According to the results of an online survey by Ketchum Global Research & Analytics and IPSOS, UAE residents trust traditional media outlets like newspapers more than social media. When asked which media outlet they trusted most, 48% picked print. Only 16% chose Facebook and only 8% chose Twitter. The study conculded that although social media may be growing in the Middle East, users are more likely to trust information that comes from print media. 

The Saudi Telecom Company has bought another 20% stake in UAE-based digital media firm Intigral. The $24 million deal will raise STC's stake in Intigral to 71%. The telecom operator is reportedly funding the purchase through its own reserves. "The move is consistent with the strategy to focus on providing content services that are important to many of its customers," STC officials said in a statement. Intigral provides content on mobile phones and television.

With the increasing demand for mobile content solutions, EMS has signed a partnership deal with Polar Mobile, to launch mobile Apps across multiple smartphone handsets for over 100 media companies in the Middle East. Early customers for EMS and Polar Mobile in the region include Gulf News, Khaleej Times, 7DAYS and Al Aan TV.

According to the Khaleej Times, candidates running for the coming Federal National Council elections are embracing the new trend of the social media sites in their campaigns. Twitter has been the most commonly used platform using among candidates to state their goals and gain feedback from voters.

Khaleej Times reports that Al Jazeera news channel has been given permission to reopen its bureau in Baghdad after it has been banned for more than six years for charges that it was provoking violence by militant groups, according to AFP. “No restrictions have been placed on them, only what applies to all media in Iraq, not to provoke conflict. It is now a procedural matter as to when they re-open their bureau,” according to an official speaking on condition of anonymity.

Khaleej Times reports that according to the Pan Arab Research Centre (PARC), advertising expenditure by Saudi Arabian companies has increased during the first half of 2010, compared with the same period in 2009. Advertising spend has recorded a SR0.184 billion increase worth of advertisement in television, newspapers, and billboards.

Khaleej Times reports that according to the Pan Arab Research Centre (PARC), advertising expenditure grew 19.66 percent from January to June. Although advertising spend in the GCC increased by 20 percent, there has been a 4 percent drop in UAE spending. Advertising activity figures indicated steadiness and recovery, and spending is expected to exceed $10 billion by the end of 2010 and for the first time.