Headlines

GCC ad spend reaches $3.77b for first half of 2008

editor — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:49:49 +0000

Bahrain Tribune reports that advertising expenditure in the GCC has shown a robust growth during the first six months of 2008, reaching $3.77 billion compared to $3.05 billion for the same period of 2007, according chairman of Gulf Marcom Group and IAA Bahrain Chapter President Khamis Al Muqla.

"Saudi Arabia's advertisement sector witnessed a double digit growth with ad-spend expenditures rising to $550 million at the end of first half of 2008.

"The advertisement sector has witnessed an overall increase of 23.60 per cent during the same period.

Pan Arab media mainly satellite TV reached $1.57 billion, an increase of 24 per cent compared to the same period of 2007. This is followed by the UAE with $929 million, an increase of 42 per cent; Saudi Arabia with $550 million, an increase of 11 per cent; Kuwait $337 million, an increase of 11 per cent; Qatar $157 million, increase of one per cent and Oman $120 million, an increase of 69 per cent followed by Bahrain $50 million, an increase of two per cent.

The Pan Arab media share represents 41.64 per cent of the total advertising expenditure in the Gulf.

The advertising budgets in Pan Arab media are to cover the key markets of the GCC in different proportions, with Saudi Arabia being one of the main targets.

Oman had recorded the highest growth for the first six months of 2008 followed by UAE while Pan Arab with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait on par followed by Bahrain and Qatar.

Khamis Al Muqla said, according to the Pan Arab Research Centre (PARC), print media took the lion's share. With 84 per cent of the advertising expenditure leaning towards print media ($42 million), out of which 63 per cent was newspapers ($32 million) and 21 per cent magazines ($10 million), followed by 13 per cent going to TV ($6 million - a definite increase compared to the same period last year, as it did not exceed 10 per cent ($ 5million)) and finally outdoor, cinema and radio occupying the remaining three per cent ($ one million).

Al Muqla added that the advertising expenditure for the first six months of this year ranged between $7 million in January and $ 10 million in March, the increase in ad-spend being due to the F1 season. July and August will witness a decrease in advertising expenditure as it coincides with summer.

Al Muqla added that the important categories for this period are Government/ Organisations advertising 15 per cent, (increase of 39 per cent) entertainment 12 per cent, (increase of 12 per cent) Clothing, Jewelry and Personal Accounts - 3 per cent, (increase of 30 per cent) Toiletries, Hygiene and House-care products two per cent (increase of 98 per cent) while other sectors witnessed a decrease between one per cent and 40 per cent.

In the next four months, September to December, 2008 the advertising expenditure is expected to pick up. The total advertising expenditure for 2008 is expected to exceed $ 110 million achieved in 2007.

Al Muqla emphasised on the importance of stimulating the private sector and government institutions to invest in the marketing, advertisin

Dubai Lynx 2009 date and venue announced

editor — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:28:46 +0000

Dubai Lynx has announced that the 2nd Dubai International Advertising Festival will take place from 15 - 17 March 2009 at the brand new Palladium complex in Dubai Media City. In 2008, 2023 entries from 17 countries competed at the Dubai Lynx Awards as part of the 1st Dubai International Advertising Festival. A full timeline for the 2009 event has been announced.

4 November 2008: Delegate registration and Awards dinner table booking open
2 December 2008: Entries for Dubai Lynx Awards open
12 February 2009: Deadline for Dubai Lynx Awards entries
15-17 March 2009: The Dubai International Advertising Festival at The Palladium, Dubai
17 March 2009: The Dubai Lynx Awards at Sheikh Makhtoum Hall, DICEC

Check out the Dubai Lynx website for future important announcements.

AMG announces Noor Dubai TV to go on the air the first day of Ramadan

editor — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 07:24:44 +0000

Emirates Business 24/7 reports that Noor Dubai TV channel, owned by Arab Media Group (AMG) is to go on air from first day of Ramadan. It's a new free-to-air television channel broadcasting locally-based programming and is a logical progression of the popular Noor Radio station.

The channel aims to embody the social and cultural values of the UAE, uniting all nationalities in positive and constructive discussions on current social, environmental, religious and humanitarian themes.

Abdullatif Al Sayegh, CEO of Arab Media Group, said: "Noor Dubai brings with it a different take on community programming and on television itself."

Arabian Television Network General Manager Maryam Al Falasi concurred: "The channel is a slice of UAE life as it is really led in harmony with our profound values that bring light - or Noor - to life, allowing us to be progressive while remaining rooted in tradition, family and togetherness. We have launched Noor Dubai for the betterment of the UAE society as AMG continues to grow at an exponential rate each year."

Nahla Al Fahad, Head of Radio Television Projects, commented: "Noor Dubai has always been a popular radio station that clearly speaks to the residents of UAE, both nationals and non-nationals alike, and reflects their thoughts and concerns. We wanted to expand the base of the Noor phenomenon by bringing it to television, to give the special Noor 'feel' a face and a visual identity."

Programming will range from talk shows and documentaries to programmes like Marmas Al-Noor, which will run daily from Sunday to Thursday from 10 pm to 11 pm and will discuss issues related to the UAE community. The aim of the programme is to bring the viewers closer to solutions.

