Dubai: Expo 2020 Dubai, which begins in less than six months, is strengthening Dubai’s position as a regional and global hub for media, content creators, and influencers, according to Majed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director of Dubai Media City.
In preparation for one of the largest worldwide events since the pandemic, many institutions, media platforms, and production firms have already begun to ramp up their local presence.
Dubai’s competitiveness and capacity to manage large-scale events will be bolstered by the six-month extravaganza. It also boosts the city’s media and content development sectors, which are critical actors in bringing the event to people all over the world via round-the-clock coverage.
As the days run down to what has been characterized as one of the greatest exhibitions on earth, the integrated business ecosystem – represented by Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, and the in 5 Media startup incubator – has seen an upsurge in activity.
Over 3,000 media institutions, 34,000 media professionals, 122 TV and radio channels, and 163 periodicals and platforms are located in the three business districts. In Arabic, English, Chinese, German, Tagalog, Hindi, and Urdu, content is broadcast to millions of people. Hundreds of print periodicals are also available in a number of languages, which are read by readers all over the world.
The first of the three commercial districts was Dubai Media City. It was succeeded by Dubai Production City and Dubai Studio City, which opened in 2000. These cities have worked together to create a commercial ecosystem that has drawn tens of thousands of businesses and professionals to Dubai. The flagship Dubai Media City, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, has attracted some of the world’s largest media companies, including CNN, BBC, MBC, and CNBC Arabia.
Last November, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, marked Dubai Media City’s 20th anniversary, tweeting, “Today, Dubai Media City completes 20 years since we established it in 2000… Today the city is home to 3,000 media outlets, 34,000 journalist… It hosts 122 TV and radio channels, and 163 publications and platforms… Nothing is impossible in the UAE.”
Expo 2020 Dubai, according to Al Suwaidi, will be a powerful motivator for all media platforms and institutions, major and small production firms, content providers, and independent talent. As the focus turns toward turning environmental, technological, and sociological concerns into possibilities, it presents opportunities to generate unique global content in numerous key industries for mankind as a whole.
He also stated that the event will provide a wealth of opportunities for media professionals and content providers. There has already been a noticeable increase in media activity and demand for some specialized buildings and equipment, such as production studios. Many worldwide media professionals have inquired about the GoFreelance package for freelance creators, which covers careers in a various media sectors including photography, production, audio-visual content, and others.
The media, according to Al Suwaidi, is an important partner in economic and social growth. It will play a critical role in driving global recovery efforts, particularly as more of the world opens up to local and international airlines, as tourists and entertainment locations welcome back visitors, and as more people embrace returning to work. Life is gradually resuming its previous course. The success of the UAE’s precautionary and preventive measures, as well as the business sector’s faith in the government’s policies, have sparked a surge in media interest as they prepare to cover this global event.
