Latest news with #evision
Broadcast Pro
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
iQIYI expands MENA presence with Dubai branch and Watch IT content deal
iQIYI has developed a MENA-specific content library, offering Chinese-language dramas, films, animations and variety shows thoughtfully adapted to reflect local tastes and cultural preferences. iQIYI, China's online entertainment platform, has made significant moves to expand its reach in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The company signed a content partnership with Egypt's Arabic streaming service, Watch IT. Just three days later, it launched its new MENA branch in Dubai, marking a stronger operational foothold in the region. These developments are part of iQIYI's broader localisation strategy, which is based on extensive market research. The company aims to promote Chinese storytelling internationally while incorporating more regional content into its platform. Identifying MENA as a market rich in history and brimming with potential due to increasing demand for digital entertainment, iQIYI is tailoring its strategy to better connect with local audiences. Through the partnership with Watch IT, the Egyptian platform will distribute a selection of iQIYI's premium Chinese-language films and series, including hit shows like Road Home and Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty. In exchange, iQIYI will stream Watch IT's original documentary Mother of the World, which explores the evolution of ancient Egyptian civilization through archaeological findings. In addition, iQIYI International will feature other select Arabic-language originals from Watch IT, expanding the diversity of its global content offerings. Zhaonan WANG, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of iQIYI, said: 'Watch IT is deeply rooted in the Egyptian and Middle Eastern markets, with robust production and distribution capabilities. Through this collaboration, we hope to better serve MENA audiences and use film and television as a bridge for cultural exchange.' The new branch in Dubai enhances iQIYI's capacity to serve MENA audiences more effectively. The platform now offers a curated MENA content library that includes Chinese-language dramas, movies, animation and variety shows localised to suit regional tastes. The company is also working to improve streaming performance in the region and is negotiating with local telecom providers to broaden access to its content. In addition to its partnership with Watch IT, iQIYI has been collaborating with evision, the media and entertainment subsidiary of e&, since 2014. This partnership allows over 20 popular Chinese titles to be streamed across the MENA region through evision's Starz ON free streaming service. Speaking at the Dubai launch, Xianghua Yang, President of iQIYI's Movie & Overseas Business Group, noted the key support of ongoing collaborations with local partners in advancing the company's continued development in MENA. With the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia as its core, iQIYI aims to gradually cover the Gulf region. The Dubai branch adds to iQIYI's growing international infrastructure, which began with the launch of and the iQIYI International App in 2019, followed by the opening of its international headquarters in Singapore in 2020. The company now operates in four major global regions — Southeast Asia, North America, Japan and South Korea and MENA — as it continues its mission to become the go-to platform for Asian content worldwide. iQIYI's global reach now spans more than 190 countries and regions, with its international service supporting 12 languages, including English, Arabic, Korean, Spanish and Thai.
Korea Herald
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
iQIYI expands MENA presence with MENA Branch launch and local partnership, elevating Chinese storytelling worldwide
BEIJING, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- iQIYI, China's leading online entertainment platform, has taken two major steps recently to deepen its presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, signaling continued ambition in the overseas market. On May 11, the company signed a content partnership with Egypt's leading Arabic streaming platform WATCH IT. Three days after, it officially launched iQIYI MENA Branch in Dubai, marking a stronger operational foothold in the region. Grounded in extensive market research, these moves are part of iQIYI's broader localization strategy, aimed at amplifying Chinese storytelling abroad while integrating more regional content into its global ecosystem. The company has identified MENA as a market with a long history and huge potential, driven by a rising demand for digital entertainment. Under the new partnership, WATCH IT will stream a curated slate of iQIYI's premium Chinese-language films and shows — including top-rated series such as "Road Home" and "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty" — through its established regional network. In return, iQIYI's main platform will feature