Dubai Studio City (DSC), a member of TECOM Investments, announced it will showcase at CABSAT 2008 top of the range technical and community infrastructure that has successfully attracted global media production companies to its cluster.

The 14th edition of CABSAT, the Middle East's largest electronic media and satellite communications event, will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 4-6 March, bringing together leading industry players from around the world to the region.

At CABSAT 2008, DSC will seek to leverage its participation to attract new industry players to the free zone, highlighting its enormous networking potential for broadcasting services and technology while targeting the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) markets.

Jamal Al Sharif, Director, Dubai Studio City, said: 'CABSAT 2008 is an ideal platform showcasing latest technologies in broadcasting, especially for the onset of digital high definition TV (HDTV) transmission. Key regional and international brands participate in this event to gauge market trends and explore business opportunities.'

'Dubai Studio City consistently endeavours to bring new products and services to facilitate the seamless functioning of its current business partners. Geared to becoming a 'one stop shop' for production related services, we aim to evolve as a popular destination for suppliers and clients to convene.'

Al Sharif will feature as a keynote speaker at the opening ceremony of CABSAT on 4 March, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Currently, Dubai Studio City is home to over 70 broadcasters, while more than 160 TV channels operate from Dubai Media City (DMC), yet another TECOM Investments entity. DSC has over 75 licensed business partners, comprising recognized broadcasters such as NDTV (Arabia), MTV, Spacetoon; and value chain companies including EVS Broadcase, Irdeto, Alpatron, and Mediapro.

Al Sharif added: 'In our pursuit of excellence, Dubai Studio City seeks to leverage our business partners' strengths, expertise, and solutions to create the most sophisticated infrastructure and services for the local, regional and international media community. This has helped us attract globally recognised brands to set up their regional operations in Dubai Studio City.'

At CABSAT 2008, DSC will co-exhibit with du, the official integrated satellite services provider for the premier technology exhibition. du's technology will allow business partners to uplink and downlink content and live feeds.

Dedicated to the growth of film, TV, radio production, post-production and broadcast industries in the region, the 22 million sq. ft Dubai Studio City boasts 14 sound stages, 3.5 million sq. ft. back lot for outdoor shooting, commercial offices, pre-built studios, a business centre and post-production studios.

His Excellency Sultan bin Saeed al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, opened the leading International Electronic Media and Satellite Communications event for the region, CABSAT 2008, with major announcements and latest technology launches taking centre stage at the event, according to the organiser, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Following the opening, His Excellency Al Mansouri toured the exhibition, meeting leading international and regional suppliers, while reviewing latest developments in technology and displays of various broadcast equipment and products.

In its 14th edition, the three-day event is set to become the largest ever of its kind in the region attracting more than 650 exhibitors from over 50 participating countries, registering a dramatic 30% increase in space to cover a gross area of over 24,000 square metres.

CABSAT 2008 is being held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and welcomes over 80% of companies from outside the UAE making CABSAT the most international edition to date. The world's major industry leading companies, including Harris, Sony, Arabsat, Horizon, Eurostar and Technosat are participating in the event, showcasing their latest technology and services.

Yahsat, a telecommunications satellite operator for hybrid communication satellites and Duo Software, a software solutions provider will be present at CABSAT for the first time ever. CABSAT 2008 will host 83 companies from the UAE, 52 companies from the UK and 47 companies from China, to name a few. CABSAT 2008 encompasses three main industry sectors - Cable and Satellite Equipment and Accessories, Satellite Communications and Broadcast and Production.

Helal Al Marri, Director General of DWTC said: 'We are honoured by the presence of His Excellency Sultan bin Saeed al Mansouri and are delighted by the strong industry response on the first day of this exciting event. Product launches in areas from cable and satellite manufacturers, satellite services to equipment and accessories confirm CABSAT's presence as a platform to establish business partnerships and alliances for major companies in the market.'

'CABSAT not only provides a targeted platform for ongoing business development, it also provides an essential opportunity for the industry to discuss its growth and development.'

One of the main show highlights this year will be the Knowledge Exchange featuring the CABSAT Broadcasting Conference, the GVF Menasat Summit and the HD Studio 'Live'. The CABSAT Broadcasting Conference will draw industry players to examine the digital shift in today's electronic communications. The conference will provide participants a real-life experience on digital transition in the Middle East and other parts of the world.

A presentation on new delivery platforms will address all aspects of introducing mobile broadcasting and HDTV, which impact the decision making process in the broadcast industry. The challenges and opportunities of IPTV will also be highlighted, enabling broadcasters to share their experience on the right time to launch the latest technology in broadcasting. The conference will concurrently explore issues that dominate current broadcasting services. Jamal Al Sharif, CEO of Dubai Studio City, will deliver the keynote address at the conference.

CABSAT 2008 will welcome trade visitors from 11.00am - 7.00pm from 4 - 6 March at the DICEC - Halls 1, 2 and Zabeel. Admission is strictly restricted for trade and business visitors. Visitors under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry. University students will be permitted entry on 6 March only and must be accompanied by a faculty member.

Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PrJsc (Yahsat), the UAE's first nationally-owned satellite operator makes its debut at CABSAT 2008.

Yahsat will showcase its satellite capabilities, applications and coverage areas for potential business partners seeking the complete range of satellite services.

Incorporated in January 2007 and supported by a $1.7bn investment from parent company Mubadala, Abu Dhabi government's strategic investment and development vehicle, Yahsat will develop, procure, own and operate hybrid satellite systems based on market requirements and future applications. The Abu Dhabi -based company will provide innovative solutions for Government and commercial communications in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South-West Asia.

'We are pleased to make our first public appearance at CABSAT 2008. Combining deep regional understanding with our partnership approach, we will offer great operational flexibility and custom-designed satellite services to a wide range of customers in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South-West Asia,' said Jassem Mohamed Al Zaabi, CEO of Yahsat.

Yahsat earlier signed an agreement with Arianespace to launch the Yahsat 1A satellite in the second half of 2010. The satellite is currently being manufactured by the consortium of EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space. Another agreement was also signed with International Launch Services (ILS) to launch the Yahsat 1B satellite in first half of 2011.
Yahsat will exhibit from March 4-6 at stand ZR1 in Zabeel Hall at the Dubai Exhibition and Convention Centre.