Leish! Maa Um Khalid will be hosted by Um Khalid, a senior Emirati woman, and her young co-host Mona Khalil. Weekdays from 9 pm to 10 pm, the two women will present fresh and often divergent advice to callers who seek their wisdom on matters relating to child-rearing, marriage and education. Each Saturday from 9 pm, a special episode will showcase the highlights of the week. The 'old' and the 'new' facets of Dubai weigh in on real-life issues, highlighting the continuity and change between generations in this rapidly-evolving society.

Noor Dubai will be available on Arabsat Badr 4, Frequency 12169 Mhz.

MTV Arabia to 'tone down' during Ramadan

editor — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:28:26 +0000

MTV Arabia, the Middle East's first youth entertainment and lifestyle channel, announced it will mark the Holy Month of Ramadan in "quiet contemplation", and air only cultural news programmes and reality shows; refraining from playing music videos during its 24-hour rotation during the holy month of Ramadan.

The popular channel launched in November 2007 has brought the Arab world cutting-edge international music as well as the best in Arabic pop and hip hop. In only nine months since launch, the channel has successfully featured the best musical talents, personalities and events in the Middle East.

However, MTV Arabia's Ramadan fare will reflect the solemnity of the Holy Month, according to Samr Al Mazouqi, the channel's manager. He said: "The Holy Month is a time for introspection, and we would like to offer our viewers a break from the ordinary fare. Though part of a global brand, MTV Arabia is conscious of regional sensitivities and we are keen to respond to the needs and desires of viewers in the Middle East, the vast majority of whom will be fasting, spending time with family, and focusing on their spiritual lives."

The channel will continue to play the most popular programmes from MTV's international roster of reality shows, celebrity news and pop culture documentaries. As is customary with television channels across the region, MTV Arabia will air the call to prayer during Maghreb.

Local programming to be aired during the Holy Month of Ramadan will include the popular 'Akher Takka,' which puts unwitting victims into hilariously irritating situations, counting down how much time they can last without blowing their tops!

A free to air channel, MTV Arabia broadcasts from Dubai and is available on the Nilesat and Arabsat platforms.

Saudi Telecom and Manchester United sign five year partnership agreement

editor — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:28:14 +0000

Saudi Telecom and Manchester United have signed a five-year agreement uniting the two number brands in marketing campaigns and promotional activities. STC will have a presence inside the 70,000 capacity Old Trafford stadium and will be featured on the club’s website. STC will be conducting prize draws to attend Man U matches and each year 70 Saudi students will train at the Manchester United Academy.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be playing ball with Manchester United,” said H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al-Jasser, Chairman of Saudi Telecom. “The partnership will significantly raise STC’s global profile since the club has a huge fan base throughout the world and a strong following among football fans throughout the Middle East and especially in Saudi Arabia.”

Dr. Al-Jasser went on to explain some of the advantages of the prestigious partnership: “As sponsor, STC will have a presence inside MUFC’s 70,000 capacity Old Trafford stadium and will be featured on the club’s website, which is the most visited sports website in the world. In addition, STC will be conducting prize draws in which the winners can attend key Man U matches and also, the club will send four emails a year to registered fans in the region. Furthermore, under the terms of the agreement, each year 70 Saudi students will have the opportunity to go for a period of training at the Manchester United Academy, one of the world’s most prestigious football training centres.”

As part of the agreement, all STC’s business units will have full use of the Manchester United logo in marketing campaigns and usage of the club’s logo and players’ photographs in STC retail centres.

“One of the most exciting aspects of our partnership with Manchester United is that it gives us the opportunity to attain new levels of marketing excellence,” continued Dr. Al-Jasser. “The club has a brilliant track record of global success in branding and we will be working closely with a specialist marketing team from MUFC to develop innovative ideas to support the partnership. As an example of what’s to come, in line with the popular trend in cell phones STC is already in the process of creating and activating a Manchester United mobile.”

Announcing the deal, David Gill, Chief Executive Officer of Manchester United said: “Manchester United is delighted to announce a new five year partnership with Saudi Telecom, the largest telecommunications company in the Middle East. This historic deal will give Saudi Telecom exclusive rights as the official mobile communications partner of Manchester United in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with access to unique mobile phone content, including player interviews, goal replays and match reports.

He went on to say: “This ground breaking partnership will bring the action of Manchester United direct to our millions of fans across Saudi Arabia. Our match earlier this year in Riyadh demonstrated the passion our Saudi fans have for Manchester United and we are excited to be partnered with Saudi Telecom, the region’s biggest player.”

Sport is big in Saudi Arabia and provides numerous opportunities for marketing communications and CSR initiatives. STC was in the forefront in recognizing this and was quick to act when the Saudi Youth Welfare Organization in charge of all sports clubs decided to make the clubs self-funded.

After the YWO gave the clubs the right to sell media spots for their own games and to market club merchandise such as team jerseys, STC came up with an innovative program called “nadeek yo nadeek - “Your club is calling you.”