WATCH IT's original humanities documentary series "Mother of the World," which draws upon archaeological evidence to showcase the development of ancient Egyptian civilization. iQIYI International will also introduce WATCH IT's select Arabic-language original content, enriching its overseas content ecosystem. "WATCH IT is deeply rooted in the Egyptian and Middle Eastern markets, with robust production and distribution capabilities," said Zhaonan WANG, vice president and editor-in-chief of iQIYI. "Through this collaboration, we hope to better serve MENA audiences and use film and television as a bridge for cultural exchange." With the new branch launched in Dubai, iQIYI continues to better serve local customers. With a content strategy tailored to local tastes, iQIYI has curated a dedicated MENA content library featuring Chinese-language dramas, movies, animation, and variety shows adapted to local customs. The platform endeavors to continue optimizing the playback experience for MENA's network environment and is in discussion with local telecom operators to extend viewing options. In addition to the WATCH IT partnership, iQIYI has also collaborated with evision, the media and entertainment arm of e&, since June 2014 to distribute over 20 popular Chinese dramas, animations, and movies to MENA viewers via evision's free streaming service STARZ ON. Speaking in Dubai, Xianghua YANG, president of iQIYI's Movie & Overseas Business Group, noted the key support of ongoing collaborations with local partners in advancing the company's continued development in MENA. With the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia as its core, iQIYI aims to gradually cover the Gulf region. The launch of iQIYI MENA Branch in Dubai further strengthens the platform's global footprint, following the debut of its international website, and iQIYI International App in 2019, as well as the opening of its international headquarters in Singapore in 2020. Since then, the company has established four key operational regions — Southeast Asia, North America, Japan and South Korea, and MENA — as it strives to become the home for beloved Asian content for audiences worldwide. Today, iQIYI's content reaches audiences in over 190 countries and regions. iQIYI International currently supports user interface and subtitles in 12 languages, including English, Thai, Indonesian, Korean, Spanish, and Arabic.
Broadcast Pro
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Evision bowls MENA over
Tapping into the MENA region's growing passion for cricket, evision has built a dominant sports portfolio through smart rights deals, platform innovation and unique monetisation strategies. In an exclusive conversation with BroadcastPro ME, evision's Head of Content Sunil Joy shares how the company has used sport to reshape the region's entertainment landscape. In an era defined by mobile-first audiences, on-demand content and real-time social media interaction, sport remains one of the most powerful engines of engagement. Its unpredictability captures the imagination of a global audience, while technology continues to transform how fans experience the action, no matter how far they are from the field. And as personalisation becomes central to sports consumption, streaming platforms feed this transformation with anytime, anywhere viewing. This expands reach and offers flexibility that caters to the diverse demands of sports enthusiasts, in return driving smart monetisation models that support and benefit a growing segment. From pay-per-view to on-demand shows, sports broadcasting has undergone a sea change. The MENA region, with its historic love for football, has witnessed growing loyalty towards cricket, driven largely by the South Asian diaspora and the recent trend of hosting international cricketing events in the region. The sport has established a stable following in markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, attracting significant viewership and offering brands a valuable opportunity to connect with a niche audience. Identifying the substantial cricket fanbase in the region, evision seized the opportunity to establish itself as the MENA home of cricket. The media and entertainment arm of the region's biggest tech company, e&, has seen the region's demand for premium cricket and has strategically acquired broadcasting rights to some premium games, including exclusive ICC rights. Recognising the growing demand for cricket, evision launched CricLife in 2019 alongside the 12th ICC Cricket World Cup, and the channel quickly evolved into a dedicated platform for showcasing international cricket. Rising interest in the sport soon led to the launch of CricLife2 and CricLife3, along with their availability on the streaming platform StarzPlay. This was the first local streamer to recognise the value of sports content and begin investing in niche sports rights, challenging the near-monopoly of regional heavyweight beIN. The subsequent acquisition by evision of a majority stake in StarzPlay strengthened both companies' positions in the competitive sports rights arena, establishing them together as a formidable force in the region. After securing key tournament exclusive rights from the ICC, the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board, evision expanded the lineup in 2023 to include the Indian Premier League (IPL), the most popular cricket league in the world. 