Ali Akawi

Public Service Broadcasters: From a cost mindset to an ecosystem growth mindset Public Service Broadcasters in the GCC have a bad rap. Their government owners tend to be concerned about their costs and the number of employees. Their viewers and listeners have a broad array of private and big tech media options vying for their attention. Their management teams are often either too frustrated with or begrudgingly accepting of regulatory constraints such as annual funding horizons and rigid hiring/firing protocols. Their strategies tend to come and go in cycles. Periods of great support lead to ambitious plans, accelerated momentum, and motivated teams. Invariably, these cycles end as financial priorities shift elsewhere. Budgets are cut, content is reduced, and people move on. Any gains made are lost. Too often they still follow an outdated vertically integrated model where much of their activity, from infrastructure provision to content creation, distribution, and monetization, is done in-house. This distracts management’s focus, swells operating costs, and reduces responsiveness to audience needs. Yet, these institutions have a vital role to play—if only their purpose is reframed. Rather than trying to be the end-to-end be-all solution for public media, they should become an engine of media sector development. How to achieve this transformation? Try this: Produce the vast majority (or all) of content through independent production companies based in their home market. Take chances on emerging talent, new formats, and public-private partnerships. Differentiate through content that brings local stories and local topics to life. Work with tech and production companies to be the test bed for new technologies and distribution formats. Spin off production and distribution infrastructure and operations to private sector players. Partner with other national broadcasters to create a critical mass of offerings. Become a lean organization, focused exclusively on maintaining and growing audiences. This transformation will change governments’ mindset from counting the cost of public service media, to measuring its impact in terms of jobs created in the ecosystem, talent developed across the sector, stories told to larger audiences, and contributions made to the national economy. #publicservicemedia #strategy #mediasector

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Despite the growth of the video on demand market, traditional TV viewership is seeing a slow but steady growth worldwide.    However, this doesn’t seem to be the case in the UAE.   TV viewing has declined among UAE residents, according to YouGov’s latest media report.   A higher proportion of UAE residents (70%) spent less than 10 hours per week on live TV viewership in 2023 compared to 2021 (54%).   Aside from this, video on demand (VOD) platforms have experienced increased usage in the last two years, with Amazon Prime and YouTube having had the largest uplift.   The report found that Gen Z were the most likely to use on demand services, with YouTube dominating Gen Z’s top choice for on-demand TV. How often do you watch TV? 🤔   #tv #vod #uae #media

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The UAE Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a collaboration between DUBAI FUTURE FOUNDATION and World Economic Forum, recently published the report “Artificial Intelligence in Creative Industries: Guidelines for the Development, Regulation, and Use” to help stakeholders worldwide navigate the developing field of AI, looking closely at ethics, inclusivity and transparency. I had the pleasure of contributing insights on the state of the creative industries, how the future is actively being shaped by AI, and the important role creatives play in the evolution and responsible use of AI. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/dVsPuNxQ

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🚀 NEW LAUNCH!!! 🚀 DCD>Connect MENA - DUBAI 15th & 16th April - JW Marriott Marquis DCD>Connect 2025 event schedule expands to the Middle East to meet demand. DCD has long served the Middle East market with its online coverage, broadcast series, and learning & development portfolio. Announcing the continued expansion of the Connect Portfolio, DCD>Connect Managing Director, Rebecca Davison , highlighted that ‘with over 500,000 active users of DCD’s website across the Middle East, we are delighted to be bringing this innovative event model to Dubai. 🌐 ‘This launch creates a peer exchange platform at a key time for the region and facilitates new partnerships needed for the journey ahead' 🤝 The Numbers behind the growth in the Middle East DCD forecast that the Middle East data center market will grow to circa 2000+ MW by 2029; circa 25% CAGR. The expected number of facilities is also growing fast with around a 92% growth projected in terms of number of data center facilities by 2029. In such a fast-evolving region, bringing together data centers experts year-round online and face-to-face, can enable greater peer-exchange and accelerate project-planning to meet this demand effectively and sustainably. 🌱 #DCDconnect #Middleeast #Dubai #2025 #Datacenter #Sustainability #Investment #events

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Thank you to Circular Business Review & Paula C. for highlighting the OCEC's positive track-record when it comes to #sustainability 🍃 Since our inception, the OCEC has been on a journey to become one of the most sustainable venues in the region. With sustainability, we're thinking holistically and trying to answer important questions which are driving our industry forward. 🌿 How can we offer a more sustainable space for our event organisers? 🌿 What is our role in supporting our government's Net Zero strategy towards 2050? 🌿 What partnerships can be build along the way with global companies and SMEs to enable our sustainable practices or initiatives? This is what is driving everyone at the OCEC to think outside the box and pioneer important initiatives, just like our solar rooftop project, making us one step closer to being a fully green venue. #wheretheworldmeets #sustainability

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🌍 Sales and Culture: The Key to Success in the Middle East 🌍 Sales isn’t just about numbers; it’s a blend of trust, relationships, and respect for cultural nuances—especially here in the Middle East. In a region where personal connections drive business, understanding and embracing the local culture is paramount. At Phoenix Consulting Agency, we’re committed to fostering these values and helping businesses succeed through culturally aware and impactful strategies. Here are some key aspects we prioritize: Respect the Relationship-Building Process: In the Middle East, deals aren’t just transactions; they’re partnerships. We invest time in understanding and building trust with clients, because every partnership deserves that foundation. Patience is a Virtue: Quick deals may be the norm elsewhere, but here, a more deliberate approach often yields better long-term results. Patience shows respect and commitment to the partnership. Localize Your Approach: Understanding cultural norms and preferences is crucial. From how we greet one another to the way we present solutions, customizing our approach to align with local business etiquette is essential. Commitment to Quality: The Middle East has a keen eye for quality and excellence. Demonstrating high standards in service and product offerings reinforces trust and ensures repeat business. At Phoenix Consulting, we know that success in the Middle East is more than achievable when you lead with human connection and cultural understanding. Let's make a positive impact together. #PhoenixConsulting #SalesCulture #MiddleEastBusiness #RelationshipBuilding #SalesLeadership