STC went to the clubs and said: “You have extensive content and you have your fan base. Let us connect you with your fans so that they can be continuously updated about your movements, match schedules, player selection and match results. We will partner you, buy the copyright from you, brand it, campaign it, advertise it, sell it and share the profit with you 50-50.”

The proposal was something that the clubs had never thought of and they liked the idea. STC closed deals with all of the 12 major league clubs and to give them additional support also bought the jersey rights and the sponsorship rights for the TV stations that aired the league games.

By adopting a holistic approach STC has achieved tremendous success and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the first and only company to sponsor 12 clubs in the same league at the same time and still holds the record to date.

Abu Dhabi Media Co (ADMC) among first to go HDTV in the region

editor — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:48:24 +0000

RapidTVNews reports that Abu Dhabi Media Co (ADMC) has bought a “fleet” of OB truck each equipped for HDTV. The order was placed in September last year, and worth some €15m. The first pair of trucks have now been delivered.

ADMC is said to be the first media company in the Gulf to make this investment. The first two vans have arrived following a deal with Thomson Grass Valley (TGV). TGV has also formed a technology partnership with ADMC. These trucks are very large production centres, based on articulated trailers with expanding sides. The other two are smaller, fixed axle units. In each case the production capability is based around a fleet of LDK 8000 multi-format HD cameras, Kayak switchers and other Grass Valley infrastructure products.

The new vans, which carry between five and eight cameras, also feature wireless HD cameras, digital sound systems, HD slow motion disk recorders, HD transmission systems and air conditioning systems that can deal with extreme operating temperatures during summer. The new vans will be operational in September.

Nissan asks Middle East dealer to withdraw ad campaign

editor — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:04:56 +0000

Emirates Business 24/7 reports that Nissan has asked its Middle East dealer to withdraw an advertising campaign of new hybrid model Tiida that has irritated a section of customers in the region. A commercial televised in the regional visual media depicted a group of Arab oil barons attacking Nissan's proposed electric car.

However, the Arab customers in the Middle East have not taken lightly to a commercial to promote Nissan Tiida hybrid cars. Several Internet sites and Youtube were flooded with messages criticising the advertisement.

The advertisement starts off with Arabs leaving the hotel and encountering the new Nissan vehicle. When they discover its fuel efficient features, one man, shown wearing the traditional Arab dishdash with a gold lined black cloak kicks the tire, then jumps onto the hood and starts pounding his fists on the windscreen. All the while security guards try to restrain him, as he shouts and screams and curses at the car," the report explains. The commercial ends with a voice over: "It is clear the oil companies won't like you."

An official spokesman of Nissan was quoted in a regional newspaper that the company's humorous commercial is liked by several Arab viewers. A Nissan Middle East spokesman in Dubai said in a statement that the company has advised to stop the campaign using the controversial film.

"A campaign for the Nissan Tiida was recently developed by Pacific Auto Distributors, an independent distributor of Nissan products in Israel. The campaign - which was intended to demonstrate the fuel economy benefits of the Nissan Tiida - was developed under the sole creative and editorial control of Pacific Auto Distributors," Nissan Middle East explained in a statement to Emirates Business.

"Nissan Motor Company had no prior knowledge of the contents or creative direction of this campaign, nor had any role in the approval of the final execution. This campaign does not reflect the global direction of Nissan in terms of product or brand creative execution. Nissan Motor Company has requested Pacific Auto Distributors to cease immediately any further use of this campaign and commit that no further campaigns will be developed using the same creative direction," the statement said.

Under the Nissan Green Programme 2010 environmental plan, Nissan aims to develop new technologies, products and services that can lead to real-world reductions in vehicle CO2 emissions, cleaner emissions, and recycling of resources.

Nissan continues to invest substantially in a wide range of technologies including CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift), clean diesel, biofuels and fuel cell vehicles.

According to Nissan, the advanced lithium-ion batteries used in both prototypes are sourced from the Nissan-NEC joint-venture, AESC (Automotive Energy Supply Corporation).

Raffoul: Print to continue to attract lion's share of ad spend

editor — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:01:59 +0000

Emirates Business 24/7 reports that despite huge expectations of online ad spend in the next few years, an expert in the UAE said the print media will remain the leader in attracting the money spent on advertising.

Neither TV nor outdoor is expected to rival print media, said Sami Raffoul, General Manager of Pan Arab Research Centre. The internet will also lag behind as an advertising medium, he said, because of factors such as internet illiteracy and difficulty of access due to the language barrier.

According to Raffoul a moderate internet user can enumerate at least 100 websites dealing with careers, real estate, general interest, sports or business in the UAE. Audiences of the same age group and interests in different geographical locations, such as Jeddah or Cairo, will cite a different 100 sites. "In other words, the club of websites likely to be visited by an audience is influenced by the local community and personal needs and the universality of information sought," he said.

He said that an internet user in a place like Egypt or Morocco would only visit an Indian or Malaysian website for a specific reason, and that too rarely. Advertising pop-ups that might appear in the local languages of these portals will definitely mean nothing to the viewer, even if he of she has a rudimentary understanding of the languages used.

Raffoul said that advertisers' geographical locations will continue influencing Internet advertising, even if the internet was without any borders. "One news website, for example, might claim that it has received hundreds of thousands of visitors in a certain month, but who are they and where is their location and would they be interested in viewing an advertisement for a local bank in the UAE?

