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Mid East Info
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
Stellar Line Up For CABSAT Content Congress 2025 Includes Acclaimed Director, Media Group Head, & Sports Council Chief
The annual conference at the long-running trade event promises three days of discourse UAE, May 2025 : CABSAT 2025, top B2b event for media and entertainment technology in the MENA reveals a line-up of thought-leaders and forward-thinkers for conference at its 31 st edition, which takes place from May 13 to 15, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). On the packed three-day progamme are a stellar line-up of speakers, including Heba Korayem, Founder of CoProduction Salon, and a visionary in Arabic content partnerships who has helped transform the MENA region's media landscape; Adil Memon, EVP – Content & Marketing, Zee Entertainment Middle East, Wael Al Malki, Content Consultant of Saudi Broadcasting Authority and Anurag Dahiya, Chief Commercial Officer, International Cricket Council to add weight to key themes including 'The Future of Arabic Content,' 'AI and Media Innovation,' 'Sustainability in Media Production,' and more. Wael Al Malki, Content Consultant at the Saudi Broadcasting Authority , explained why CABSAT is where the future of Arab media takes shape: 'We look forward to being a part of CABSAT 2025, which is the leading platform for fostering strategic dialogue and innovation in the MENA region. The event will help enhance the global competitiveness of our content in the digital age, while staying true to our cultural roots.' As CABSAT brings a diverse range of experts of different cultures together on its conference stage, cross-culturalism naturally comes under lens. Actor and comedian Danish Sait brings his sharp wit, relatable humour, and innovative storytelling to the Content Congress on May 13 to reveal how he retains creativity and authenticity in the digital age. 'CABSAT 2025 is a hub for creativity, innovation, and collaboration—values that resonate deeply with me as a content creator,' he said. 'The event provides a platform to exchange ideas and explore how humour and storytelling can shape the future of media and entertainment.' Trailblazer Ashish S K, celebrated for his pioneering contributions to animation, skill-building, and original IP creation in India's AVGC-XR industry; Patch Khan, an innovator in broadcasting who developed the first virtual OB solution for the Paris 2024 Olympics; and KAMEI Masashi, Senior Manager and Chairman at NHK Japan, also feature in the all-star line-up. CABSAT 2025 welcomes 750+ exhibiting brands and over 18,800 attendees for three dynamic days of insightful discussions, live demonstrations, and invaluable networking opportunities. Access to the Content Congress sessions is complimentary with delegate passes. About CABSAT: With a history of over 30 years, CABSAT is the only specialised event that draws more than 14,000 business professionals from the MEASA region's media, content, and digital industries. Over the years, the event has welcomed the highest number of regional attendees, including engineers, system integrators, and broadcasters from the content creation, broadcast, and satellite industries, as well as content buyers, sellers, producers, and distributors. In line with its vision to provide a platform for business, networking, and knowledge sharing for the MEASA region's media markets, CABSAT continues to work with innovative content creators, producers, broadcast technology providers, and content delivery companies to identify traits of success that will fuel the growth of the industry. About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC): A global business facilitator since 1979, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is home to the region's leading purpose-built convention and exhibition centre. DWTC provides a platform for connecting people, products, innovation and ideas from around the world through a dynamic calendar of international trade exhibitions and its own roster of sector leading mega events. As a designated free zone, complemented by award-winning commercial real estate, DWTC plays an integral role in Dubai and the region's growth story. Since its inauguration, DWTC has hosted over 6,000 events, with an estimated economic output of AED 248 billion, attracting over 38 million business visitors to Dubai. Building on this legacy, DWTC's second flagship venue, the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), stands as a premier destination for prominent national and international mega events. Strategically aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, DEC's recently announced AED 10 billion expansion is integral to Expo City Dubai's vision of becoming a global business hub for exhibitions and events.
