Business 24|7 reports that Arab media is now passing through a significant transitional period developing from traditionalism towards having reliable content, says Dr. Sulaiman Al Hattlan, CEO of Arab Strategy Forum, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation. He told Emirates Business that digital media is facing reliability and credibility challenges, where non-digital media have the opportunity and the authority to better investigate the content and present it with higher credibility.

According to Emirates Business’s interview with Isam Bayazidi, the CEO of ikoo, GCC has a growth potential that exceeds 50 per cent every year and for the next few years. Bayazidi expects media planners and marketers to continue tapping the power and reach of online advertising to complete and balance their overall media plans. Throughout the interview, he charts the growth of online advertising and marketing and shares insights on the virtual reality of the industry.

Business 24|7 reports that following this year’s Dubai Lynx event, which saw a 35% drop in participation yet still attracted over 1300 entries, it has been noticed that there is somewhat of a gap between advertising work presented at festivals and that seen on TV or in magazines, and that some of the work viewed was not familiar to the audience. Speaking to Emirates Business, Lance De Masi, President of the International Advertising Association (IAA), UAE Chapter, expected creativity in the region to achieve international standards in three to five years.

Business 24|7 reports that public relations agencies are expanding their presence in the UAE and forging direct relationships with local agencies as a result of the growing market that is in the process of comprehending full length communication practices, in addition to the growing need for communications reflecting businesses as well as the country’s image.

Business 24|7 reports that Catch Up TV, the new service from Etisalat, will enable viewers to revisit and playback aired content up to three days old. The service will be launched in December for five channels. The service will be offered free of charge for MBC, Abu Dhabi TV, Dubai One, Dubai TV and e-junior.

Emirates Business has conducted an interview with Satish Mayya, Chief Operating Officer of Bates PanGulf Media, tackling the bad conditions and impediments caused by the gloomy credit crunch. Satish Mayya also talked about the promising future of emerging media platforms.

Business 24|7 reports that a multi-million dirham tender has been announced by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on outdoor advertising spaces.

Emirates Business reports that consumer spending has not dropped in the UAE and in the rest of the Middle East, according to the latest numbers by MasterCard Worldwide.