We don't know," he added. The reason why internet ad spend seems so huge, he said, is that advertisers would need to target numerous websites to receive the desired viewership. On the contrary, in a newspaper environment, a single advertisement can be placed for a specific rate, undoubtedly higher, yet reaching a wider audience, Raffoul said.

Bahrain TV goes on strike

editor — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:49:32 +0000

RapidTVNews reports that Bahrain Radio & TV staff went on strike on Monday 4 August, arguing for better working conditions. Apparently, the new CEO, has imposed new policies that have “upset” most of the workers.

The Bahrain TV boss had also cancelled flexible working hours previously offered to workers and imposed fixed timings starting from 7am to 3pm, which caused a reduction in employee’s overtime to 30 hours.

Khaleej Times reports that management has ordered a reduction in the monthly overtime payment from 60 hours to 30 hours and implemented a rotating system under which no employee could stay on a post for more than a few months.

Workers have said the strike would continue until the government looks into their demands, otherwise mass resignation would take place.

Madar Research cites growth in online advertising, led by real estate and travel ads

editor — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:02:22 +0000

Madar Resarch reports that online advertising spend in the GCC-Levant region registered a growth twice the global rate in 2007. Travel/Hospitality and Real Estate sectors emerged as top online advertising spenders in the region during the past year with a combined outlay comprising nearly half (45%) of the total online spend.

As in previous years, the ongoing rapid growth in online advertising spend in the GCC-Levant region still failed to
deliver a market share on par, or at least comparable, with the current world statistics. However, this scenario is expected to improve over the long term as the global market reaches maturity, causing a stable, less rapid growth compared to that of the regional market.

Overall global advertising spend grew by 5.2% last year (2007) fuelled by developing markets, whose advertising spend growth managed to offset the comparatively slower growth experienced in developed markets like the United States. On the other hand, total ad spending in the GCC-Levant region rose by approximately 19.4% in 2007, with UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar registering the most growth.

Nickelodeon Arabia to go on air on Wednesday 23 July

editor — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 08:32:24 +0000

Nickelodeon Arabia, an Arabic-language, free-to-air channel dedicated to Arab children aged two to 14 years old, is set to launch on Nilesat and Arabsat on Wednesday, delivering the best in children's multi-media entertainment. Nickelodeon Arabia will hit the airwaves at 7am (UAE time), kicking off with internationally renowned animated series, Rugrats.

The channel will showcase a mixture of programming, including international content from Nickelodeon's unrivalled portfolio such as pre-school hit Dora The Explorer as well as SpongeBob SquarePants and Jimmy Neutron for older children, live-action favourites Drake and Josh and Unfabulous, and the famous Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.

Additionally, Nickelodeon Arabia will air original local productions from launch to ensure a wholly relevant experience for Arab audiences.

Nickelodeon Arabia will be supported by a website www.nickarabia.net available in both Arabic and English, which will provide users with a raft of Nickelodeon content, character games and much, much more.

Abdullatif Al Sayegh, CEO of Arab Media Group, said: "Nickelodeon is the most widely-distributed, kid-focused multi-media brand in the world and appeals to both girls and boys alike.

Key properties such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora The Explorer are enjoyed by all kids and we're confident Nickelodeon Arabia will become the go-to destination for Arab children both on and off air.

Nickelodeon Arabia falls under the umbrella of Arabian Television Network, Arab Media Group's TV broadcasting arm, which also incorporates MTV Arabia. See www.nickarabia.net

Large LED advertising screen to be unveiled in Abu Dhabi

editor — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:14:33 +0000

The Gulf News reports that the Abu Dhabi Municipality, in cooperation with Synaxis Media & Advertising, will unveil, in cooperation with tone of the largest LED advertising screens in the world - The Opulence - on September 30, 2008.

Fahed M. Al Absi, the managing director of Synaxis, said it will essentially be an advertising space in Abu Dhabi for all major corporations, international brands and advertisers. Opulence will be a slightly curved screen, measuring 28 metres by 8 metres, or 224 square metres, thereby making advertisements visible from as far as one-kilometre away, Al Absi said.

He said that Opulence will be equipped with the latest pixel-technology and it will be able to handle both static and full motion advertisements.

Al Absi said it will allow advertisers to stretch their small budgets to have a wider reach and a larger impact. "The LED screen will be made in Taiwan. It will hold more than 24 advertisers, depending on the availability of time slots. We will generate money by selling the time slots," said Al Absi.

Though Synaxis will initially deploy a screen in Abu Dhabi, there are plans for three LED screens in the emirate. "We are also planning to expand our operations beyond Abu Dhabi by the end of 2009, based on feasibility," said Al Absi.

The launch of Opulence is part of Synaxis' plan to contribute to the 2030 economic vision of Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development (ADCED) for transforming the emirate into an international economic hub.

Euronews launches Arabic feed

editor — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:24:56 +0000

RapidTVNews reports European news channel Euronews launched an Arabic feed this Saturday, following an Internet premiere on Friday evening. The channel, which already broadcasts into seven languages is targeting several million potential viewers.

