Latest news with #TMTPredictions2025
Campaign ME
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Campaign ME
Disney's Abu Dhabi theme park: Tech, media & telecom implications
Walt Disney Co.'s plan to open a new theme park in Abu Dhabi signals more than a splashy expansion. It highlights key trends shaping the Technology, Media & Telecom (TMT) sector. This move combines cutting-edge immersive experiences, a savvy cross-platform IP strategy, robust digital infrastructure, and bold content globalisation. For TMT leaders, Disney's venture offers a case study in leveraging innovation and global reach to delight consumers and drive growth. Immersive, tech-enabled experiences Today's consumers crave immersive experiences that blend physical and digital realms. Disney's parks have always been about 'magic,' but now that magic is increasingly tech-powered. Think augmented reality attractions, interactive apps, and personalisation at scale. Deloitte's research underscores that experiences are becoming a key differentiator: Deloitte's TMT Predictions 2025 highlighted that new generations 'want value and will pay for greater experiences over material objects'. Innovations in cloud and telecommunications are enabling augmented consumer experiences with unprecedented efficiency, making it possible for theme park visitors to enjoy personalised content, real-time engagement, and seamless connectivity throughout their visit. By infusing its Abu Dhabi park with advanced tech (from AI-powered crowd management to AR-enhanced rides), Disney can meet rising visitor expectations for interactive and on-demand entertainment. Cross-platform IP strategy Disney's expansion exemplifies a shrewd cross-platform intellectual property (IP) strategy. Iconic franchises that thrive on screen (from Marvel to Star Wars) are being extended into location-based entertainment, reinforcing fan engagement across multiple touchpoints. This diversification comes at a pivotal time: Streaming video has fragmented audiences and squeezed margins for studios, while social media and gaming capture ever more consumer attention. Deloitte's Digital Media Trends 2025 report suggests media companies may need new collaborations to reach global audiences, pairing streamers' franchise content with platforms that have massive reach. In practice, a theme park is another platform for Disney's IP, one that not only generates revenue but also reinforces its content ecosystem. Disney's Abu Dhabi park underscores how deploying beloved IP in a new format can amplify its cultural resonance and commercial lifespan. Digital infrastructure fuels the magic Behind the fairytales and futuristic lands, a modern theme park relies on serious digital infrastructure. From park-wide 5G networks to IoT sensors managing everything from queues to climate control, technology is the unseen hero of guest experience and operations. Investments in telecom and cloud tech can unlock new business models while delivering enhanced consumer experiences, exactly what a smart theme park requires. We see parallel trends in sports venues: The global smart stadium market (venues enhanced with advanced connectivity, analytics, and automation) was about $8bn in 2024 and is projected to exceed $38bn by 2033. Disney's Abu Dhabi Park will likely be a showcase of such infrastructure: high-speed connectivity for visitors' devices, data platforms analysing crowd flows, and perhaps AI-driven personalisation (imagine a park app that suggests your next activity with near-magical accuracy). For telecom providers and tech firms, these parks present partnership opportunities – from powering ultra-reliable networks on-site to co-developing immersive tech solutions. Even Mickey needs bandwidth: delivering a frictionless, connected visit is key to enchantment in the digital age. Global reach, local relevance Disney planting its flag in Abu Dhabi exemplifies the globalisation of content and experiences. Major TMT companies are extending their reach to high-growth regions, but success requires local relevance. A similar dynamic in global sports investments is evident – nearly half of 300+ new stadium projects in 2025 are in North America and Europe, with the rest distributed across other regions as fans worldwide demand innovative experiences. Likewise, Disney's Middle East foray must cater to regional tastes and cultural context. It's not just about exporting a U.S. park model; it's about adapting the magic. A study on next-gen venues emphasises integrating community culture so that the experience is uniquely localised. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Disney MENA (@disneymena) In Abu Dhabi, this could mean blending Disney's global characters and stories with local themes, Arabic language content, or region-specific attractions to resonate with Middle Eastern audiences. The strategic implication for content creators and media companies is clear: global franchises need local flavour. By delivering a park experience that feels both authentically Disney and authentically Abu Dhabi, Disney can build strong local engagement while tapping into a broader international tourism draw. This cross-border expansion of IP also reinforces Disney's worldwide brand presence, feeding content demand on its streaming and media platforms in a virtuous cycle. Key takeaways for TMT leaders Invest in immersive experiences: Consumers increasingly prioritise interactive, immersive entertainment. TMT players should explore technologies (AR/VR, gaming, live events) that turn passive audiences into active participants. Consumers increasingly prioritise interactive, immersive entertainment. TMT players should explore technologies (AR/VR, gaming, live events) that turn passive audiences into active participants. Leverage IP across channels: A diversified strategy that extends content IP into new platforms (physical parks, games, social media) can deepen engagement and create new revenue streams. The ability to operate multiple business lines around strong franchises is a competitive advantage. A diversified strategy that extends content IP into new platforms (physical parks, games, social media) can deepen engagement and create new revenue streams. The ability to operate multiple business lines around strong franchises is a competitive advantage. Build robust digital infrastructure: Whether it's a theme park or a stadium, advanced connectivity and data capabilities are the backbone of modern experiences. Partnerships in 5G, cloud, and IoT can enable the seamless, personalised services that today's consumers expect. Whether it's a theme park or a stadium, advanced connectivity and data capabilities are the backbone of modern experiences. Partnerships in 5G, cloud, and IoT can enable the seamless, personalised services that today's consumers expect. Think globally, act locally: As you expand into new markets, adapt your content and experiences to local cultures and preferences. Global scale is vital, but localization can make the difference in user adoption and community impact. Disney's Abu Dhabi theme park illustrates how TMT trends converge: immersive tech, cross-platform content, infrastructure innovation, and global strategy all interlink to create a next-generation consumer experience. Industry leaders should take note; the companies that master this blend of technology and storytelling, on a worldwide stage, will be best positioned to attract audiences and partners in 2025 and beyond. By: Allan Roenn, Partner – Technology, Media & Telecommunications, Deloitte Middle East.
