Dubai Media City (DMC) has announced a 10 per cent increase in the number of new companies setting up their headquarters in the media cluster. During 2006, an additional 121 companies were established in DMC, bringing the total number of companies based there to 1,213, compared to 1,092 in 2005.

There's more to come, with the Dubai Studio City and the International Media Production Zone. TECOM, the owner of the DMC and the Free Zone areas, has expansion plans for 27 towers within the free zone perimeter.

Mohammed Al Mulla, Director of Dubai Media City said: "Our partners constitute key assets in our pursuit of excellence and growth. DMC's strategy focuses on identifying the community's needs and allocating relevant resources to fulfil these needs in a prompt and effective manner.
"Partnership is the framework that governs our relations with our clients. This philosophy means that any success of our business partners is a DMC success story.' Al Mulla was recently elected to the International Advertising Association (IAA) Board in appreciation of his efforts in supporting the media industry.

Last December, Dubai Media City announced the launch of the third phase of the Media Business Centre, its flagship facility for independent media professionals. Over 366 media professionals, including small companies and freelancers, are currently based at the Media Business Centre. The expansion is expected to be operational by first quarter 2007 and will accommodate about 125 small companies and freelancers.

DMC's broadcasting community has achieved remarkable growth during the last two years. The number of DMC based broadcasters has mounted to 60 companies operating up to 150 TV channels. The free zone's publishing segment includes more than 120 publishing houses issuing around 400 titles; most of which are exported to various markets in the region and beyond.

Dubai Media City started in 2001.

Apparently, there are around 400 companies on a waiting list to set up offices in Dubai Media City (DMC). It's an impressive figure, proving the success of the DMC's strategy and Dubai's role as the media capital of the region.

But Dubai's capability to absorb all this demand is not infinite! Already, there are limitations on office space offered, and the timing of the next available space is 2008. Understandably, there are plans to build 27 more towers by 2009. It's also interesting to note that the DMC managment try to balance out the new space, by setting aside 75 per cent of it for new companies and the remaining 25 per cent for the companies already operating. That way, the possibility of future expansion for existing investors is secured.

Some industry analysts argue that Dubai can cope with this influx of companies and people for many more years to come, but at some point the possibility of promoting other regional media hubs in other countries will become an absolute neccessity.

So, where will the next similarly successful Media City pop up? Who has the openess, facilities and pulling power that Dubai offers. On second thought, can we start another Dubai?