“We will address both to Arabic-speaking people in Europe, whose population is evaluated at 15 million, and to the Arabic region and its 250 million inhabitants,” Euronews’ President Philippe Cayla told press agency AFP.

Arabic programming will be the same as for the seven other languages, served by the same images. They will include a news edition every 30 minutes, magazines on society, culture, sport, business and its famous No Comment section.

Euronews wants to keep to its line of international news channel and thinks its competitors will be CNN and BBC more than Al-Jazeera or al-Arabiya.

While the channel’s budget amounts to €50 million, the Arabic version will be completely financed over the next five years by EC for a total amount of €5 million.

The channel will have 17 reporters of eight nationalities, all based in Lyon.

Gulf Air sponsors English football club Queens Park Rangers (QPR)

editor — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:16:18 +0000

Arabian Business Reports that Bahrain-based Gulf Air announced it has signed a three year, $14 million deal to sponsor of Queens Park Rangers (QPR), a club currently in the Coca-Cola Championship, the second tier of the English league system.

Gulf Air joins Emirates and Etihad who also sponsor their own clubs in England's capital.

The scale of the deal depends on success. Only 1 million pounds per year will be paid while the club remains in the Championship, but will increase to 3 million pounds for any year spent in the lucrative Premiership along side Emirates-sponsored Arsenal and Etihad-sponsored Chelsea.

Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal acquires 85% of LBC

editor — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:22:06 +0000

Rapid TV News reports that Saudi billionaire Prince Al Waleed bin Talal has increased his ownership stake in pan-Arab satellite channel LBC. Local reports say Prince Al Waleed now controls 85% of the operation and its partner PAC.

LBC Group’s capital now stands at $123m. LBC is run by its chairman and DG Pierre Daher, who in a statement said the capital increase would strengthen the financial capacity, competitiveness and productivity of the channel. "This step comes within a comprehensive plan of 5 years, and includes all television channels affiliated to Rotana," which is said to currently be the biggest producer and distributor of Arab music and increasingly movies.

Daher emphasized that there was no risk that PAC or LBCSAT would lose their Lebanese identity. The acquisition would also benefit the local LBC channel, he added, as all programmes produced are distributed to the local and international stations.

FP7 celebrates making history at Cannes

editor — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 14:56:52 +0000

FP7 made advertising history by becoming the first agency from the Middle East to win two Gold and two Silver Lions in the same year, at the 55th Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival held in France, the agency walked away with a Gold and Silver in the Press category, a Silver in the print category and a Gold in the Outdoor category.

Fortune Promoseven also had the highest number of campaigns shortlisted amongst agencies from the region, with over 30 pieces of work chosen by the Cannes judges.

"Our victory in Cannes is a step towards consolidating our plans to reinforce Fortune Promoseven's position as both a creative and effective force in the MENA region," said Fadi Salameh, Network President and Chief Executive Officer, Fortune Promoseven. "Our agency serves many multinational brands as well as a large selection of the region's best local brands, the acknowledgement we've received for our wins from our Clients, network offices and our peers in the industry is great. It is a big milestone in the history of ME advertising and it definitely is a sign of the years ahead for Fortune Promoseven as a network."

Akram Miknas, Chairman, Promoseven Holdings said "No one understands the Middle East like we do, we've been around for 40 years and during this time our business has expanded across the region. Today our size, reach and staff strength has become our competitive advantage. International recognition such as the recent Cannes wins goes to prove that as an agency, we are a contemporary and on par with global standards, our work is cutting edge and winning us global accolades. At the end of the day, it is not about how old you are, it's how young you can be..."

The Cannes festival is the most prestigious international event of its kind and each year for a fortnight Cannes turns from the playground of the rich and famous to a playpen for the world's most talented creative minds.

Draft of Arab satellite channels licensing rules ready

editor — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:35:09 +0000

RapidTV News reports that, finally, the full details of the draft regulations covering satellite transmissions over the Middle East have been agreed by Arab information and broadcasting ministers, who met recently in an attempt to overcome objections from some nations as to the wording of an earlier attempt to introduce region-wide licensing for satellite channels.

The initial February 2008 outline is now to be incorporated into a new document under the authority of the Arab League General Assembly (and the Information Ministers Council) is to now recommend to the Permanent Committee for Arab Media that:

1: [It] follows "the Principles for Organizing Satellite Radio and Television Transmission in the Arab region" Document and to implement it within the framework of each country legalizations and systems.

2: Submit a Request to Secretary General to draft a project to establish Arab commission for information which would attain, among its tasks, respect to the Principles for Organizing Satellite Radio and Television Transmission in the Arab region" Document, and above all, respect for the right to express opinion and to activate dialogue. This project shall be presented in the Next meeting of the Arab Information Ministers Council.

However, the formal document noted that the UAE confirms it has reservations about that part of the original February draft document in relation to comments about Duty Free Zones.

MBC Group Partners with CDC Games to launch Arabic gaming portal

editor — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:46:33 +0000

MBC Group recently partnered with CDC Games, a global market leader in online gaming and distribution based in China, to develop and launch the world's first Arabic online gaming web portal which will include a portfolio of massively multiplayer online (MMO) games, in both English and Arabic.

