Dubai Media City (DMC) has announced a 10 per cent increase in the number of new companies setting up their headquarters in the media cluster. During 2006, an additional 121 companies were established in DMC, bringing the total number of companies based there to 1,213, compared to 1,092 in 2005.

There's more to come, with the Dubai Studio City and the International Media Production Zone. TECOM, the owner of the DMC and the Free Zone areas, has expansion plans for 27 towers within the free zone perimeter.

Mohammed Al Mulla, Director of Dubai Media City said: "Our partners constitute key assets in our pursuit of excellence and growth. DMC's strategy focuses on identifying the community's needs and allocating relevant resources to fulfil these needs in a prompt and effective manner.
"Partnership is the framework that governs our relations with our clients. This philosophy means that any success of our business partners is a DMC success story.' Al Mulla was recently elected to the International Advertising Association (IAA) Board in appreciation of his efforts in supporting the media industry.

Last December, Dubai Media City announced the launch of the third phase of the Media Business Centre, its flagship facility for independent media professionals. Over 366 media professionals, including small companies and freelancers, are currently based at the Media Business Centre. The expansion is expected to be operational by first quarter 2007 and will accommodate about 125 small companies and freelancers.

DMC's broadcasting community has achieved remarkable growth during the last two years. The number of DMC based broadcasters has mounted to 60 companies operating up to 150 TV channels. The free zone's publishing segment includes more than 120 publishing houses issuing around 400 titles; most of which are exported to various markets in the region and beyond.

Dubai Media City started in 2001.