The Australian
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Australian
Why 2025 may be a ‘gap year' in gen AI, tech, media, and telecom
Deloitte predicts this year will be marked by seven important gaps that need to be bridged to realise today's potential for generative AI and the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sector. The TMT sector is on the verge of a significant leap forward, largely powered by rapid AI adoption. But to get there, the industry will need to find the right balance between emerging opportunities and challenges, according to the Australian edition of TMT Predictions 2025. Specifically, to help businesses and industries thrive, gaps in seven key areas will need to be closed: The generative AI data centre electricity and sustainability gap. Generative AI data centres require unprecedented amounts of power, preferably low carbon, which is creating a gap between their needs and the capacities of electrical grids, and companies' sustainability targets. Data centres in Australia are predicted to consume more than 8 per cent of national electricity by 2030, up from 5 per cent in 2024. This is forcing operators to consider more sustainable, innovative and reliable energy solutions. In 2025, 90 per cent of data centres currently in development will seek to attain NABER's 5-star environmental performance rating while reducing their Scope 2 emissions by up to 10 per cent through the use of liquid cooling solutions. The generative AI gender gap. The gender gap in AI adoption persists with lower trust, education and employment participation driving the shortfall. Half of all women in the Australian workplace use and trust generative AI compared to almost three quarters (70 per cent) of men. In 2025, Australian women will account for 40 per cent of AI-related educational enrolments and 20 per cent of AI employment participation, driven by educational institutions and businesses continuing to promote initiatives specifically designed to increase female participation. Peter Corbett is Deloitte Australia Lead Partner of Telecommunications, Media and Technology The generative AI deepfake trust gap. The proliferation of deepfake generative AI content is making it harder for consumers to trust their own eyes and ears. That gap needs to be bridged by the generative AI ecosystem via measures such as comprehensively and immutably labelling generative AI content as well as reliably and accurately detecting fake images in real time. Deepfake attacks are expected to double in 2025, impacting over 40 per cent of Australian businesses, with increased use of social engineering tactics to bypass human controls. The number of consumers targeted by deepfake scams is expected to rise from around a third (36 per cent) in 2024 to half of all consumers in 2025. Women are being disproportionately impacted by deepfake harassment with nine of every 10 incidents targeting females. The marginal cost of creating convincing deepfakes is falling; the cost of detection needs to decline at an equivalent pace to help close the gap. The device gap. When it comes to on-device generative AI, it's estimated more than half of Australian smartphones will be AI-enabled by the end of 2025. This is driven by the dominance of premium brands like Apple, with its market share of 55 per cent locally compared to 25 per cent globally. The growing adoption of AI-enabled smartphones will push out device upgrade cycles. The average premium smartphone will be replaced every four years, an increase of six months from 2023. The streaming video gap. Many media and entertainment companies assumed consumers would 'buy and hold' multiple subscriptions but bundling will need to help fill the growth gap as customers look to cut costs. Seventy-five per cent of Australians say they are concerned over rising SVOD costs. Demand for SVOD services will remain stable but bundling and ad-tiers will play an important role with three-quarters of Australians concerned about rising costs. Fifteen per cent of non-bundling consumers will bundle their subscriptions in response to cost pressures and subscription fatigue. Growth in ad-supported streaming is expected rise from 11 per cent in 2024 to 18 per cent in 2025. When it comes to content creation, generative AI will help drive efficiencies and unlock value for studios, but IP concerns will limit content use cases. and dropping others. The autonomous generative AI agent gap. Autonomous generative AI agents are impacting the TMT sector but Australian businesses will take a cautious 'wait-and-see' approach to AI agent deployment, reflecting the country's broader trend of slow Gen AI adoption. Uptake is expected to enhance efficiency, particularly in the manufacturing, retail, professional service, and health care industries. But despite the hype for AI agents, investment in local start-ups is expected to remain subdued, with total funding estimated to remain below $50 million until 2027. The studio generative AI usage gap. Many expect large TV and film studios to be using generative AI for content production, and some are, but there is a gap between those expectations and reality. Many are cautious about challenges with intellectual property inherent to generative content, but they are keen to gain enterprise capabilities that can reduce time, lower costs, and expand their reach. Less than 5 per cent of studio production budgets will be allocated to AI tools due to tightening regulations on AI in content creation, such as intellectual property and screen practitioners' rights. We are at a pivotal moment in the history of human invention. Future generations will almost certainly look back on the choices we make today. By navigating the path forward with trust, inclusivity, and sustainability at the forefront, industry advancements can benefit not only the current generation but those that follow. Further insights into these gaps can be found in the Australian TMT Predictions 2025 report. The full Global TMT Predictions 2025 report is also available. Peter Corbett is Deloitte Australia Lead Partner of Telecommunications, Media and Technology. - Disclaimer This publication contains general information only and Deloitte is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. 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