"This is a really exciting project for us as it comes as one of the initial steps in our overall strategy of leading the region towards digital and media convergence. CDC Games was a natural choice as a strategic partner because of their great experience in game development and market development," said Sam Barnett, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of MBC Group. "Online gaming represents a huge proportion of broadband internet use around the world but the Middle East still lags behind due to the lack of quality Arabic content and customized applications customized for the region's audience."

"We are delighted to partner with MBC Group, the region's uncontested media leader and a company that has unparalleled insight into the regional audience and consumer trends," said Peter Yip, CEO of CDC Games. "We are confident that our experience in developing top quality online gaming products combined with MBC Group's brand equity and regional expertise will lead to great synergies that promise to nurture and cater to a vibrant community of Arab online gamers."

Online gaming has become a huge global industry with an estimated value expected to reach $13 - $15 billion by 2012. This progressive trend incites MBC Group to venture further in the online community, particularly in the Arab world.

Emirates shoots advertising campaign in 6 continents

editor — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:59:47 +0000

Emirates 24/7 reports that Emirates airline is shooting its latest ad campaign in the six continents, during 59 days. Then, this "Six Continents" multi-media campaign will run in more than 50 countries on television, print media and the internet.

Not only reflecting Emirates position as the only airline in the world offering non-stop services to six continents from its hub in Dubai, this latest ad campaign also reflects the various nationalities of its staff, with Emirates cabin crews collectively hailing from more than 100 different nations.

The ambitious ad campaign was shot with the central theme being the joy of discovery through travel, as seen through Emirate's passengers' eyes as they journey across the carrier's rapidly expanding route network.

The Emirates ad campaign is screened on satellite and local TV stations including BBC World, CNN, Sky and the Discovery Channel throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australasia. It's also viewed onboard the airline's fleet of 116 wide bodied aircraft via the award winning in-flight entertainment system. The campaign can also be viewed on the Emirates YouTube channel.

Arab ministers to review and ammend Satellite Broadcast Charter

editor — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:02:18 +0000

RapidTVNews reports that old draft guidelines created by Arab ministers to force Middle East broadcasters to obtain formal transmission licences will be replaced with a new charter. The problem is that there is little coordination between Arab governments on TV transmission.

This means satellite operators themselves judge any dispute as to content or fair and accurate broadcasting. Last February a joint ministerial communiqué backed the Satellite Broadcast Charter, drawn up by a committee of experts in order to provide a framework for national licensing. However, at last week’s meeting some ministers declined to endorse the charter, in particular Qatar (home to Al Jazeera) and the UAE (now home to dozens of TV channels including MBC’s Al Arabia 24-hour news channel). The charter was drafted by Egyptian and Saudi Arabian interests, although it took as its benchmark the broadcasting regulatory guidelines used in the UK, Europe and elsewhere.

With this lack of agreement the meeting last week decided to abandon the original February charter and instead set up a “high commission for Arab media” that will reflect a new agreement that all can abide by.

Outdoor advertising costs up 50% compared to 2007

editor — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:17:36 +0000

Emirates Business 24/7 reports that prices for outdoor advertising sites in the UAE have shot up by between 30 and 50 per cent so far this year; compared with increases from 15 to 25 per cent during the whole of 2007.

The outdoor segment accounts for between five and eight per cent of the overall advertising market in Dubai. This year's rises have come as clients compete aggressively for prime locations.

Experts agree that one major reason for the price rises is the increased fees charged for outdoor advertising space by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Municipality.

Formerly space cost Dh100 per square metre, so a standard 20 metre by eight metre scaffolding would cost Dh16,000, aside from the landowner's leasing fees. But such a site now costs Dh800,000 while the price of a unipole is Dh312,000.

Bridge banner sites have risen the most above 50 per cent and in some cases have almost doubled while lamppost posters and muppis have gone up by a more modest 10 to 15 per cent. Industry sources say this gap is due to the fact that not all muppis and lampposts are being offered on a tender basis by the RTA yet.

Dubai Municipality controls only licensing and leasing of rooftop advertising and scaffolds but the RTA has taken over the rest of the outdoor advertising as it offers bridges, unipoles, flags and, of course, bus stations.

The RTA has identified 12 categories for locations and has placed minimum bid prices ranging from Dh12 million for the most attractive category down to Dh6m for the least appealing.

2008 is biggest Cannes win for Middle East as FP7 Doha shines with two Gold Lions

editor — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:57:36 +0000

More than 10,000 delegates took part in Cannes Lions this year, making 2008 the biggest festival to date. The big news for our region is that Fortune Promoseven Doha have made history by becoming the first agency to win two Gold Lions at Cannes.

The Qatari agency landed a gold in the press category for its campaign for EA Games' Medal of Honour, adding it to the gold it won for the same campaign in the outdoor category.

It also took home a silver yesterday in the press category for its series of print executions for Bayer Advanced - Plant Food.

The three wins mean that not only is FP7 Doha the first Qatar agency to win at the prestigious festival, but it is also the most awarded agency ever from the Middle East, managing to land two golds in one year. The only other agencies to have struck gold at the Cannes Lions are Tonic Communications in 2005 and Wunderman in 2006, but they have only won one gold apiece.