Broadcast Pro
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
CABSAT 2025 announces speaker line-up for Content Congress
Entry to the Content Congress sessions is included with delegate passes. CABSAT 2025, the MENA region's premier B2B event for media and entertainment technology, has revealed a roster of speakers for its upcoming Content Congress, set to take place from May 13 to 15, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The three-day event will host an influential mix of thought-leaders and industry pioneers who will explore the rapidly evolving landscape of media, technology, and entertainment. Among the key speakers are Heba Korayem, Founder of CoProduction Salon and a leading figure in shaping Arabic content partnerships; Adil Memon, EVP of Content and Marketing at Zee Entertainment Middle East; Wael Al Malki, Content Consultant for the Saudi Broadcasting Authority; and Anurag Dahiya, Chief Commercial Officer at the International Cricket Council. Their sessions will address pressing themes such as the future of Arabic content, AI in media, sustainability in production, and global competitiveness in digital storytelling. Wael Al Malki, Content Consultant at the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, explained why CABSAT is where the future of Arab media takes shape: 'We look forward to being a part of CABSAT 2025, which is the leading platform for fostering strategic dialogue and innovation in the MENA region. The event will help enhance the global competitiveness of our content in the digital age, while staying true to our cultural roots.' As CABSAT continues to attract a broad spectrum of voices, the conference will also shine a spotlight on cross-cultural narratives. Actor and comedian Danish Sait brings his wit, humour, and storytelling to the Content Congress on May 13 to reveal how he retains creativity and authenticity in the digital age. 'CABSAT 2025 is a hub for creativity, innovation, and collaboration—values that resonate deeply with me as a content creator,' he said. 'The event provides a platform to exchange ideas and explore how humour and storytelling can shape the future of media and entertainment.' Also joining the speaker lineup are animation industry leader Ashish S K, known for advancing India's AVGC-XR sector; Patch Khan, a broadcasting innovator behind the virtual OB solution for the Paris 2024 Olympics; and KAMEI Masashi, Senior Manager and Chairman at Japan's NHK. CABSAT 2025 is expected to host over 750 exhibitors and more than 18,800 attendees, offering a packed agenda of expert talks, hands-on demonstrations, and networking opportunities.
Web Release
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Stellar Line Up For CABSAT Content Congress 2025 Includes Acclaimed Director, Media Group Head, & Sports Council Chief
CABSAT 2025, top B2b event for media and entertainment technology in the MENA reveals a line-up of thought-leaders and forward-thinkers for conference at its 31st edition, which takes place from May 13 to 15, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). On the packed three-day progamme are a stellar line-up of speakers, including Heba Korayem, Founder of CoProduction Salon, and a visionary in Arabic content partnerships who has helped transform the MENA region's media landscape; Adil Memon, EVP – Content & Marketing, Zee Entertainment Middle East, Wael Al Malki, Content Consultant of Saudi Broadcasting Authority and Anurag Dahiya, Chief Commercial Officer, International Cricket Council to add weight to key themes including 'The Future of Arabic Content,' 'AI and Media Innovation,' 'Sustainability in Media Production,' and more. Wael Al Malki, Content Consultant at the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, explained why CABSAT is where the future of Arab media takes shape: 'We look forward to being a part of CABSAT 2025, which is the leading platform for fostering strategic dialogue and innovation in the MENA region. The event will help enhance the global competitiveness of our content in the digital age, while staying true to our cultural roots.' As CABSAT brings a diverse range of experts of different cultures together on its conference stage, cross-culturalism naturally comes under lens. Actor and comedian Danish Sait brings his sharp wit, relatable humour, and innovative storytelling to the Content Congress on May 13 to reveal how he retains creativity and authenticity in the digital age. 'CABSAT 2025 is a hub for creativity, innovation, and collaboration—values that resonate deeply with me as a content creator,' he said. 'The event provides a platform to exchange ideas and explore how humour and storytelling can shape the future of media and entertainment.' Trailblazer Ashish S K, celebrated for his pioneering contributions to animation, skill-building, and original IP creation in India's AVGC-XR industry; Patch Khan, an innovator in broadcasting who developed the first virtual OB solution for the Paris 2024 Olympics; and KAMEI Masashi, Senior Manager and Chairman at NHK Japan, also feature in the all-star line-up. CABSAT 2025 welcomes 750+ exhibiting brands and over 18,800 attendees for three dynamic days of insightful discussions, live demonstrations, and invaluable networking opportunities. Access to the Content Congress sessions is complimentary with delegate passes.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Stellar line up for CABSAT Content Congress 2025 includes acclaimed director, media group head & sports council chief
