New research by Omnicom Media Group suggests that internet advertising in the GCC and Levant will reach 9 per cent of the total advertising market this year, and is fast approaching the proportions spent in developed markets such as the US and Germany.

Ipsos, the official research partner of Al Jazeera Sports Channels, has conducted surveys to measure the viewership of the games during the football World Cup 2010 in the Middle East and North Africa. According to Ipsos, 148 million people were watching the final game between Netherlands and Spain from 14 countries in the MENA region, on Al Jazeera Sport Channels on the 11th of July 2010.

According to The National, outdoor advertising spend in Dubai and Sharjah has dropped by more than 36 per cent in Q1 of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009, largely due to the withdrawal of property companies after the downturn. In the first quarter of last year, $148.4 milion was spent on advertising for billboards and other outdoor sites in the two emirates. This year, the number fell to $94.6 million, according to figures provided by Ipsos MediaCT.

Ipsos MediaCT and Gemius have organized a workshop to launch the new online audience measurement covering the MENA region, held under the patronage of Dubai Media City. More than 50 professionals have attended the event.