Platforms like TikTok’s far-reaching prominence is felt globally, including in markets like the GCC, a region with a bustling young population that has grown up with social media at their fingertips
Video content
Latest in Video content
AI-based curating systems
Can Dubai be the next Silicon Valley technology hub?
The emirate provides those in the Web 3 space with the ‘perfect balance of work and fun,’ making it attractive for talent, said the 26-year-old co-founder of interactive short video platform Vurse
AB In Focus
Netflix rival Starzplay’s Maaz Sheikh on the UAE’s home-grown success stories
Dubbed the Emirates’ rival to Netflix, the UAE streaming service has signed a deal with E-vision from e& and ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based conglomerate, to acquire a majority stake – 57 percent – based on a post-money valuation of $420 million. The CEO and co-founder Maaz Sheikh sits down with Arabian Business
creative industry
Inside VidCon Abu Dhabi, MENA’s celebration of digital creators
Arabian Business sits down with VidCon general manager Jim Louderback ahead of the debut edition of the event
digital consumption habits
Short-form video content to disrupt MENA digital media, research shows
Users of short-form video content are also higher online spenders than non-users across product categories; the variation in spend is estimated to be between 40 percent and 130 percent, the report by internet services consultancy RedSeer said
Apple
Apple prices TV+ video service at AED19.99 a month in the UAE
Apple TV+ – free for one year with purchases of new Apple devices – will launch with a slew of titles on November 1
Apple
Apple Arcade game subscription service to launch in the UAE on September 19
Apple Arcade, which will also cost AED19.99 per month, will include more than 100 game titles made for Apple devices.
Facebook
Ramadan Facebook use in MENA region spikes by 58m hours
Viewership on YouTube goes up during Ramadan, making it an important time for advertisers
dangerous
YouTube clarifies rules on pranks as risky memes rage
While playful or goofy challenges or pranks have become raging trends online, with video shared at YouTube or Facebook, some “memes” have put people in jeopardy.
2019 Prediction
2019 Prediction: Twitter focuses on transparency, videos and m-commerce
Commercial transactions made electronically by mobile phone will continue to spread
Maaz Sheikh
StarzPlay revenue doubles every six months for last three years
The service is expected to launch in Pakistan this year
Maaz Sheikh
StarzPlay to introduce seven Arabic shows during Ramadan
Karma’s Curse will feature Lebanese singer and actress Haifa Wehbe
5G network
Etisalat launches the UAE’s first commercial 5G wireless network
Abu Dhabi-based telco says launch will fuel digital transformation, IoT, smart cities and the fourth industrial revolution
Maaz Sheikh
Online streaming will never eliminate traditional TV, says StarzPlay CEO
Maaz Sheikh says some formats including news and sports will continue to be television attractions
broadcast
The future of content in the Middle East region
As the rise of mobile, digital and streaming impacts the creation, delivery and consumption of content, we ask local broadcasters how they’re confronting the challenges of this new era
digital content
40% increase in demand for Arabic video content
Research shows that viewings of Western dramas have fallen by as much as 55 percent since 2011
social media
VIDXB opens in Dubai
The event is first in the region dedicated to online content creation