The world's media industry is congregating in Abu Dhabi this week to attend the inaugural Abu Dhabi Media Summit, under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.

The invitation-only Summit will be hosted by the Abu Dhabi Media Company, along with leading Abu Dhabi partners, including twofour54°, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Etisalat, Etihad Airways, ALDAR, and Mubadala. Booz & Company are also participating as the official knowledge sponsor.

From 9th to 11th March, 400 delegates from diverse territories across the globe - including China, Korea, India, Chile, USA, and the UK - will join high-profile regional and UAE-based media executives at the Yas Hotel, where they will be discussing and debating issues affecting the media industry around the globe. A large contingent of high-level regional and international press corps will also be in attendance.

The Summit agenda was created with the participation of several co-chairs from across the media industry. Confirmed 2010 co-chairs include:

• H.E Khaldoon Khalifa al Mubarak, Chairman, twofour54
• Tim Armstrong, CEO, AOL
• Dr Kai-Fu Lee, Chariman and CEO, Innovation Works
• Dr Seok Chae Lee, Chairman, KT Corporation
• Maurice Lévy, Chairman, PublicisGroupe
• Didier Lombard, Chairman, Orange/France Telecom
• Kishore Lulla, Chairman & CEO, Eros International
• Dirk Meyer, President & CEO, AMD
• Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman & CEO, Bharti Enterprises
• Rupert Murdoch, Chairman, News Corporation
• H.E Mohammed, Omran Chairman, Etisalat
• Hartmut Ostrowski, Chairman & CEO, Bertelsmann AG
• Dr. Prannoy Roy, Executive Chairperson, NDTV
• Hans Vestberg, President & CEO, Ericsson
• Mehmet Ali Yalçindag, CEO & Vice Chairman, Dogan Media Group
• Barry Meyer, Chairman and CEO, Warner Bros Entertainment.

HE Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Media Summit and of Abu Dhabi Media Company, commented: "The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing regions for the media industry, thanks to more accessible technologies, higher disposable incomes, and increased consumer appetite for news and entertainment. Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Media Company are looking to play a key role in this growth, which is why we have gathered some of the most influential minds in our industry together here this week. We believe that this Summit will become one of the most important industry forums of its kind anywhere in the world."

Edward Borgerding, CEO of Abu Dhabi Media Company, added, "We are very excited to have such a phenomenal list of co-chairs and delegates for the first Abu Dhabi Media Summit. This is a truly global group, with diverse perspectives and experiences in their regions. We hope that bringing this group together will not only help spark a dialogue about our shared challenges and opportunities in the media industry, but also help us work towards common solutions for evolving our industry during a time of transition."

E-Vision part of Etisalat and the leading cable TV provider in the region, today, announced the launch of new exciting interactive services offering customers the ability to plan their television viewing in addition to alternatives for customer communication at the Cabsat MENA 2010 exhibition.

Starting today, customers can experience the new Interactive Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) and the new user-friendly TV Menu to enjoy a great television experience. The Targeted Messaging service on the other hand will provide a powerful and precise customer communication tool.

E-Vision is also planning to expand its services with its High Definition (HDTV) channels growing from the current nine channels being offered to about 20 channels by the end of 2010. In addition, E-Vision is also exploring the new 3D TV technology to offer UAE residents the latest in TV viewing experience. This year at Cabsat 2010, E-Vision jointly with LG will be showcasing the 3D TV experience.

E-Vision's Videoclub - the Video-On-Demand (VoD) service will offer customers over 500 hours of premium content categories spreading across movies, TV series, Kids shows and various other content from around the world in order to cater to a varied audience. E-Vision will also provide its customers with five catch up TV channels that will offer them the opportunity to enjoy their favorite TV programs which they might have missed.Customers can thus watch these programmes conveniently anytime they want with all the VOD features such as fast-forward, fast-rewind, pause and play.

The Interactive Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) will provide a view into programme highlights and timings across more than 200 channels for the first time in the UAE. The Interactive EPG will provide information on programme schedules for a period ranging from 3 days to 1 week. It will thus provide a convenient planning mechanism for customers who have busy lifestyles so that they can decide on their entertainment options during the week so that they don't miss their favorite programmes.

E-Vision also unveiled its Targeted Messaging service to offer a direct messaging mechanism for customer communication. The service is highly versatile and can be used to send messages to groups down to one individual and across any segment in terms of population, ethnicity or geographical area. Using this service, E-Vision can now create a customized message for any audience size based on the smart card for each customer which is associated with a unique account. The service can also be used by a potential advertiser or company to create targeted messaging for a chosen segment.