UAE: CABSAT 2025, top B2b event for media and entertainment technology in the MENA reveals a line-up of thought-leaders and forward-thinkers for conference at its 31st edition, which takes place from May 13 to 15, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). On the packed three-day progamme are a stellar line-up of speakers, including Heba Korayem, Founder of CoProduction Salon, and a visionary in Arabic content partnerships who has helped transform the MENA region's media landscape; Adil Memon, EVP – Content & Marketing, Zee Entertainment Middle East, Wael Al Malki, Content Consultant of Saudi Broadcasting Authority and Anurag Dahiya, Chief Commercial Officer, International Cricket Council to add weight to key themes including 'The Future of Arabic Content,' 'AI and Media Innovation,' 'Sustainability in Media Production,' and more. Wael Al Malki, Content Consultant at the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, explained why CABSAT is where the future of Arab media takes shape: 'We look forward to being a part of CABSAT 2025, which is the leading platform for fostering strategic dialogue and innovation in the MENA region. The event will help enhance the global competitiveness of our content in the digital age, while staying true to our cultural roots.' As CABSAT brings a diverse range of experts of different cultures together on its conference stage, cross-culturalism naturally comes under lens. Actor and comedian Danish Sait brings his sharp wit, relatable humour, and innovative storytelling to the Content Congress on May 13 to reveal how he retains creativity and authenticity in the digital age. "CABSAT 2025 is a hub for creativity, innovation, and collaboration—values that resonate deeply with me as a content creator," he said. "The event provides a platform to exchange ideas and explore how humour and storytelling can shape the future of media and entertainment.' Trailblazer Ashish S K, celebrated for his pioneering contributions to animation, skill-building, and original IP creation in India's AVGC-XR industry; Patch Khan, an innovator in broadcasting who developed the first virtual OB solution for the Paris 2024 Olympics; and KAMEI Masashi, Senior Manager and Chairman at NHK Japan, also feature in the all-star line-up. CABSAT 2025 welcomes 750+ exhibiting brands and over 18,800 attendees for three dynamic days of insightful discussions, live demonstrations, and invaluable networking opportunities. Access to the Content Congress sessions is complimentary with delegate passes. About CABSAT: With a history of over 30 years, CABSAT is the only specialised event that draws more than 14,000 business professionals from the MEASA region's media, content, and digital industries. Over the years, the event has welcomed the highest number of regional attendees, including engineers, system integrators, and broadcasters from the content creation, broadcast, and satellite industries, as well as content buyers, sellers, producers, and distributors. In line with its vision to provide a platform for business, networking, and knowledge sharing for the MEASA region's media markets, CABSAT continues to work with innovative content creators, producers, broadcast technology providers, and content delivery companies to identify traits of success that will fuel the growth of the industry. About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC): A global business facilitator since 1979, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is home to the region's leading purpose-built convention and exhibition centre. DWTC provides a platform for connecting people, products, innovation and ideas from around the world through a dynamic calendar of international trade exhibitions and its own roster of sector leading mega events. As a designated free zone, complemented by award-winning commercial real estate, DWTC plays an integral role in Dubai and the region's growth story. Since its inauguration, DWTC has hosted over 6,000 events, with an estimated economic output of AED 248 billion, attracting over 38 million business visitors to Dubai. Building on this legacy, DWTC's second flagship venue, the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), stands as a premier destination for prominent national and international mega events. Strategically aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, DEC's recently announced AED 10 billion expansion is integral to Expo City Dubai's vision of becoming a global business hub for exhibitions and events. For further information, please contact: Orient Planet Group (OPG) Email: media@ Website:
Broadcast Pro
08-05-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
YouTube in Ramadan: The silent giant
Every Ramadan, more than 120 satellite TV channels across the Arab world engage in a high-stakes content race. Scripted dramas – aka musalsalat – become cultural currency, and platforms compete fiercely for attention. Heba Korayem takes us through the trends for Ramadan 2025. With an estimated* $300- 500m in annual production value, the Ramadan TV season is the most important window in the Arab content calendar. Drama titles released during this 30-day period are not only considered the most expensive, but also the most tradeable. They often serve as proxies for platform strength, market influence and audience loyalty. Without this concentrated cycle of content production and acquisition, tracking the full scope of market activity, especially beyond the commonly referenced 'big five' MENA media entities (MBC, OSN, BeIN, StarzPlay, YangoPlay), would be nearly impossible. These important trends are rarely reported in English-language industry analysis, but for those who understand Arabic and follow the region from within, it's clear that each of the 22 Arabic-speaking countries has its own local 'top three'. Ramadan brings these players to the forefront, offering one of the clearest indicators of regional opportunity. In Ramadan 2025, one player stood apart from the traditional broadcast-OTT tug-of-war: YouTube. Roughly 40% of all tradeable Ramadan scripted series in 2025 were released on YouTube. That's over 100 high-quality serialised dramas made freely available, not including low-budget content like talk shows or cooking programmes. If YouTube were to acquire those assets the way a TV channel or AVOD platform would, it would cost it an estimated $80m. This is a conservative figure calculated using the same metrics many producers use in the local market to price their content, based on perceived audience size of the platform, territory rights, exclusivity, perceived buying power of the platform and, well, personal relationships. YouTube democratises access to content, but if these are considered the Arab world's most valuable video assets, this raises critical questions: Who is uploading them – and why? Aren't they concerned that free distribution will reduce licensing potential? With CPM rates in MENA lower than in other regions, is YouTube revenue truly sustainable for first-run scripted content? What about the 60+ OTT platforms operating in MENA? Is YouTube acting as a launchpad, or as a competitor? YouTube by the numbers Our analysis points to four main YouTube strategies used by MENA players, helping to provide a clearer vision of who's monetising what, where and how, as well as the limitations and territorial preferences. 