Latest news with #DanHu
Broadcast Pro
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Unlock future of media at CABSAT 2025 Content Congress
Bringing together key players from across the media, entertainment and technology ecosystem, the congress will explore the forces reshaping the industry and provide valuable insights into the future of television, video and content distribution. Dubai is set to become the global hub for media and entertainment innovation as the CABSAT Content Congress returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 13 to 14, 2025. Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving industry, this two-day conference will bring together global experts, policymakers and innovators to explore how artificial intelligence, personalised streaming, virtual production and cross-border co-productions are transforming the way content is created, distributed and consumed. As part of the wider CABSAT 2025 event, the Content Congress will serve as a key forum for examining the transformation sweeping across the media and entertainment landscape. With themes centred on digital disruption, new content formats and emerging technologies, the conference promises attendees access to vital insights and strategies to stay ahead of industry trends. Day one, themed Trends, Technology & Transformation, will open with an exploration of how MENA's media sector is being reshaped by government initiatives and innovation. This includes an in-depth look at the region's Ramadan drama boom, which continues to dominate seasonal viewership. The agenda will also dive into the world of virtual production and cinema, focusing on the use of LED walls, real-time rendering, and AI to streamline and elevate the filmmaking process. On the second day, Digital Disruption & New Formats takes centre stage. Panels will delve into MENA's burgeoning $38bn connected TV market, dissect the content strategies of major digital players such as TikTok and YouTube, and explore how regional platforms are carving out their space. One of the most anticipated sessions will spotlight the rise of vertical micro-dramas—short-form content of just one to three minutes—which has grown into a $5bn global trend and presents a major opportunity in the Arab world. Next-generation sports broadcasting will also be a focus, with discussion on how AI, virtual reality and over-the-top (OTT) platforms are revolutionising fan engagement in a sports rights market valued at $6.5bn. Other sessions will tackle the challenges and opportunities in children's programming, highlighting the fact that 80% of MENA's kids' content is currently imported and exploring how local creators can take a leading role. Additional insights will be provided into film commission incentives, including Abu Dhabi's 50% rebate and Dubai's expanding production infrastructure, both of which are helping to position the UAE as a major global production destination. A lineup of speakers will bring diverse expertise to the stage. Among them are Karim Sarkis from Strategy&, who will address AI's growing role in MENA media; Dan Hu of Tencent Cloud, who will explore the future of streaming; and Anuj Samtani of STEREOVISION, who will present on AI applications in cinematography. Actor and comedian Danish Sait will share insights on brand storytelling in the digital age, while Manoj Abraham Mathew from Dubai Studios will speak on co-productions and regional content distribution strategies. Following the main sessions, a third day of bonus programming on May 15 will offer an Emerging Tech Showcase, where startups shaping the media industry's future will present their innovations. Workshops will also provide hands-on learning in content creation, monetisation, and digital strategy.
Mid East Info
06-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Smiles SuperApp partners with Tencent Cloud to enable smarter digital commerce in the UAE - Middle East Business News and Information
Cloud integration will allow partner brands to seamlessly onboard as 'mini apps' Consumers will benefit from a plethora of services, deals and rewards across global & local brands Barcelona,March 2025 – Smiles, e& UAE's SuperApp, has partnered with Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of Tencent – the global technology powerhouse behind Weixin/WeChat, the world's largest SuperApp –to enhance digital commerce in the UAE. Announced during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, this partnership reinforces Smiles' commitment to driving customer-centric innovation. As part of the agreement, Smiles will leverage Tencent Cloud Super App as a Service (TCSAS) solution to create an open, dynamic digital ecosystem, making it the first in the region to leverage this technology. This integration will allow partner brands to seamlessly onboard as 'mini apps' within Smiles, mirroring the highly successful WeChat model. By doing so, businesses can establish a digital presence with ease, whereas consumers can choose from a broader selection of services and rewards, all within a unified SuperApp experience. With 5.5M+ registered users Smiles is the UAE's leading rewards-driven SuperApp, offering a vast range of deals and services across food and grocery delivery, home services, dining, retail, entertainment, travel, and more. By adopting Tencent's proven cloud-based solution, Smiles is set to transform into a fully-fledged 'Super-Mall,' allowing brands to quickly and efficiently onboard their services. 'Our partnership with Tencent marks a strategic moment in Smiles' evolution from a rewards platform to becoming a full-scale digital commerce enabler in the UAE,' said Khaled Elkhouly, Chief Consumer Officer, e& UAE. 