The 2019 edition of Dubai International Content Market – DICM kicked off today at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel Conference Centre in Dubai, with a strong lineup of regional and international exhibitors, buyers and speakers.

Running until the 10^th of December 2019, DICM offers leading brands in the global and regional media, entertainment and content landscape, an annual platform in Dubai to explore the local market, gain entry and expand their footprint in the most lucrative markets of the MENA region.

In its latest edition, DICM opens its doors to 500+ participants from 50+ countries. Distributors from South America, UK, Russia, Turkey and MENA region spread over 300sqm. of customized stands are ready to tap into the region’s content interest. With over 850 pre-scheduled meetings, DICM promises to be one of its best, with exclusive screenings, exciting panel discussions and potential business deals worth over 200 million dollars.

Commenting on the launch of the 2019 edition of DICM, Eng. Anas Al Madani, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of INDEX Holding, said, “Over the years, Dubai has played a phenomenal role in the growth of the media, entertainment and content markets in the GCC and other lucrative markets of the MENA region bringing it at par with the highest international standards and practices. This is largely due to Dubai’s rising investment in media infrastructure as well as the emirate’s growing reputation as a world-class business destination. The latest report of Arab Media Outlook published last year, clearly illustrates UAE’s media potential which indicates that the media market in the UAE is estimated to be worth nearly 2.2. billion dollars (8 billion dirhams), with the advertising market contributing significantly up to 2.051 billion dollars (7.527 billion dirhams) and the country has the highest level of spending media per capita surpassing the rest of the region.”

He added, “Keeping this in mind, we recognize that there is a greater need for an innovative media platform that facilitates knowledge sharing and fosters collaboration within the content creation, production and distribution segments of the media industry. This year, Dubai International Content Market – DICM has attracted the participation of some of the biggest brands in the global media industry such as Warner Bros, Viacom, A +E Networks and Inter Medya and we are highly confident that their new insights into the latest trends and practices will further enhance the ability of industry professionals to face future challenges as well as explore new ways to stay relevant and remain competitive in this rapidly evolving industry.”

On her part, Micheline Azoury Director of Sales & Acquisitions at SHOWLAB said, “SHOWLAB is an Italian production and Distribution company attending DICM for the first time and we are immensely delighted to participate in the 2019 edition. At DICM, SHOWLAB is showcasing its special line up of Format Entertainment, Drama TV series and TV movies made in Spain as we represent a leading Spanish producer’s catalogue. We thank DICM organizers, who did an amazing job in the past 2 years in implementing new strategies and introducing customized plans for niche exhibitors like us. Such services are greatly helpful for all attendees, visitors and exhibitors alike who feel at ease and rest assured to have a very productive market.”

While commenting on their participation, Rony Mitri,  Head of Non-Theatrical Distribution, MENA, Empire said, “Empire is happy to celebrate its 100 years in 2019 and we are very much looking forward to meeting new and existing clients at DICM.”

As the media, entertainment and content market undergoes groundbreaking changes with digital media and new video streaming services constantly disrupting the industry, DICM features discussions on many key trending industry topics as well as exclusive screenings by top media giants in the industry. In a session titled ‘Screening Session all3media international’, representatives of the UK- based all3media international share their experiences and insights about how their role in supplying the right content is critical in the media, entertainment and content ecosystem. In another session under the title ‘Exporting Arabic Content to the World’, experts focus their attention on ‘Is it time to break borders and follow the success of Telenovelas or Turkish Series?”, while another screening session showcases an exclusive presentation by the Saudi Arabia based company ‘Manga Productions’ which includes an exclusive screening session and presentation.

Additionally, in a separate session titled ‘Content Creation in the Arab World’, experts speak about ‘Is anyone a content creator now?’, ‘Challenges and opportunities in the MENA region’, ‘Egypt leads still, but is there room for other countries to start producing?’ and ‘How are the government institutions helping content creators?’. Meanwhile, DICM includes an ‘Animation – Case Study’ where Sinan Ismail, CEO of Digital Durian presents the success story of Omar & Hana in the online ecosystem.

Keeping abreast with the latest updates in events industry, the 2019 edition of DICM presents tailormade solutions for its exhibitors featuring many new and improved concepts while at the same time focusing its attention on creating a dedicated B2B platform serving the needs of the Middle East and Africa Film, Media and Entertainment fraternity in the region and abroad.

Dubai International Content Market – DICM is organized annually by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions – a member of INDEX Holding and supported by Abu Dhabi Media, Dubai Film and TV Commission and mena.tv.