'Since then we've strategically built one of the most comprehensive cricket portfolios in the region, now holding the rights to all ICC tournaments, the Asia Cup, the IPL and more,' says Sunil Joy, Head of Content at evision. While evision has made a special investment in cricket, it has also broadly invested in sports rights that serve a wide range of interests and preferences. 'Sport has helped us create appointment viewing again. We've seen significant spikes in user acquisition, time spent and retention, particularly among younger audiences. More importantly, it has strengthened our platform's brand equity,' says Joy. Cricket rights are no doubt expensive, but evision has always made it publicly clear that it only goes after rights that are commercially viable. To make that possible, it has developed a multifaceted monetisation strategy that combines strategic partnerships, subscription models, advertising revenues and content bundling. Specifically with the IPL, where evision has exclusive MENA linear broadcasting rights and non-exclusive MENA digital rights, leveraging both depends on how smartly it can activate and scale. For the latter, evision platforms offer superior quality of service through ultra-low latency, regional customisation and smart bundling options, making it the preferred streaming destination for IPL in the region. 'Our approach ensures we cater to the monetisation potential of exclusivity and the fan-first promise of accessibility. It boosts our advertising inventory and revenue potential, as more brands can enter the IPL ecosystem through targeted, scalable campaigns,' says Joy. With media rights valued at a staggering $6.2bn for the 2023- 2027 cycle and per-match value of $15.1m, the IPL is a global sport and entertainment phenomenon. It has consistently ranked among the top five sports leagues worldwide, standing with the NFL (US), Premier League (UK), NBA (US) and MLB (US) in terms of media rights valuation, fan engagement and franchise worth. With a diverse, top-tier player base from the great cricketing nations of the world, its global footprint continues to expand. Broadcast in over 190 countries, it is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, with the Middle East emerging as its largest international market. Securing rights to a premium sports property like the IPL was the result of a clear, forward-looking strategy centred on market insight, regional commitment and platform capability. It is a more controllable, scalable asset with long-tail value, explains Joy. 'IPL is a commercially sustainable asset. It's repeatable, localisable and monetisable each year. And when it comes to securing such a powerful property, exclusivity is everything. We understand that streaming success hinges on strategic rights management. While licensing remains key, the true value lies in how those rights are activated in a region witnessing exponential digital growth.' Recognising the region's growing passion for cricket, and understanding the craving for accessibility and engagement, allowed the company to move swiftly and decisively when the rights became available. Aligned with that came its core commitment to building long-term value in sport. 'We weren't just bidding for content; we were investing in a multi-year vision that supports the growth of cricket and other premium sports in the region. Our track record with exclusive properties like UFC, Serie A, PGA and the ICC portfolio strengthened our position for evision and StarzPlay as a credible, capable partner,' adds Joy. Marking a bold step forward this year, with the aim of significantly expanding reach across segments, some IPL matches have been made free to watch via evision's AVOD (advertising-based video on demand) platform Starz On. In today's competitive rights environment, exclusivity is merely a part of the ecosystem. It is primarily about the end-to-end experience – activating, packaging and retaining value – rather than just about streaming the game. Being a premium appointment viewing model backed by high-value sponsorships, expert coverage and curated programming has reinforced evision's prospects. Low latency, regional language options and smart bundling make the platform an important choice for cricket fans in the MENA. 'What sets us apart is the broader network that has been built to retain sports audiences beyond the tournament. We're not just a cricket destination, we're an entertainment hub – viewers are left with fewer reasons to leave and more reasons to stay,' says Joy. Owing to the nature of its fan following, serving a vast viewing field was an important element of the IPL content acquisition strategy. Cricket audiences in India have deep-rooted state and city allegiances, which the IPL thrives on. The MENA viewer, on the other hand, is cosmopolitan and player-driven, with a higher ARPU (average revenue per user). The IPL balances both worlds – in India it builds on loyalties, while in the MENA it amplifies cross-border narratives that resonate with a multicultural audience. 