'We're bringing the expertise behind the world's largest SuperApp, WeChat, to create a more accessible digital ecosystem with Smiles. This means businesses, from global brands to local merchants, can integrate faster and reach customers more effectively without heavy investment or complexity. For consumers, it's about making everyday life simpler—whether it's discovering great deals, completing everyday chores, accessing services, or enjoying rewards—all in one place. Ultimately, this integration is set to reshape digital commerce in the UAE, a market driven by speed and convenience, by seamlessly connecting businesses and consumers in a more frictionless economy.' Dan Hu, Vice President of Tencent Cloud International for the Middle East, shared, 'We are thrilled to partner with e& UAE to power Smiles as it is evolving into an everyday app for millions, whether it is for accessing essential services, , retail, shopping or gaming entertainment. TCSAS is a proven, modular platform designed to be versatile and intuitive, supporting our partners to meet their user expectations for a seamless experience.' TCSAS is powered by Tencent Cloud's Mini Program framework, which has been instrumental in the success of Weixin/WeChat, one of the world's largest digital ecosystems with over 1.1 billion monthly active users. Through this partnership, Smiles aims to replicate that success in the UAE, offering partner brands a plug-and-play solution to enhance engagement, boost customer retention, and drive higher returns on investment. For businesses, the integration will allow brands to swiftly onboard their services into the Smiles ecosystem, driving customer engagement and revenue growth without extensive development costs. Whereas Smiles' consumers will have access to an even wider network of businesses – ranging from top global brands to local favorites- offering deals, services, and rewards. Whether it's shopping, dining, entertainment, online food or grocery ordering or booking services, consumers will benefit from a seamless, all-in-one experience within the Smiles SuperApp. With a network of 6,500 participating brands and 15,000 partner outlets, Smiles continues to evolve as the go-to SuperApp, delivering value, convenience, and rewards to millions of users. About Smiles: Smiles is e&'s full-service lifestyle SuperApp and one of the largest one-stop shops for the everyday needs of UAE residents and visitors. With 6,500 participating brands and over 15,000 partner outlets in the UAE, Smiles offers deals and rewards on food and grocery deliveries, home services booking, e& services as well as dining, shopping, entertainment, wellness and travel benefits, making it a premier lifestyle SuperApp. Smiles is currently one of the most downloaded apps in UAE on both the playstore as well as the app store. Smiles currently has over 5.5 million registered members and is open to all UAE citizens, residents, and visitors. New customers can download the Smiles SuperApp from the iOS app store, Android Play store, or Huawei AppGallery to enjoy great benefits immediately. About Tencent Cloud: Tencent Cloud, one of the world's leading cloud companies, is committed to creating innovative solutions to resolve real-world issues and enabling digital transformation for smart industries. Through our extensive global infrastructure, Tencent Cloud provides businesses across the globe with stable and secure industry-leading cloud products and services, leveraging technological advancements such as cloud computing, Big Data analytics, AI, IoT, and network security. It is our constant mission to meet the needs of industries across the board, including the fields of gaming, media and entertainment, finance, healthcare, property, retail, travel, and transportation.
Zawya
06-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Smiles SuperApp partners with Tencent Cloud to enable smarter digital commerce in the UAE
Consumers will benefit from a plethora of services, deals and rewards across global & local brands Barcelona – Smiles, e& UAE's SuperApp, has partnered with Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of Tencent – the global technology powerhouse behind Weixin/WeChat, the world's largest SuperApp –to enhance digital commerce in the UAE. Announced during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, this partnership reinforces Smiles' commitment to driving customer-centric innovation. As part of the agreement, Smiles will leverage Tencent Cloud Super App as a Service (TCSAS) solution to create an open, dynamic digital ecosystem, making it the first in the region to leverage this technology. This integration will allow partner brands to seamlessly onboard as 'mini apps' within Smiles, mirroring the highly successful WeChat model. By doing so, businesses can establish a digital presence with ease, whereas consumers can choose from a broader selection of services and rewards, all within a unified SuperApp experience. With 5.5M+ registered users Smiles is the UAE's leading rewards-driven SuperApp, offering a vast range of deals and services across food and grocery delivery, home services, dining, retail, entertainment, travel, and more. By adopting Tencent's proven cloud-based solution, Smiles is set to transform into a fully-fledged 'Super-Mall,' allowing brands to quickly and efficiently onboard their services. 'Our partnership with Tencent marks a strategic moment in Smiles' evolution from a rewards platform to becoming a full-scale digital commerce enabler in the UAE,' said Khaled Elkhouly, Chief Consumer Officer, e& UAE. 