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A recent survey reveals that UAE residents prefer social media and online streaming over traditional television broadcasting for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Click on the article to learn more about the consumer patterns of Olympics viewers in the country. #ParisOlympics2024

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Our CEO, Amer El Hajj, spoke at the Arabian Business Leadership Summit 2024 yesterday on ESG and the significant role advertising plays in contributing to a better future for our planet. "Sustainability is everyone's responsibility. We are in the business of shaping the next era of media and making advertising work better for people, which includes finding solutions to bring sustainable change to the industry. We are proud of GroupM's Decarbonization Framework, its measurement methodologies designed to break down the media value chain, and its guidance on defining the necessary data inputs to measure carbon emissions across all five stages of the advertising life cycle." Thanks to Arabian Business for organising such an engaging event and to Amer's fellow panellists for the meaningful discussion, Christian Muhr and Nahla Kamal, and moderator Tala Michel Issa. To find out more about GroupM's Decarbonization Framework, visit here: https://shorturl.at/6av8x #arabianbusiness #leadershipsummit #leadershipsummit2024 #ESG #Sustainability #media #GroupM #decarbonisation #sustainability   

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The Middle East & Africa's loyalty programs is experiencing a BOOM 💣! Customers are wanting more personalized experiences, and businesses are taking notice. ❤️💛 #CX #MiddleEast #Dubai #Philippines #Singapore #Indonesia #Saudi #MEAloyalty #CustomerEngagement #LoyaltyProgram

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On the latest episode of Campaign Middle East's 'On The Record' video podcast, Snap Inc.'s Youmna Borghol and Omnicom Media Group (MENA)'s Christos Solomi discuss how adding video + AR to the mix has an incredible impact on driving active attention, brand outcomes, and brand metrics across the full funnel - and what this means for marketers. To watch the full episode, click on the link below. #AR #Video #ActiveAttention #Outcomes #BrandMetrics #Marketing #Channel #Platform #Snap #AugmentedReality

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Cara Nazari, CEO of AmCham Dubai, Member, Global Network of American Chambers of Commerce (American Business Council), shares her superpower, "resilience" at the recent Break the Ceiling Touch the Sky 2024 program. In a powerful reflection, Cara highlights the challenge of unconscious bias, especially for women in leadership. She emphasizes resilience and persistence—"putting yourself out there over and over"—are key to overcoming these biases. Despite the stereotypes often faced by women, she believes that continuing to be vocal and addressing these biases directly will help drive progress. In this growth region, visibility and presence of women in business remain crucial for future success. Cara’s story is a reminder that resilience and confronting biases are fundamental to achieving growth and gender equity in leadership. Sammy Bousaba, Robert Mikhael, Amer Afifi, Roula Droubi, Kanan Kasuya, Ashraf Mallak, Mohamed Ali Eldabaa, Nikos Sarvanakis #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #Resilience #AmChamDubai #BreakTheCeiling

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Check out our ABC Weekly Newsletter from last week! 📌 Discover what our Chairman Ammar Mirza CBE got up to last week for ABC 📌 Read this week's editorial about: Global Perspectives on Inclusion from Asian Culture 📌 Explore how Saudi Business Links and Ali Alwabel are increasing UK-Saudi Collaboration ➡ Plus browse any upcoming events from us and our partners Click here to view: https://lnkd.in/eVb86vwR #connectsupportpromote #abc #inclusionbydefault #ibd #saudi #newsletter #weeklynews

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Dubai has launched the long-term ‘Dubai Gaming Visa’ This powerful initiative aims to encourage them to develop and enhance their skills, in addition to providing numerous investment opportunities designed to help them turn innovative ideas into successful projects. This move is part of the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 initiated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, last November to position Dubai among the top 10 cities in the global gaming industry and significantly boost the sector's contribution to the growth of Dubai's digital economy and increase the GDP by approximately USD 1 billion by 2033. Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), highlighted the potential impact of the Dubai Gaming Visa and its role in enhancing the cultural and creative industries, stating :”The Dubai Gaming Visa embodies the vision and aspirations of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and contributes to enhancing the emirate’s appeal as a premier destination for entrepreneurs, investors, game developers, designers, and programmers. It also attracts individuals with innovative ideas and both established and emerging companies specialising in the development and production of content, gaming applications, and artificial intelligence. This helps achieve Dubai’s cultural vision of being a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.” Dubai aspires to add 30,000 new jobs linked to the e-gaming sector by 2033, demonstrating the substantial support the sector enjoys within the emirate, which has leveraged all its capabilities and framework to attract leading professionals in the industry. This support also extends to hosting and organising a range of initiatives, events, and exhibitions dedicated to this rapid growth and expansion. The Dubai Gaming Visa can be applied for via the Dubai Culture website or through https://lnkd.in/dQPqb3BX, attaching all required documents, including educational qualifications, proof of community contributions, and job roles, as well as copies of passports, residence permits, EIDs, cultural biographies and CVs, and contact details. Applicants must also provide details of their addresses, places of residence, occupations, and workplaces. Applicants can apply on: https://lnkd.in/dYC_a6rM #UAE #Dubai #GamingVisa #DubaiGaming #esports

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ATM 2024: Global market value to pass $1 trillion by 2027 -The 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), taking place in Dubai May 6-9, will focus on the ‘full spectrum’ of travel and tourism. #tourism #luxury #atm2024

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