The National, the UAE's English language newspaper which is published by Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC), today announced the launch of an innovative new panel discussion series, 'National Industry Insights.' The event series will debate current industry issues in the context of the wider Middle Eastern business landscape.

Leading regional business figures will convene in Abu Dhabi tomorrow (5th July) for the inaugural session: 'Addressing the Future of TV Revenues in the UAE.'

Mark-Antoine d'Halluin, President and CEO of Orbit Showtime, Mazen Hayek, Group Director of PR and Commercial, MBC Group, Shadi Kandil, Managing Director OMD UAE, Andrew Piller, Commercial Director, FMX-Fremantle Media, Wael Hattar, Branded Entertainment Consultant - MENA at Core Branded Entertainment and Karim Sarkis, Executive Director of Broadcast at ADMC, are taking part in a lively debate moderated by Bill Spindle, Head of Business Products and Ben Flanagan, Chief Media Industry Reporter, both at The National.

Gavin Dickinson, Executive Director of Publishing at ADMC, said: "The National has already firmly established itself as one of the sector's leading brands, although it is a comparative newcomer to the media scene."

He added: "A move into live events that bring together diverse audiences to discuss current and business affairs is a logical next step. It adds further value and depth to the brand, following the success of its TV show, Inside The National, and its weekend edition, The National on Saturday."

Bill Spindle, who is heading-up the National Industry Insights program, said: "Increasingly well-informed and well-educated customers are driving the need for businesses to innovate and to reinvigorate what they are offering. We want National Industry Insights to become a pre-eminent and stimulating forum where many of those companies can meet to address the topics of the day and to find common solutions."

This is the first time that The National has expanded into branded events. The forum marks the latest milestone in the history of the newspaper, which recently celebrated its second anniversary.