Also joining the party in Cannes, France, were FP7 Doha's sister agency Fortune Promoseven Dubai, which took home a silver in the press category for its campaign for Sony Microvault.

JWT Dubai also took home a bronze in the press category for its Red Dress work for Nicola Finelli/Tigerlily.

The total awards haul so far means it is the best year on record for the Middle East, which in the past has only managed to win a total of two awards in any given year. The best previous year was in 2006 when Team Y&R won a silver alongside Wunderman's gold. Last year no agencies from the region won anything.

The Cannes Lions International advertising Festival is the world's premier advertising festival and is considered a benchmark for global advertising excellence.

This year witnessed a record number of 616 entries from the Middle East and North Africa, up significantly on last year's total of 440.

Emirates ad spend hits Dh1 billion

editor — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:29:37 +0000

Business 24/7 reports that Emirates airline's advertising budget has grown by Dh156 million to reach just over Dh1 billion, the airline's financial report has revealed.

The carrier has maintained an average advertising spend over the years of three per cent of its revenues, but used only 2.8 per cent of its Dh31.1bn total income in 2006. However the following year group revenues exceeded all expectations to hit Dh 41.2 billion – and the Dubai-based airline is planning to spend around 2.5 per cent of this amount. "Last year was a record one for the airline – the boom in the country's economy contributed to its performance.

An advertising and marketing spend of 3.5 per cent of the 2006 revenues would have meant an investment of Dh1.08 billion, but in the event the carrier spent only Dh870m. Simon revealed how the advertising spend had grown over the years. "In the early years of the airline we allocated 2.2 per cent of revenues to advertising and marketing," he said.

"This included advertising fees, media buying and sponsorships. This figure steadily climbed to 2.5 per cent and touched a peak of 3.5 per cent. However, once the brand was established all over the world the aim was to reinstate our presence and emphasise the expansion."

Emirates has been an active sponsor of many major sporting events locally and internationally. The world's richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup, is one of the biggest sponsorship deals. The costliest investment abroad was the purchase of the naming rights for Arsenal's new ground – the Emirates Stadium – for Dh720m for 15 years. In addition the airline sponsors many other football teams in leading European leagues. In cricket, the airline sponsored the Australian team when they won the last cricket World Cup and umpires at all ICC tournaments wear Emirates jerseys, providing regular exposure all over the world.

For effective marketing the airline has a network of 120 public relations and advertising agencies around the globe linked through its EmPower extranet. When the airline plans to launch a new campaign it distributes a briefing, invites agencies to submit a concept and then chooses the best. Through such links each local agency is effectively part of a global agency.

Higher advertising rates push UAE's Q1 spend up by 43 percent

editor — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:18:47 +0000

Emirates Business 24/7 reports that advertising spend in the UAE increased by a staggering 43 per cent in the first quarter of 2008. The figures are driven more by the increase in costs and not so much in advertising exposure, believe industry experts.

Dubai-based Pan-Arab Research Centre, in a detailed report on the advertising spend in 2007, revealed that the country had witnessed a massive growth in the total advertising budget last year to $1,303 million (Dh4,785m) an increase of more than 26 per cent over the previous year. In comparison, the UAE spent $1,077m in 2006.

This year, the ad spend has already crossed $441m in the first quarter, more than a one-third increase over the previous year.

The country is expected to retain its position this year as the highest spender in the region - second on the list is Saudi Arabia. In the past, the UAE's increase in ad spend has been lower than the regional increase, but this year the rise is expected not only to lead the region but surpass the regional increase percentage-wise.

The increase in ad spend in the pan-Arab region was 26 per cent in 2007 over the previous year, and, in comparison, the UAE's ad spend increase was 21 per cent.

Industry experts are attributing this massive increase to the rise in the cost of advertising. However, they are not ruling out further increases in the advertising budget as more retail outlets are to be added to the existing retail space.

The first quarter of this year continued to see the same trend in the division of advertising budgets, with newspapers claiming the largest chunk of advertising revenue, and magazines and television as distant second and third players. Outdoors showed a steady climb but will most probably still maintain its growth in the single digit. Last year the outdoors segment had five per cent of the advertising share.

90% of TV viewing in Middle East is via satellite, mostly free-to-air

editor — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:22:59 +0000

RapidTVNews reports that Arab Advisors Group have published a study showing that Nilesat is now carrying 335 free-to-air digital channels over the Middle East. ArabSat, Nilesat, Noorsat and Eutelsat, between them were carrying well over 370 channels, having doubled in number since April 2006. Therefore, some 90% of TV viewing is via satellite.

Arab Advisors Group data says that 94.9% of Qatari’s have satellite TV. The Saudi Arabian figure is 93.9%, and this is almost totally DTH. Same with Kuwait, where, AAG says, 94.2% of homes view DTH satellite. In Jordan, where just about every home has a dish, the number is 89%. Even “1948 Arabs”, living in Israel, are big viewers of satellite TV (84.6%).