'This duality is what makes the IPL such a powerful property,' says Joy. 'It is deeply local at its core, yet truly global in its appeal. And we tailor our strategy to suit that. Our storytelling, promotions and platform experience differ by market, making the experience inclusive, aspirational and globally tuned.' India is undoubtedly the IPL's core market, accounting for over 80% of viewership. Ad models reflect broad targeting, high frequency and multi-platform amplification. In contrast, the MENA is a premium, precision-driven market. Brands think of regional relevance, audience affinity and cultural alignment. Optimising a premium product such as the IPL requires a model that can adapt to changing viewing patterns as well as diverse market conditions. Evision depends on a blend of multiple streams that include subscription, ad-supported models and sponsorships tailored to different content types and viewing experiences. For the current IPL season, it has introduced an ad-supported model that allows it to leverage programmatic ads as well as partner with brands to tap into a larger audience base, and simultaneously increase revenue through targeted, scalable ad opportunities. Given the popularity of the IPL in the GCC, customisation efforts are geared towards enhancing the experience with curated match highlights, smarter ad targeting based on user behaviour and low-latency streaming. 'On our platforms, latency has been brought down to 8-12 seconds and the aim is to adopt the ultralow-latency tech (1-3 seconds) soon. We are using adaptive cloud-based delivery infrastructure, [and have] built responsive UIs and synchronised data layers that ensure users get the same experience on a mobile app, web browser or connected TV,' says Joy. Piracy poses a significant challenge to rights exclusivity. Illegal streaming during high-profile tournaments, facilitated by social media and unauthorised IPTV apps, is prevalent. It threatens overall revenue and undermines sponsor confidence, says Joy. 'By investing in advanced security measures, enhancing legal streaming services and collaborating with regulatory bodies, the industry can combat piracy effectively and safeguard investments in sports media.' Sports consumption is undergoing a significant transformation in the MENA, with exciting possibilities for the future of sports media in the region. From a passive consumer base, it has evolved into an active sports engagement hub and curator of premium sporting content, strengthening the link between audiences and sport. And as AI leans into all of this, interactive viewing will be the standard. Broadcasters are integrating real-time stats, interactive features and social media-style edits to optimise vertical viewing. As technology brings about this flexibility, power has shifted to viewers. Fans enjoy deeper engagement than ever before by way of AR, VR and 360-degree broadcasts. AI powers dynamic graphics and visuals during live sport, and offers in-game enhancements like player tracking, augmented reality overlays or even virtual commentators. 'Traditional gave a fixed angle, and digital is changing all of that,' says Joy. 'On-demand controls allow viewers to pause, rewind or watch key moments in slow motion or at their own pace.' Growth in MENA digital sports consumption is largely driven by Gen Z and millennials, whose engagement and viewership surpasses their counterparts in Europe and the US. Interest in sport has climbed from 27% in 2021 to 36% in 2024 among 16-24-year-olds, a 33% increase over three years. This is linked to strategic regional investment in local and international sports leagues, clubs and events that are increasingly accessible via digital platforms. Football remains the dominant sport in terms of content acquisition, viewership numbers and commercial viability. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, nearly 93% of the adult population in the country tuned in for key matches. However, cricket is becoming increasingly significant. Data from the 2023 IPL shows strong viewership growth in the GCC, with the UAE leading in engagement. This growth is expected to continue with the rising popularity of the IPL and as more international cricket tournaments are hosted in the region. The future of MENA sports streaming, and specifically in the GCC, will be about delivering a personalised, accessible sporting experience for the viewer while unravelling new revenue streams that guarantee long-term digital growth and sustainability for the broadcaster. 'Evision's objective is to invest responsibly, scale strategically and become the trusted digital sports destination in the region, and in so doing deepen our impact on the sporting landscape,' concludes Joy.
