Latest news with #SaudiResearchandMediaGroup
Broadcast Pro
5 days ago
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
SRMG partners with TikTok to empower content creators across KSA and MENA region
The partnership will accelerate the creator economy and drive commercial growth by integrating TikTok's platform with SRMG's media ecosystem, events and training initiatives. Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) has announced a strategic partnership with TikTok aimed at empowering emerging content creators in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region, while also driving commercial growth through a range of innovative initiatives. The collaboration seeks to capitalise on TikTok's strengths in expanding content reach, opening up monetisation opportunities, and deepening engagement with the region's highly connected and digitally savvy audience. By integrating TikTok into SRMG's major events and diverse media platforms, the partnership will significantly expand the platform's presence in key sectors such as entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. One of the central pillars of the partnership is the launch of #TikTokAcademy, a new initiative developed with SRMG Academy and tailored specifically for the Saudi market. This programme invites aspiring digital storytellers to submit original content across categories including lifestyle, fashion, film, news and sports. Selected participants will receive specialised training through SRMG's portfolio of media brands and will have the opportunity to work directly with industry professionals, including editors, journalists, and producers. The partnership will also see SRMG's prominent cultural and entertainment events, including the Billboard Arabia Music Awards and Hia Hub, serve as key platforms for showcasing TikTok creators. Additionally, SRMG will leverage its expansive media network — which includes Hia Magazine, Sayidaty, Arriyadiyah, and Billboard Arabia — to amplify creator content through both editorial features and digital outreach. This initiative arrives amid strong momentum in the regional media and entertainment sectors. In 2023 alone, the media industry contributed SAR 14.5bn ($3.87bn) to the Kingdom's GDP, with plans to more than triple this figure by 2030. The sector is expected to create 67,000 jobs by 2024. Entertainment revenues have already surpassed SAR 1bn ($0.27bn), reaching more than 75m people over the past five years — a surge heavily driven by social media, which has made Saudi Arabia one of the top global markets in platform usage and digital content creation. Commenting on the partnership, Bassil Al Mouallimi Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer at SRMG, said: 'We believe in the power of community and in the influential role the new generation plays in shaping the future of media in our region. The region's creative economy is witnessing remarkable and rapid growth, particularly across the media, entertainment, and social platform sectors. Our strategic partnership with TikTok marks a significant step in solidifying our presence at the heart of this creative movement. We are working to connect talented creators with global platforms and foster an environment that empowers them to thrive and make a meaningful impact. This goes beyond simply producing trend-driven content — it's about building sustainable career paths, amplifying authentic voices, and driving growth in the content economy.' Kinda Ibrahim, TikTok's General Manager of Content Operations in MEA, South and Central Asia, added: 'At TikTok, we are committed to empowering a new generation of storytellers by giving them the tools, platform, and global stage to express themselves and shape culture. Saudi Arabia is home to an incredibly engaged and creative community. Through this partnership with SRMG, we are doubling down on our efforts to nurture local talent, fuel the region's creative economy, and help creators thrive, not just in the Kingdom, but across the world.' This strategic partnership builds on the momentum of earlier joint initiatives, including the launch of the Billboard Arabia TikTok Music Charts, a first-of-its-kind platform spotlighting the most streamed and culturally influential songs in the Arab world. It also follows the rollout of SRMG Academy's first technology journalism course, powered by TikTok, designed to train the next wave of Saudi storytellers in navigating and reporting on the fast-evolving tech landscape.
Arab News
19-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Arab News at 50 — a legacy of vision, growth, and global dialogue
This year marks a significant milestone in the history of Arab media: the 50th anniversary of the founding of Arab News, the first English-language daily newspaper in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1975 by the late brothers Hisham and Mohammed Ali Hafiz, who had a far-sighted media vision, Arab News was created to fill a crucial gap in the Arab media landscape — providing an authentic Arab voice to the world in English at a time when narratives about the region were often told from external perspectives. The paper witnessed great expansion and success under capable and distinguished editors-in-chief, notably under the leadership of the late Prince Ahmed bin Salman, who chaired the Saudi Research and Marketing Group, playing a vital role in its growth and development. From its inception, Arab News recognized the importance of English-language media in building bridges of understanding between cultures. It quickly became a trusted window for English speakers both inside the Kingdom and around the world to understand Saudi Arabia and the Arab world from an internal viewpoint. It established itself as a key regional reference in English. Arab News served as the foundation for the Saudi Research and Media Group, which has become the largest publishing house in the Arab region. This enabled the organization to expand, attract talent, invest in quality content, and build a distinguished professional reputation over the decades. The newspaper evolved from a local publication into an international media platform covering major regional and global events from an Arab perspective. One of the most significant shifts in the newspaper's journey was its early embrace of digital transformation. Arab News swiftly adapted to changing reading habits and the emergence of digital platforms, launching a redesigned website along with social media accounts targeting a global audience. It also introduced multiple language editions, including French, Japanese, and Urdu, greatly enhancing its global presence. This transformation was more than a technical upgrade; it represented a true reimagining of the role of Arab media in the digital age. Effective communication with global audiences requires content that resonates with their interests and worldview — making the message more impactful and effective. Personally, my experience with Arab News marks one of the most important chapters in my professional journey. I began my official career at SRMG as a field reporter with Arab News, and it was like a school that shaped my outlook and encouraged me to think globally in my media work. I later moved to other publications within the group, before returning to Arab News in 2013, this time as editor-in-chief. This experience was a turning point in both my personal and professional development. It gave me the opportunity to engage with international media organizations, collaborate with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds, and learn from the challenges and opportunities that come with leading a media platform of such scale and influence. Together with my colleagues at the newspaper, we focused not only on the English language itself, but also on delivering content that reflected the mindset and expectations of international audiences. The newspaper has evolved into a global media platform. Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi Perhaps one of Arab News' most vital roles has been its contribution to building cultural bridges between the Arab world and the international community. By providing accurate and balanced narratives that highlight the region's complexities, achievements, and challenges, the newspaper has helped correct stereotypes and enhance mutual understanding. Arab News also takes pride in being a platform that nurtures and develops young Saudi journalism talent interested in working in English-language media. Through training, empowerment, and international opportunities, the newspaper has helped prepare a new generation of journalists carrying an ambitious and open Saudi media message to the world. Today, as the global media landscape continues to evolve with the growing influence of artificial intelligence and interactive content, Arab News remains committed to its core mission: delivering the truth, fostering dialogue, and representing the Arab voice in the international media sphere. The 50th anniversary of Arab News is not merely a celebration of a newspaper's journey, but a testament to the power of vision, the importance of media in connecting cultures, and the essential role of journalism in shaping shared global understanding. Looking forward, Arab News stands as a symbol of what Arab media can achieve when professionalism, vision, and openness to the world come together. I believe that English-language and multilingual media now bear an even greater responsibility to convey messages clearly and effectively, especially in a time of confusion, misinformation, and the chaos often stirred by social media. This is where strong media institutions can play a critical role in presenting facts with credibility and professionalism, helping to bring societies closer and build a shared global awareness. — Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi is a former editor-in-chief of Arab News. X: @mfalharthi
CairoScene
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Manga Arabia to Publish Korean Comics in Arabic for the First Time
Manga Arabia partners with Korean publishers Kidari Studio to bring Korean webtoons to an Arabic speaking audience. Manga Arabia is about to translate and publish a selection of Korean webtoons into Arabic, marking a first for the region. The project is a collaboration between Manga Arabia, a subsidiary of the Saudi Research and Media Group, Korean publishers Kidari Studio and V-Bros, and will appear in the 'Manga Arabia Youth' edition. Among the titles selected for release are 'Medical Return', 'Plants Human', and 'A Compendium of Ghosts'. In Saudi Arabia, manga, manwha and webtoons have experienced a surge in popularity over the past decade, evolving from a niche interest into a staple of youth culture. Manga Arabia, in particular, has amassed over 12 million users across more than 195 countries, with more than 220 distribution points throughout the Arab world. The move to introduce Korean content follows Manga Arabia's broader strategy for regional and international expansion. Through its Tokyo-based arm, Manga International, the company recently concluded a partnership with Coamix, one of Japan's leading manga publishers. The agreement grants Manga Arabia the rights to translate and publish some of Japan's most iconic manga titles in Arabic. This development also comes after Manga Arabia just launched its online store, which currently offers more than 40 original and international titles. The company has also established a distribution network that includes delivery through popular app-based services, making it the first platform in the region to offer manga volumes through such channels.
Asharq Al-Awsat
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Manga Arabia Launches Webtoons for Arab World Audiences
Manga Arabia, part of the Saudi Research and Media Group, announced on Tuesday that it was publishing a selection of webtoons in Arabic on its Manga Arabia Youth. The step reflects Manga Arabia's dedication to bring unique Korean works to appeal to audiences across the Arab world. Manga Arabia is on a mission to combat piracy by providing authorized original content through legitimate frameworks. It has partnered with Korean Kidari Studio and V-bros to offer an inspiring cultural experience, recognizing webtoons as an important cultural tool that is popular among the new generation of readers. Webtoons represented a goal that Manga Arabia had been striving to achieve, alongside a series of successes over the years, including the launch of the Manga Arabia Youth and Manga Arabia Kids magazines in both print and digital formats. The user base of these magazines' apps has surpassed 12 million users across more than 195 countries, with over 220 distribution points in the Arab world, boasting more than 250,000 printed copies each month. In a move aimed at expanding the company's international influence, Manga Arabia also launched Manga International, based in Tokyo, Japan.
Arab News
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Manga Arabia to launch Korean comics in Arabic
Manga Arabia, a subsidiary of the Saudi Research and Media Group, announced on Tuesday that it will publish a selection of Korean webtoons in Arabic. The Saudi Arabia company has partnered with Korean Kidari Studio and V-Bros, and will make the work available in its Manga Arabia Youth edition. The selected webtoons include 'Medical Return,' 'Plants Human' and 'A Compendium of Ghosts.' The Manga Arabia apps for children and youth have 12 million users in more than 195 countries and over 220 distribution points in the Arab world. Manga Arabia has expanded globally with its Tokyo-based company, Manga International. Earlier this month, the firm signed a strategic partnership with Coamix, a renowned Japanese manga publisher. This pact grants Manga Arabia licensing rights to translate and publish some of the most popular Japanese manga titles in Arabic. • Thes article also appears on Arab News Japan
