1 Podeo and Rotana Media Services signed a strategic partnership to monetise podcasts hosted on Podeo, the largest podcast platform in the region. Podeo joins RMS’s media representation portfolio, including radio, TV, streaming, and outdoor. It is primarily owned by Saudi Billionaire Prince Al Waleed bin Talal.
2 In August, Prince Badr bin Abdullah, the Saudi minister of culture signed an agreement with Waleed bin Ibrahim, the chairman of MBC Group to launch a new TV channel. It will celebrate Saudi culture and broadcast a diverse range of programmes focused on its rich history.
3 SRMG, the largest integrated media group from the MENA region, launched Asharq Discovery,
a new free-to-view Arabic-language infotainment platform, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).
4 In September, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council launched a new vision and strategy for Abu Dhabi Media Network. The strategy will be in place across all the network’s broadcast, digital and print media platforms.
5 Barbie Mania captivated audiences worldwide but also shattered multiple records. The movie outperformed even the most optimistic box office predictions, amassing an impressive US$337 million worldwide during its opening weekend. In August, the movie premiered in the Middle East on over 500+ screens, boasting over 16,000 shows in its inaugural week across Motivate Val Morgan’s network of cinemas in UAE, KSA, Bahrain and Egypt.
6 The MediaVantage partnered with one of the largest news organisations, Reuters. The collaboration will allow The MediaVantage to act as the representative for Reuters in the region, providing Middle Eastern brands with advertising and marketing solutions.
7 Dubai Media Inc. launched its new corporate identity and strategy. Its new vision aims to transform the press sector, enhance Dubai’s role as a global economic hub and major gateway to world trade, promote Emirati culture, focus on local affairs, and cover developments in all sectors.
8 WPP and Spotify announced a new global strategic partnership that will enable WPP to offer its clients early access to Spotify’s ad products and first-party intelligence. The collaboration sees Spotify becoming the first digital audio platform to be directly integrated into WPP’s suite of products and solutions.
9 In June, Saudi-based media group, SRMG signed a partnership with NEOM Media Industries. NEOM Media Industries is a developing regional centre for KSA’s media and creative industries.
10 Anghami launched an AI-powered personalised podcast. The platform is also releasing its first-ever daily news podcast, called the Anghami AI Newsroom, which is generated solely by AI. The new features allow users to create their own personalised podcasts and will be available through a premium subscription tier.