According to Humaid Rashid Sahoo, CEO, E-Vision: "We want to improve the television viewing experience by providing our customers flexible navigation through the enormous amount of choice and diversity of programming they enjoy today. We plan to expand our HD service and also explore the development in 3D world. Our customers will surely benefit from the Interactive EPG which is a powerful tool that will make it easier for our customers to find what they're looking for and discover new content in the process. The Video on demand service with catch up TV features will give customers the complete control. Moreover, the Targeted Messaging service will give the customer a regular update on the new channels updated, updates on the services, new promotions/offers."

E-Vision is the leading regional source to offer over 300 TV channels, in 21 different languages, ranging from sports to movies, from documentaries to music and kid's channels. E-Vision's product line-up includes 15 premium packages from all the major TV providers like OSN, ART, Pehla, Firstnet, TFC, Pinoy Plus and many more, in addition to the E-Vision Basic package.

Dominic McGill, CEO - Nexus Global Events

IPTV services are pipped to achieve revenues of $17bn in 2010, according to Dominic McGill, the organiser of the upcoming Middle East Television (METV) exhibition and conference. The event is organised in association with twofour54, Abu Dhabi's content creation community and scheduled for November 17-19 2009 in Abu Dhabi.

He said the Middle East is also showing signs of swift adoption of IPTV, with 45% year-on-year growth reported in 2008, bringing a number of new opportunities and challenges for the region's TV content providers.

"The Middle East has witnessed about 40% annual growth in IPTV demand for the past few years. The demand is being driven by the increasing availability of cutting-edge convergence technology across voice, data and multimedia solutions. METV will address these issues and more," said McGill, CEO, Nexus Global Events.

Recent reports suggest that worldwide, IPTV subscriptions are expected to top 65 million by 2012, a leap from the 13 million households, today. McGill observed that the massive growth curve has put the focus on finding new content for converged services across television, internet and mobile technology.

"Worldwide, the broadcast content sector is being pushed to find solutions to a huge content gap, and a real opportunity is developing for region-based companies to up-the-ante to help fill the void," he added.

He said the onslaught of convergence solutions has opened new business opportunities for innovative companies, and cited Etisalat, one of the two main telecommunications service providers in the United Arab Emirates, as a convergence technology pioneer.

Etisalat is reported to be in the finals stages of a fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network covering the city of Abu Dhabi. The project, dubbed 'eLite', would make Abu Dhabi the first 100% FTTH-connected capital city in the world. Reports suggest that Dubai and Sharjah connectivity would follow swiftly.

McGill said that such moves will open up a number of new home entertainment options, including high-definition IPTV services, both broadcast and on-demand, online gaming and other new services such as e-education, online health check-ups, video conferencing and remote infrastructure management.

Neil Manwaring, Managing Director, Nexus Global Events highlighted that Internet is the base to launch converged media. He said that the Internet is witnessing a 20-25% rise in subscriber base and 50-100% increase in returns, every year, worldwide.

"Studies of usage show that converged networks and services keep the customer hooked to multiple services delivered by the same provider over the same medium, therefore cconverged solutions must be relevant, focussed, precise and abundant," Neil added.

Meanwhile, the global mobile entertainment market is expected to touch $50bn next year, with about 840 million subscribers using mobile phones as media players.

Manwaring said that the TV industry in the Middle East and North Africa must ensure that content production and management is part of its business model, with new content and enhanced channel services worked to increase customer loyalty and retention.

METV and Middle East Broadcast Solutions (MEBS), in association twofour54, Abu Dhabi's content creation community are slated to run concurrently over three days (from November 17 2009) at Abu Dhabi's National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Pyramedia, Endemol, Star Dtv, Ginx TV, Eclipse Digital, Entertainment Masterclass, FRAPA, Dreamtek and Associated Press are named among the leading exhinitors.

The events will be complemented by a cutting-edge conference portfolio of leading speakers and experts including Jeff Kupski, president of Turner Broadcasting; Roland Willaert, CEO of Entertainment Masterclass; Dr Nashwa Al Ruwaini, CEO of Pyramedia; Barry Lederman, president of The events will be complemented by a cutting-edge conference portfolio of leading speakers and experts including Jeff Kupski, president of Turner Broadcasting; Roland Willaert, CEO of Entertainment Masterclass; Dr Nashwa Al Ruwaini, CEO of Pyramedia; Barry Lederman, president of Eclipse Digital; Mark Hill, CEO of The Rights Lawyers, and Nick Grande, MD of Channel Sculptor.

Ramadan has given the expected boost to media industry and it seems to be the beginning of a steady climb for the sector much affected by global financial crisis, believe industry professionals.

Companies across the sectors, especially retail, food and beverages segments, have increased their advertising and marketing expenses as they take advantage of the festive occasion.

While the food and beverages segment has seen a jump of at least 60-70 per cent in their advertising expenses, other sectors such as hospitality, banks and automobiles are also spending more, said industry executives.