Broadcast Pro
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Broadcast Pro
Sport's Growing Grip on MENA Media
With CABSAT 2025 set to spotlight the convergence of sport, streaming and strategy, the region's media economy is being redefined from hyper-local fan coverage to global rights battles, and from grassroots passion to platform innovation. There's an unusual energy rippling through the Middle East's broadcast and streaming landscape – a sense that the game is changing, both literally and figuratively. Sport, in particular, has become a compelling force, not just for audiences but for those bringing it to them. From international rights deals to hyper-local fan engagement, sport is opening commercial doors and reconfiguring the media economy. Smashi Sports, for instance, has tapped into grassroots passion, venturing into club-level coverage in the UAE to capture local content. At the other end of the spectrum, we see mega-rights deals being snapped up, aligning the Middle East with global viewership trends and creating both opportunities and challenges around monetisation, localisation and scale. Until recently, that space was largely the domain of beIN Sports. But as our cover story this month reveals, evision and StarzPlay are making a huge impact, particularly in the world of cricket. It's against this backdrop that CABSAT takes place this year. The show has become a convergence point for technology, creativity and strategy, with vendors, broadcasters and content platforms looking to the future together. As content consumption habits evolve and sport continues to attract new investment, I'm excited to be moderating a panel at CABSAT focused on the role of sport in driving broadcast innovation. It's a timely conversation that reflects the pace, complexity and promise of the market we serve. But that's just one of many conversations shaping the region that will be explored at CABSAT. In the meantime, the third edition of the BroadcastPro Manufacturer Awards returns this year with a brand-new Satellite element. These awards have become an important platform for innovation, visibility and recognition, particularly for those pushing boundaries without the marketing muscle to make themselves heard. I hope you participated in the awards. If not, there's always next year.
Tahawul Tech
13-03-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
e& UAE, evision launch STARZ ON Business
New enterprise streaming service offers industry-specific entertainment and digital signage solutions for businesses Abu Dhabi – e& UAE and evision today announced the launch of STARZ ON Business, a pioneering over-the-top (OTT) TV service tailored specifically for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprise customers. The new service is set to transform the way businesses engage and entertain their customers, offering a unique mix of curated live TV and video on demand (VoD) content designed for various business verticals. Developed by evision the leading media & entertainment arm of e&, STARZ ON Business provides specialised tech and entertainment solutions tailored to the unique needs of various industries, including restaurants, retail, fitness centres, hospitality and more. The service also includes digital signage, enabling businesses to seamlessly showcase brand messages and create a dynamic visual environment that captivates and engages customers. Esam Mahmoud, Senior Vice President, SMB, e& UAE – Business, said: 'With STARZ ON Business, we are pioneering a new era of digital entertainment for businesses. We are empowering businesses to connect with their audiences in innovative and meaningful ways, by offering curated content and integrated solutions. This launch is a testament to our commitment to driving digital transformation and providing unparalleled value to our business customers. We are excited to embark on a journey that will redefine customer experiences across diverse sectors.' Zahra Zayat, Chief Commercial Officer, evision: 'We are thrilled to introduce STARZ ON Business, a first of its kind OTT TV service for SMB and enterprise clients in the region designed to expand our reach and revolutionise customer engagement. This innovative service will provide businesses with powerful tools to entertain and captivate audiences through a curated mix of live TV channels and on-demand content specific to the respective industries while allowing SMBs and enterprise companies to upsell their products. At evision, we are committed to delivering cutting edge technology solutions that drive business success and enhance customer experience'. Customers can sign up for STARZ ON Business via online and offline channels. The standalone OTT package starts at AED 29; while more comprehensive packages, which includes OTT with digital signage and TV features, starts at AED 159. New subscribers will enjoy a free first month when they sign up for any OTT subscription, whether it's the Basic, Advance, or Premium tier. STARZ ON Business provides numerous benefits for its customers. Firstly, tailored VoD content that resonates with specific industries like culinary related content for restaurants, fitness-related videos for gyms, and lifestyle segments for retail, ensuring relevant and engaging material for their audience. Moreover, the service also minimises hardware requirements by allowing a single screen to serve dual purposes – accommodating both OTT streaming and digital signage. This reduces costs and simplifies the setup process for businesses. Additionally, businesses can seamlessly integrate brand messages and OTT content using split-screen functionality. This maximises the utility of screen real estate, creating a more engaging customer experience.