'We're bringing the expertise behind the world's largest SuperApp, WeChat, to create a more accessible digital ecosystem with Smiles. This means businesses, from global brands to local merchants, can integrate faster and reach customers more effectively without heavy investment or complexity. For consumers, it's about making everyday life simpler—whether it's discovering great deals, completing everyday chores, accessing services, or enjoying rewards—all in one place. Ultimately, this integration is set to reshape digital commerce in the UAE, a market driven by speed and convenience, by seamlessly connecting businesses and consumers in a more frictionless economy.' Dan Hu, Vice President of Tencent Cloud International for the Middle East, shared, "We are thrilled to partner with e& UAE to power Smiles as it is evolving into an everyday app for millions, whether it is for accessing essential services, , retail, shopping or gaming entertainment. TCSAS is a proven, modular platform designed to be versatile and intuitive, supporting our partners to meet their user expectations for a seamless experience.' TCSAS is powered by Tencent Cloud's Mini Program framework, which has been instrumental in the success of Weixin/WeChat, one of the world's largest digital ecosystems with over 1.1 billion monthly active users. Through this partnership, Smiles aims to replicate that success in the UAE, offering partner brands a plug-and-play solution to enhance engagement, boost customer retention, and drive higher returns on investment. For businesses, the integration will allow brands to swiftly onboard their services into the Smiles ecosystem, driving customer engagement and revenue growth without extensive development costs. Whereas Smiles' consumers will have access to an even wider network of businesses – ranging from top global brands to local favorites- offering deals, services, and rewards. Whether it's shopping, dining, entertainment, online food or grocery ordering or booking services, consumers will benefit from a seamless, all-in-one experience within the Smiles SuperApp. With a network of 6,500 participating brands and 15,000 partner outlets, Smiles continues to evolve as the go-to SuperApp, delivering value, convenience, and rewards to millions of users. -Ends- About Smiles Smiles is e&'s full-service lifestyle SuperApp and one of the largest one-stop shops for the everyday needs of UAE residents and visitors. With 6,500 participating brands and over 15,000 partner outlets in the UAE, Smiles offers deals and rewards on food and grocery deliveries, home services booking, e& services as well as dining, shopping, entertainment, wellness and travel benefits, making it a premier lifestyle SuperApp. Smiles is currently one of the most downloaded apps in UAE on both the playstore as well as the app store. Smiles currently has over 5.5 million registered members and is open to all UAE citizens, residents, and visitors. New customers can download the Smiles SuperApp from the iOS app store, Android Play store, or Huawei AppGallery to enjoy great benefits immediately. About Tencent Cloud: Tencent Cloud, one of the world's leading cloud companies, is committed to creating innovative solutions to resolve real-world issues and enabling digital transformation for smart industries. Through our extensive global infrastructure, Tencent Cloud provides businesses across the globe with stable and secure industry-leading cloud products and services, leveraging technological advancements such as cloud computing, Big Data analytics, AI, IoT, and network security. It is our constant mission to meet the needs of industries across the board, including the fields of gaming, media and entertainment, finance, healthcare, property, retail, travel, and transportation.
Tahawul Tech
11-02-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Tencent Cloud Expands with Inaugural Middle East Cloud Region in Saudi Arabia
Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of global technology company Tencent, has recently announced the launch of its first Middle East Cloud Region in Saudi Arabia, featuring two availability zones with full redundancy, advanced cloud services, and AI capabilities. The new availability zones, expected to be operational by 2025, will mark Saudi Arabia's entry into Tencent Cloud's extensive global network of over 50 availability zones across 21 regions, enabling the delivery of an expanded suite of cutting-edge SaaS and PaaS solutions to the Middle East. These include advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), innovative digital media capabilities, superapp technologies, and more, The announcement, made at the Ministry of Communications and Technology's (MCIT) flagship LEAP 2025 technology summit, was followed by a business operation commitment of over US$150 million in infrastructure, resources, and investment over the next few years. This commitment is expected to increase and will support the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and drive new digital innovations. Commenting on the announcement made at LEAP 2025, Mr. Dan Hu, Vice President of Tencent Cloud International for the Middle East and North Africa, hailed the new Cloud Region as a milestone in Tencent Cloud's Middle East growth story; 'We're excited to have grown alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and look forward to ramping up Cloud support for the Kingdom and the Middle East more broadly. The new Cloud Region strengthens our ability to support the country's digital transformation journey across important regional verticals, including digital media and streaming, video gaming, esports, e-commerce, tourism, financial services, telecommunications and more.' Tencent has been a key player in the multi-billion dollar digital entertainment, media and streaming industries. Tencent is also a global video game operator and publisher of many global leading game titles such as Honor of Kings and PUBG MOBILE. With over two decades of innovation in supporting games, social media, payment and a number of music and video platforms in China and globally, Tencent Cloud offers bespoke digital entertainment and media solutions tailored to meet today's content creation and distribution needs. 'Tencent Cloud's decision to launch its first cloud region in Saudi Arabia represents a significant milestone for digital transformation in the Middle East,' Mohammed AlRobayan, Deputy Minister of Technology at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), said. 