for effective cleaning performance, the stick vacuums also boast versatile attachments and smart storage solutions. The Motorised Mattress/Pet Nozzle removes pet hair, dust mites, and other allergens from mattresses and sofas with powerful suction, powered by a motor. Both models are built with 254mm wide nozzle with LED lights, along with a telescopic wand that can adjust up to 20cm in length, making it easy to clean stairs, under furniture, high ceilings, and more. When the task is done, the appliance stores on its included stand, ensuring quick access and a clutter-free living space. Panasonic also integrated smart technologies, transforming these new cordless stick vacuum models to truly enable smart living and deliver ultimate convenience. For mess-free disposal, users only need to empty the dust box with a single button press for quick and hassle-free cleaning. The dust box and filters of the main unit are easily detachable and fully washable in water, which ensures effortlessly everything is kept clean. On top of these, there is also the Smart Display for guided cleaning. The smart display shows battery status and dust levels, with easy control of power and modes. The Panasonic Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaners MC-SBR70 and MC-SBR40 are now available across retail outlets in the Middle East, as well as online at Amazon UAE. For more information, visit
Cosmopolitan ME
14-07-2025
- Cosmopolitan ME
Sophie Habboo's Iraqi heritage
Sophie Habboo has come a long way since her reality TV days. Now, as a turned podcaster she's creating space for a new kind of conversation: honest, funny, and unfiltered takes on love, marriage, identity, and girly dilemmas. From Made in Chelsea to mic'd-up chats on NearlyParents and Wednesdays (the podcast she co-hosts), she's built a name as one of the UK's most relatable and refreshingly honest voices. We sat down with Sophie to talk about life beyond the cameras, including opening up about her Iraqi heritage on her dad's side. Supplied: Rebecca Spencer CosmoMe: For those just discovering you, how would you describe yourself in your own words? Sophie: I spend most of my time co-hosting two podcasts, NearlyParents and Wednesdays. When I'm not podcasting, I'm either presenting, broadcasting, or working for the social media company that I co-founded, JamPot Productions. I get to share my life online with an amazing community, which I'm so grateful for. My husband Jamie Laing and I are also expecting our first baby, which is very exciting! CosmoME: How did your journey into the public eye begin, and how did you find your place in it? Sophie: My journey into the public eye began when I joined Made in Chelsea seven years ago when I was 23. I did the show for three years, and then COVID hit. I had just started dating Jamie, who was also on the show, and we made the decision to leave together so we could have a bit more peace in our lives and relationship. As you can imagine, being in a relationship on reality TV can be a bit chaotic and it thrives off drama. A couple of years later, we got engaged and decided to start a podcast together called NewlyWeds (or NearlyWeds as it was originally called leading up to our wedding). To this day, I'm still amazed by how successful it's been. Everything has kind of grown organically from there. During lockdown, I also started a podcast with my best friend Melissa Tattam called Wednesdays, which we literally launched around our kitchen table to have some girly chat and gossip. It's now become one of the UK's top charting podcast, which is just unbelievable to me. Supplied CosmoMe: Can you tell us about your Iraqi heritage? Sophie: My Iraqi heritage comes from my dad. He's half Iraqi, and my granddad, who we called Papa, was full Iraqi. I've definitely grown up with that culture being a big part of our lives. Interestingly, my mum also knew a lot about Middle Eastern culture, because her uncle had lived in the region for years. It was quite a natural cultural blend when my parents got married, and my sister and I grew up in England being very immersed in that side of our heritage. Supplied – Sophie and her father, Patrique Habboo CosmoMe: Where in Iraq is your family from, and what did they do before they left? Sophie: That's quite an intense story. My family is originally from Baghdad and they actually owned a hotel there called the Baghdad Hotel. Obviously, it was a really difficult time during the war, and sadly a lot of bad things happened. Some of my family moved to Michigan in the States, and some are still in Baghdad. But yeah, they ran the Baghdad Hotel, which is pretty cool to look back on. Supplied: Sophie's great-grandparents, Fahima Habboo and Jalal Yacoub Mansour Habboo, who owned a hotel in Baghdad, the Baghdad Hotel. Photo credit: The Habboo family. CosmoMe: Growing up, did you feel a strong connection to your Iraqi heritage, or has that connection deepened over time? Sophie: I think the connection I have with my heritage has definitely deepened over time. Growing up in a Western culture, especially during the time of the Iraq war, I sadly experienced some really nasty comments. At one point when I was in school I pretended that 'Habboo' was a Spanish name. When you're young, you don't really understand identity fully, and you just want to fit in with everyone eating ham-and-cheese sandwiches while you're eating something completely different. But as I've grown older, I've become so proud of that part of myself and have educated myself more about where my family came from. I just really wish I spoke Arabic, that's the one thing I regret not learning earlier on. CosmoMe: Are there any traditions, values, or stories from your Iraqi background that have stayed with you? Sophie: The biggest one for me is the emphasis that we put on family. My Arab side of the family is really spread out—some live in Miami, some in Michigan, some still in the Middle East, but we've remained such a close-knit unit. Over the years, we've actually grown closer. I invited everyone to my wedding in Spain two years ago, and they all flew over for it, which meant the world to me. There's such a strong sense of family in Arab culture, it's really warm and connected. I think, in contrast, English families can sometimes be a little more reserved, so I really value that depth of connection we've kept. Supplied CosmoMe: Do you feel there's enough visibility for women with mixed cultural identities in UK media and the creative industry? Sophie: I think as a society, we've made a lot of progress for both women and people with mixed cultural identities over the years. Growing up in a predominantly British place, I did feel the need to protect or downplay that my family originated from somewhere else at times, but now we live in a day and age where people are much prouder of where they come from. There's still work to do, of course, but it's been amazing to see more diverse stories and faces being represented. I hope we continue on that path because mixed identities should be celebrated, not hidden. Media and the creative industries, in particular, thrive off of variety in viewpoints and experiences. The more diverse voices we bring front and center in the media, the more culturally rich and colourful our world becomes. Supplied: Pip Bourdillon CosmoMe: When life feels overwhelming, what keeps you grounded? Sophie: It all goes back to family. Especially as I get older and I'm building a family of my own, I've realised more and more that family is what really matters. In this industry, you're surrounded by lots of exciting, glamorous things but when it comes down to it, it's your people that keeps you grounded and connected to what's real. Check out our new fave Lebanese singer: Tiara.