1- Prioritising reach via cross-platform distribution 40% of Ramadan 2025's tradeable video assets were released on YouTube while also airing on various TV channels and OTT platforms. This means OTTs are sometimes waiving exclusivity and allowing simultaneous or slightly delayed YouTube releases, mainly for marketing value. It's also a smart, if unconventional, play by some producers and distributors trying to have their cake and eat it too during price negotiations with VOD platforms. Examples include Al Ahd and Layali Roxy, along with several titles from Egypt and Yemen which were partially or fully available on YouTube. But does wider accessibility guarantee higher viewership? The answer lies in duration. Yes – if a title retains viewers past the first few episodes. No – if a title doesn't really stick. Parrot Analytics data confirms this. Of the season's most widely distributed titles, only two ranked among the top 10 most-viewed shows across four key MENA markets, measuring the entirety of the Ramadan season. Interestingly, those titles weren't the most distributed ones. While Syrian titles Layali Roxy and Al Ahd were the most widely released, the former available on over 20 MENA platforms and TV channels, it was Hakim Basha and Fahd El Batal – Egyptian titles by Synergy appearing on nearly 15 platforms, including YouTube – that consistently ranked highest in popularity among viewers. 2- YouTube-first strategy This one's interesting – over 3% of Ramadan releases followed a YouTube-first model. Five in One is a fun experiment targeting Gen Z, youth and basically any adult younger than us. It's the first truly pan-Arab, multi-dialect short-form drama/suspense series made up of just five episodes and starring only influencers. It's packed with Gen Z energy. Was it popular? 1.5m views per episode – pretty solid! Is it the future of Ramadan entertainment? Probably not. Other YouTube-first titles came from independent producers in Tunisia and Sudan, bypassing both networks and platforms, usually supported by sponsorships. 3- Branded content These are series fully funded by product placement or corporate sponsorship. Notable examples include Tunisia's Arriere el Goddem, a 12-episode nostalgic comedy funded by six sponsors including big brands like Peugeot and LG, which reached 1.5m views per episode. It was released only on YouTube after a struggle by the producers to break into the gate-keeping structure of traditional channels. In Bahrain, the state broadcaster's Ramadan Sherif featured overt product placements and generated around 100k views per episode. In a region lacking unified audience measurement tools, YouTube views are a valuable metric for advertisers on TV networks and a revenue source for producers. 4- Catch-up strategy For broadcasters lagging in digital transformation, YouTube serves as a catch-up platform. 54% of YouTube uploads came directly from TV networks, especially in North Africa. Before 2018, this was common practice. But with the rise of digital monetisation and long-term value realisation, many have shifted to launching their own OTT platforms. In 2025 around 20 TV networks have continued this trend, fewer than last year. Notably, Morocco, Yemen and a private Libyan broadcaster have now invested in their own OTT infrastructure. Regional distribution patterns by country A heatmap of YouTube distribution shows clear regional patterns across the MENA region. – Algeria and Morocco lead in YouTube + TV dual release – Egypt favours TV and OTT, rarely uploading new assets to YouTube – Tunisia embraces YouTube-first models – GCC countries like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia stick to closed ecosystems (TV + OTT) This regional behaviour offers deep insights into platform alliances, monetisation preferences and target audience strategies by country. YouTube's flexibility, scalable ad model and viral reach make it especially appealing for youth-oriented or dialect-specific content from underserved markets. Strategic outlook: What's next? – More broadcasters, especially GCC state entities and those in the Franco-Arab region, will invest in OTT tech infrastructure while still using YouTube for marketing (not catch-up). – Private channels may skip OTT development but pursue stronger platform partnerships. – Producers will continue to use YouTube as a testing ground and monetisation tool; more importantly, for ad-funded entertainment programmes; most definitely, for the most anticipated upcoming trend: Arabic micro-drama. – Platforms will maintain a love-hate dynamic with YouTube, a topic deserving its own analysis. – Tech service providers: The MENA market right now is like Disneyland for tech vendors and will continue to be, particularly in the AdTech space. – Investors remain cautious, but rising access to content performance data is building confidence and attracting international investment in regional content. To outsiders, MENA's content market may appear fragmented, even chaotic. But Ramadan exposes its underlying structure. For those familiar with the region's cultural rhythms, it offers one of the clearest roadmaps to untapped opportunity in a rapidly evolving media economy. This article only scratches the surface of the region's dynamic content landscape. A deeper dive into the funding sources behind regional video assets, platform affiliations, shifting global power plays and growing inter-regional competition reveals even more opportunity – and explains how this market is fuelling both innovation and exponential growth. *Source: HConsult Content Market Tracker Figure estimated based on: Data from production sources across key markets Content market activity and trading prices