'This new cloud region will enhance the Kingdom's digital infrastructure and accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies. It also reflects confidence in Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a global hub for digital solutions and smart technology, fostering an economy driven by innovation and knowledge.' Beyond strengthening digital infrastructure within Saudi Arabia, the expansion comes amid the country's push to become a leading global gaming and e-sports hub, under the auspices of Saudi Arabia's National Gaming and Esports Strategy. This positions Saudi Arabia to excel on the global stage, particularly as the country prepares to host the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC). In 2024, Tencent Cloud achieved consistent double-digit growth in the international market, with the Middle East emerging as one of the fastest-growing regions. This growth was driven by strong demand for Tencent Cloud's unique ecosystem capabilities and world-class media technology services and solutions. Our technologies and solutions have enabled the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to develop its first ever, AI-powered 'digital ambassador' for culture and tourism, Khalifa with Tencent Cloud technologies. Tencent Cloud empowers global enterprises with cutting-edge solutions. BYD, a leading automaker, leverages Tencent Cloud's intelligent vehicle cloud platform for global markets to accelerate digital transformation. Tencent Meeting/VooV also connects BYD employees across six continents and 30+ industrial zones for enhanced communication and operational efficiency. Meanwhile, Lightchat, a leading social and live streaming platform in the Middle East, integrates Tencent Cloud's TRTC services for low-latency, high-quality real-time communication. With Tencent's media solutions, Lightchat meets surging live streaming demands instantly, delivering a stable and immersive user experience worldwide. This success extends to Tencent Cloud's collaboration with ZainTech, a local digital solutions provider under Zain Group, to introduce Digital Twin solutions to local enterprises, driving innovation and operational efficiency. Additionally, regional game development company PlaysOut worked with Tencent Cloud to launch a modular, open platform for creating mini-games, enabling greater scalability and global reach. At LEAP 2025, we are setting a strong foundation for future growth together with our global partners, YZ-Intelligence and MiniGame. YZ-Intelligence, a comprehensive service provider of Cloud and Artificial Intelligence, offers professional IT consulting services and customized cloud computing solutions to support enterprises in their digital transformation journey. Leveraging Tencent Cloud's ecosystem capabilities, MiniGame aims to drive innovation and growth in the global HTML5 gaming market, empowering local enterprises in the Middle East with a broader range of services and entertainment options for their users with MiniGame's extensive game library and distribution capabilities. Tencent Cloud provides invaluable growth opportunities for Middle Eastern businesses to expand into the Chinese market, offering the infrastructure and expertise to navigate and unlock new opportunities. Looking ahead, Tencent Cloud remains committed to working alongside its partners to create a more connected, efficient, and sustainable future for businesses and public organizations alike. More broadly, Tencent Cloud has established a robust presence across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Asia Pacific, which is fueled by its service to over 10,000 enterprise customers across 30 industries in over 80 markets and regions. This global expansion is powered by Tencent Cloud's ability to integrate innovative technologies into its service offerings, enhancing customer experiences and fostering long-term scalability and growth. Image Credit: Tencent
Zawya
10-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Tencent Cloud expands with inaugural Middle East cloud region in Saudi Arabia
The new Cloud Region will feature two availability zones operating out of Saudi Arabia, leveraging state-of-the-art cloud infrastructure to drive digital transformation across the Middle East. The new Cloud Region will mark Saudi Arabia's entry into Tencent Cloud's extensive global network of over 50 availability zones across 21 regions, enabling the delivery of an expanded suite of cutting-edge SaaS and PaaS solutions to the Middle East and globally. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of global technology company Tencent, has today announced the launch of its first Middle East Cloud Region in Saudi Arabia, featuring two availability zones with full redundancy, advanced cloud services, and AI capabilities. The new availability zones, expected to be operational by 2025, will mark Saudi Arabia's entry into Tencent Cloud's extensive global network of over 50 availability zones across 21 regions, enabling the delivery of an expanded suite of cutting-edge SaaS and PaaS solutions to the Middle East. These include advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), innovative digital media capabilities, superapp technologies, and more, The announcement, made at the Ministry of Communications and Technology's (MCIT) flagship LEAP 2025 technology summit, was followed by a business operation commitment of over US$150 million in infrastructure, resources, and investment over the next few years. This commitment is expected to increase and will support the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and drive new digital innovations. Commenting on the announcement made at LEAP 2025, Mr. Dan Hu, Vice President of Tencent Cloud International for the Middle East and North Africa, hailed the new Cloud