"There is a substantial increase in demand and consumption of food and cooking material, for which food companies have to advertise, resulting in increased advertising by them," said Tanvir Kanji, Head of Inca Tanvir advertising company.

Supporting the view, Kamal Vachani, Director Almaya Group, said: "Retail stores and supermarkets are offering their best rates of the season and to convey that message to buyers, there's been a considerate increase in marketing and communication expenses."

He said: "As it is, rates have been the lowest due to the current recession, but our suppliers have also been very co-operative and have reduced their prices further.

"Of course, we have spent on communicating and broadcasting the new rates to our customers. In addition to regular advertisements in local papers, we have also been investing in in-store promotions with danglers and posters, direct mailers, SMSes and even e-mails."

He put this additional communication cost at almost more than double the previous months.

Television and radio stations have also seen an increase in their advertising revenues. Arabic television is witnessing as much as 140 per cent increase in advertising for their Ramadan-specific programmes, said a top executive from one of the leading media buying units based in the Dubai Media City.

"Ramadan-specific programmes and quiz competitions generate a lot of interest during the season and companies promote them to lure viewers. These specific programmes attract a lot of advertising," said Kanji.

"Special cook books and other similar supplements also see guaranteed sales. Arabic newspapers and magazines particularly cash in on this festive season that sees special cooking for 30 days of Iftaar," he added.

Kanji said some of the brands offer nothing as special packages but exploits the spirit of Ramadan with iconic symbols and pictures in their advertising. "There will always be some people and establishments that will use the festive and charitable mood of the audience, but that's a small segment and we should look at the larger picture and relish the boost that the country's economy and media industry as such is to gain during this period," he added.

In the charitable spirit of the holy month, banks are also offering special packages and advertising for them. Dubai Bank has announced a special rewards programme for all its Covered Card holders throughout Ramadan.

The promotion, which will run until September 30, will grant all Dubai Bank credit card holders an opportunity to win one million choice points every day on any purchase as well as exclusive gifts on balance transfers from other cards to Dubai Bank Covered Cards. The cards come with attractive benefits including zero interest for three months for new cards, free membership and no renewal fees.

Under the Ramadan promotion, every customer using a Dubai Bank credit card for any purchase is entitled to one entry in a daily raffle draw, where one lucky winner will stand a chance to win one million choice points everyday.

"At Dubai Bank, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to make the banking experience more valuable and rewarding for our customers, and this promotion is a perfect opportunity for us to convey our Ramadan greetings to our valued customers," said Mohamed Amiri, Head of Retail Banking at Dubai Bank. "During Ramadan, we usually witness an increased appetite for shopping among residents. Through this promotional campaign, we want to enrich the shopping experience for our customers by giving them the chance to win rewards and benefits while using their Dubai Bank Covered Cards."

Automobiles companies are also taking advantage of the festive month and are spending on advertisement.

Arabian Automobiles has announced a special promotion with savings of up to Dh10,000 on the purchase of new cars. The firm is also offering its current customers a free safety check, as well as a discount of 45 per cent on parts and 15 per cent on labour costs.

Commenting on the offers, Michel Ayat, CEO of Arabian Automobiles Company said: "I can think of no better time in the recent past when it had been better to consider a new car. The sales personnel at our 10 showrooms are ready to transact the very best deals for our customers this Ramadan and we encourage our existing customers to enjoy our offer of a free safety check and discounted parts and labour."

Etisalat also announced a special Ramadan mega promotion called '24 Millionaires'. Two lucky customers, recharging their Wasel accounts during the promotion will be selected every week to win Dh2 million, through an electronic raffle draw. The offer will kick off on Saturday and will continue until November 14, providing 24 customers an opportunity to win Dh24m.

Customers will also be automatically enrolled in the weekly raffle draw, based on their Wasel recharge.

A weekly raffle draw will take place at etisalat headquarters starting from August 30 and ending on November 15. Besides the chance to become millionaires, customers will also benefit from additional free credit on each Wasel recharge that can be used for all calls and SMSes (local or international).

Announcing the promotion, Khalifa Al Shamsi, Acting Chief Marketing Officer at etisalat, said: "Ramadan is the month of giving and a great time to connect with family and friends. Etisalat is enabling its customers to expand their reach and means during the holy month of Ramadan, while also providing them with a lifetime opportunity to become a millionaire."

Etisalat, the UAE-based Telecommunications Services Provider, announced that over 56,000 of its customers have experienced the in-flight mobile service, by using their mobiles phones in the air, since the service was first introduced by Etisalat a year ago through the AeroMobile system. According to Aeromobile, this represents 27% of the total users across the world, on the Aeromobile network, making Etisalat a leader in the in-flight Mobile service, with maximum number of customers for this service.

