Convergence of technology and media to expand opportunities for sector and region

The convergence of technology and media will open doors to a number of opportunities and cross leverage expertise. Adoption of latest solutions and the availability of new forms of media have helped drive this convergence, concur top executives from TECOM Investments’ Media Cluster andDubai Internet City(DIC).

The comment was made at theIP & TV Forum MENA 2011 and Digital TV Middle East 2011 that drew the support of the TECOM entities.Organised by Informa Telecoms and Media, the two events were held from1-2 November at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai.

Dubai Internet City was the official ICT partner at the IP & TV Forum MENA 2011 for the third consecutive year, while the Media Cluster comprising Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City and International Media Production Zonewasthe main sponsor at Digital TV Middle East 2011.

The IP & TV Forum MENA showcased the latest developments in the TV industry and provideda high profile networking platform. The event annuallyattractsdecision makers from regional and international operators, satellite and cable providers, as well as content aggregators and broadcasters.

The Digital TV Middle East 2011 focused on the investment opportunities in the region guiding investors on the potential areas of growth in the evolving digital TV landscape.

The telecom and media industry has witnessed a phenomenal growthas the number of IPTV homes in the Middle East and North Africa hasshown a steady increase. Subscribersare predicted to rise ten-fold and expected to touch 1.6 million by 2014 at a penetration rate of 2.1 per cent, according to Informa Telecoms and Media.

Similar growth is observed in the TV industry across the Middle East and North Africa, with DTH (direct to home) satellite making a huge penetration in the region. Over 60 per cent of the 80 million TV households are currently receiving TV via DTH satellite, according toInforma Telecoms & Media.

Malek Al Malek, Managing Director at Dubai Internet City and Dubai Outsource Zone, said: “The IP&TV Forum MENA 2011 comes at a time when technology convergence is witnessing immense growth in the region with the latest innovations and applications requiring high bandwidth and infrastructure support. Telecom operators are also making investments in upgrading infrastructure and offering a wider range of value-added services to meet local requirements andfuel further growth across the region.

“Dubai Internet City remains committed to the telecom industry through hosting the presence of global technology companies including AT&T, British Telecom, Verizon and Cable & Wireless.In our enabling role as engines of industry growth, theIP&TV Forum MENA 2011 gave us an opportunity to map trends and interact with path-breaking technology players.”

TECOM Investments’ Media Cluster participated in a panel discussionon the first day of the event focusing on ‘Developing a Content Creation Industry in the ME Region’. The seminar examinedthe broadcasting industry outlook and the Media Cluster’s role in providing the infrastructure and other enabling services to companies.

Mohammad Abdullah, Managing Director of TECOM Investments’ Media Cluster, said: “The creation of local content is possible only by providing a conducive environment, tools to innovate,as well as access to information and experts. As the Media Cluster plays an integral role in such an environment, we have provided incentives to encouragethe local development of content. The presence of leading international media brands has also spurredthe growth of severalhome-grown companies.

“Digital TV provided a platform to these companies to interact with investors and gain a deeper understanding of new technologies and the regional broadcasting scenario.”

At the forefront of the region's ICT industry, Dubai Internet City remains committed to supporting emerging technology trends in the region and continues to play an instrumental role in developing the industry while contributing to Dubai's drive for creating a knowledge-based economy.

TECOM Investments’ Media Cluster – Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City and International Media Production Zone – has evolved dramatically through offering business friendly regulatory frameworks and a state-of-the-art infrastructure. Its support of industry events comes as part of its long term objective to build a knowledge base for the benefit of stakeholders in the media sector.