The two problem nations, according to AAG are the Lebanon, and Egypt. Lebanon has 75.8% DTH viewing, although this is also a highly suspicious number given that the Lebanon is a widely-cabled region and helped by widespread signal piracy. Egypt’s satellite TV viewing is stated as 49.1%, but Egypt is also said to be a country where signal theft is commonplace (via “neighbourhood piracy links”) for both TV and broadband access.

Arab Advisors Group says that a recent Egyptian survey carried out by them shows that 63.4% of Egyptian households with an ADSL connection share the connection with neighbours.

mediaME launches Media Research section, now featuring IPSOS media expenditure data

editor — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 06:01:15 +0000

mediaME.com is pleased to announce the launch of its Media & Market Researcg section, starting with free downloads of IPSOS media expenditure data for the Middle East, especially prepared for mediaME in PDF format. There will be more media data from IPSOS and other research and monitoring organizations soon. See the data now available here.

NileSat order new high-tech satellite

editor — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 05:28:16 +0000

RapidTVNews reports that Nilesat has ordered its next-generation satellite, from Thales Alenia space, and with Arianespace as its launcher. The satellite will be Nilesat’s largest will equipped with Ka-band transmission.

Salah Hamza, chief technology officer of Nilesat, said: “The build of Nilesat 201 has already started, with Thales Alenia. Thales was successful in its bid at the end of the day, and additionally benefited over satellite builders like Orbital Science because of our need for the satellite to carry four Ka-band as well as 24 Ku-band transponders. Ariane will launch the satellite, and the plan is to launch around May 2010.”

The date is longer off than Nilesat had first planned, especially given that its own capacity is long-exhausted, and there is only one full transponder on its leased Eutelsat craft yet to be illuminated. Indeed, its is likely that Eutelsat, with Nilesat’s full blessing, will move its old Hot Bird 3 satellite to a co-located position with Nilesat 101 and 102 in order to guarantee continuity of service. Hamza was visiting Paris today, June 3, for these and other discussions with Eutelsat.

Hamza, speaking at the Arab Advisors Group media and telecoms conference in Amman, said pay-TV operations in the Middle East were struggling to make headway locally. He said with the proliferation of free-to-air channels in the Arab world, with many now showing first-run movies and American series, as well as high-quality sports, it was increasingly difficult for pay-TV channels to make any positive progress. “MBC2 is now offering first showings of material that up until recently you would only have seen on pay-TV,” he said.

Baby milk advertising banned in Saudi Arabia

editor — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:05:16 +0000

AME Info reports that the Saudi Ministry of Health has banned the advertising of baby milk powder and food substitutes, including the handing out of promotional samples at hospitals, in a bid to promote breastfeeding.

The ban stretches to TV advertisement. The new law covers 28 articles regarding the marketing of baby milk, food substitutes, baby bottles and pacifiers.

RERA to compete with real estate media publishers

editor — Thu, 29 May 2008 02:03:27 +0000

Arabian Business reports that The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) of Dubai has launched a monthly magazine to make information about Dubai's real estate market more easily and widely available. This means that a government agency shall be competing with privately held media outlets for real estate audiences and advertisers.

"We want to encourage complete transparency in the property sector so that no one is in doubt about anything relating to property," Rera CEO Marwan bin Ghalita said in a statement. "Miscommunication and lack of transparency are a major concern among property investors and other segments of the industry and our endeavour is to clear these confusions and help introduce proper understanding through the magazine."

Rera said Dubai Real Times would include market studies, trend analyses, commentaries and expert opinions, as well as regular updates on laws, rules and regulations.

Dubai Real Times is an extension of the Dubai Real Estate Community portal, which is part of the Rera's website, the agency said. Dubai-based Sterling Publications has been awarded the contract to produce the magazine. Sterling already publishes Dubai Freehold Property Guide for the Dubai Land Department. Sterling also publishes current affairs title UAE Digest and Banking & Business Review.

Middle East pay-TV piracy estimated at 60%

editor — Fri, 23 May 2008 20:42:11 +0000

A Rapid TV News ‘Round Table' talked about the Middle East's DVB pay-TV players suffering piracy of 60%. The multiples of millions of Dollars being lost per month also contribute to preventing opertors from selling content effectively.

James Field, Director of Technology/New Initiatives, NDS Ltd, agreed. "The ability [for operators] to differentiate their products and services in an increasingly complicated media landscape that our customers are dealing with, and they need to be able to package and sell their products in as many different ways as possible. Let's not forget, Pay Television is no get-rich-quick scheme. It's a long-term return on investment so you need to make sure there's a security guarantee or solution that can take you forward in profitability."

Andy Mathieson, a director at software CA suppliers Latens, said that in some markets, however, CA adopted a somewhat different role. I think in some markets it's definitely seen as the necessary evil: the burglar alarm that your insurance company told you had to buy, and in the IPTV markets in particular in some sectors, that's how it's perceived. But in other sectors, [especially] cable and satellite pay-TV operators recognise that it's a business enabler. It's the operators that we are really protecting the revenues of, and you only have to look at the piracy figures in all sorts of parts of the world. I recently saw suggestions that in the Middle East, in the DVB world, there was over 60% piracy.

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