The service enables passengers to safely make and receive calls and SMS text messages while in-flight. The service was first operated by Etisalat in the UAE on an Emirates flight between Dubai and Casablanca, a year ago. The system has since been installed on 32 of the Emirates airline's fleet, and is available on around 25% of its Aircrafts. Emirates presently operates over 60 Aeromobile equipped flights in a day to various global destinations. 

Mr. Essa Al Haddad. Etisalat's Chief Marketing Officer said "Etisalat's In-flight mobile services target a niche audience who prefer to be virtually connected all the time. Since its launch last year, Etisalat's in-flight mobile services have been a huge success and have received tremendous positive appreciation from its customers. We are proud to be leaders in this niche market, providing connectivity even in the sky. "

"Being a leading service provider in the region, Etisalat can relate to the necessity of the customer to remain connected with their business, family, and colleagues whilst they're travelling, and we're delighted to make this possible for them through our association with Emirates Airlines and Aeromobile, while they are in the air, " added Al Haddad.

"GPRS data services are also available for our customers in air, enabling them to surf the internet, download their emails, or enjoy multimedia services, while flying," he further commented.

Etisalat customers can benefit from the in-flight mobile services while traveling on the Emirates airlines to 60 selected routes including London, Casablanca, Cairo, Sydney, Damascus, Khartoum, Karachi, Johannesburg, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Perth, Melbourne, Paris, Rome, Milan, Munich, Nice, Bombay and Kuala Lumpur. Standard international Roaming charge applies for both Wasel and GSM customers, while calling on board.

For more information, visit www.etisalat.ae or call the toll free Number 101

The new office reaffirms Informa's commitment to supporting the Middle East telecom industry. The market is witnessing an unprecedented level of growth and global expansion.

A continued demand for mobile, fixed-line and pay-TV services in the region, along with the expectations of several Gulf operators moving up to the global level, have led Informa to boost its presence in the region.

As part of its efforts to remain the authority on all maters in the industry, the new Dubai office will provide crucial support and advice to the region's telecom and media industry. This will be accomplished through Informa's range of services including core data products, World Cellular Information Service (WCIS) and World Broadband Information Service (WBIS), as well as its industry analysis tool, Intelligence Centre.

The Informa team stressed that the latent potential of the industry was pivotal in their decision to open the new Dubai office.

'The Middle East harbours some of the most surprising and impressive stories in the worldwide telecom industry. The ambitions of some of the Gulf's biggest players, along with the sustained growth rate in mobile penetration, has created an environment that has attracted considerable attention. Given the global economic scene, our services will be crucial in navigating this emerging market,' stated Mike Woolfrey , Informa Telecoms & Media Managing Director - Industry Research.

Expansion into other emerging markets is at the centre of many of the Gulf-based operator strategies. This is clearly demonstrated by the most recent reports of Informa Telecoms & Media 's World Cellular Investors (WCI) database. Taking year-on-year growth into account, three of the five fastest risers - Qtel, Etisalat, and Zain - originate from the Gulf.

With Eitsalat striving to become one of the ten largest telecoms groups in the world by 2010, and Zain by 2011, these operators will become even more acquisitive in their attempts to become global players.

The opportunities in the Middle East are at an all time high. The region has one of the most advanced and exciting telecoms markets in the world. Saudi Arabia 's number two operator Mobily has one of the largest mobile broadband customer bases in the world. New entrants to fixed-line markets include leading international operators such as Vodafone and PCCW. On top of this, Iraq and Iran are expected to see record growth.

These market trends convinced the team at Informa that a new regional office was crucial for their efforts to serve their clients. 'This new office will help our clients, in that it consolidates our already substantial regional expertise,' added Woolfrey. 'By having an office in such a strategic location, we're adding to our primary research capability and ensuring we remain the best-connected, most reliable research house in the market.'

Dubai was chosen by Informa due to its importance in region, both in the field of telecoms and in the economy in general. The region is at the forefront of developments in the fixed-line market. In 2009, the UAE will have one of the highest percentages of homes passed with FTTH in the world, thanks to operators such as Etisalat and du. Building on this platform, they are launching high-quality IPTV services into markets where low-cost and free-to-air analogue DTH has been the norm.

'Given the nature of the Middle Eastern market, I think now is the perfect time for us to open this office,' added Mark Newman, Chief Research Officer. 'The demand for mobile, fixed-line and pay-TV services in the region is at an all time high, and we only see it increasing in the next few years. In terms of mobile subscription numbers, we're predicating that 2008 will have witnessed 39 million net additions across the Middle East. This brings the overall figure to 144 million. Furthermore, there will be an estimated 22.6 million new net subscriptions in 2009. Given the burgeoning nature of the market, coupled with the current global economic environment, this is a critical time for investors and mobile operators. Our services and expertise are now more vital than ever.'

Woolfrey agreed, stating, 'This is a critical time for the region, and Informa is going to analyze it every step of the way.'