Region as a milestone in Tencent Cloud's Middle East growth story; 'We're excited to have grown alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and look forward to ramping up Cloud support for the Kingdom and the Middle East more broadly. The new Cloud Region strengthens our ability to support the country's digital transformation journey across important regional verticals, including digital media and streaming, video gaming, esports, e-commerce, tourism, financial services, telecommunications and more.' Tencent has been a key player in the multi-billion dollar digital entertainment, media and streaming industries. Tencent is also a global video game operator and publisher of many global leading game titles such as Honor of Kings and PUBG MOBILE. With over two decades of innovation in supporting games, social media, payment and a number of music and video platforms in China and globally, Tencent Cloud offers bespoke digital entertainment and media solutions tailored to meet today's content creation and distribution needs. "Tencent Cloud's decision to launch its first cloud region in Saudi Arabia represents a significant milestone for digital transformation in the Middle East," Mohammed AlRobayan, Deputy Minister of Technology at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), said. "This new cloud region will enhance the Kingdom's digital infrastructure and accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies. It also reflects confidence in Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a global hub for digital solutions and smart technology, fostering an economy driven by innovation and knowledge." Beyond strengthening digital infrastructure within Saudi Arabia, the expansion comes amid the country's push to become a leading global gaming and e-sports hub, under the auspices of Saudi Arabia's National Gaming and Esports Strategy. This positions Saudi Arabia to excel on the global stage, particularly as the country prepares to host the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC). In 2024, Tencent Cloud achieved consistent double-digit growth in the international market, with the Middle East emerging as one of the fastest-growing regions. This growth was driven by strong demand for Tencent Cloud's unique ecosystem capabilities and world-class media technology services and solutions. Our technologies and solutions have enabled the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to develop its first ever, AI-powered 'digital ambassador' for culture and tourism, Khalifa with Tencent Cloud technologies. Tencent Cloud empowers global enterprises with cutting-edge solutions. BYD, a leading automaker, leverages Tencent Cloud's intelligent vehicle cloud platform for global markets to accelerate digital transformation. Tencent Meeting/VooV also connects BYD employees across six continents and 30+ industrial zones for enhanced communication and operational efficiency. Meanwhile, Lightchat, a leading social and live streaming platform in the Middle East, integrates Tencent Cloud's TRTC services for low-latency, high-quality real-time communication. With Tencent's media solutions, Lightchat meets surging live streaming demands instantly, delivering a stable and immersive user experience worldwide. This success extends to Tencent Cloud's collaboration with ZainTech, a local digital solutions provider under Zain Group, to introduce Digital Twin solutions to local enterprises, driving innovation and operational efficiency. Additionally, regional game development company PlaysOut worked with Tencent Cloud to launch a modular, open platform for creating mini-games, enabling greater scalability and global reach. At LEAP 2025, we are setting a strong foundation for future growth together with our global partners, YZ-Intelligence and MiniGame. YZ-Intelligence, a comprehensive service provider of Cloud and Artificial Intelligence, offers professional IT consulting services and customized cloud computing solutions to support enterprises in their digital transformation journey. Leveraging Tencent Cloud's ecosystem capabilities, MiniGame aims to drive innovation and growth in the global HTML5 gaming market, empowering local enterprises in the Middle East with a broader range of services and entertainment options for their users with MiniGame's extensive game library and distribution capabilities. Tencent Cloud provides invaluable growth opportunities for Middle Eastern businesses to expand into the Chinese market, offering the infrastructure and expertise to navigate and unlock new opportunities. Looking ahead, Tencent Cloud remains committed to working alongside its partners to create a more connected, efficient, and sustainable future for businesses and public organizations alike. More broadly, Tencent Cloud has established a robust presence across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Asia Pacific, which is fueled by its service to over 10,000 enterprise customers across 30 industries in over 80 markets and regions. This global expansion is powered by Tencent Cloud's ability to integrate innovative technologies into its service offerings, enhancing customer experiences and fostering long-term scalability and growth. About Tencent Cloud Tencent Cloud, one of the world's leading cloud companies, is committed to creating innovative solutions to resolve real-world issues and enabling digital transformation for smart industries. Through our extensive global infrastructure, Tencent Cloud provides businesses across the globe with stable and secure industry-leading cloud products and services, leveraging technological advancements such as cloud computing, Big Data analytics, AI, IoT and network security. It is our constant mission to meet the needs of industries across the board, including the fields of gaming, media and entertainment, finance, healthcare, property, retail, travel and transportation.
