The television market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is expected to grow by 30 per cent from 2016 to 2021, an increase in value of almost $3.5 billion, making the MEA region one of the fastest growing global markets, said a report published by IDATE Digiworld.

According to the report, a fast-growing young population and a promising economic outlook are both contributing factors for the growth.

Key players within the cable and satellite industry are eager to showcase their latest products and solutions during the 24th edition of Cabsat, taking place from January 14 to 16, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), in Dubai, UAE.

The Content Congress, the region’s leading broadcast conference, and the co-located SatExpo, delivering all satellite communication solutions and technologies to the Middle East and North Africa region (Mena) region, will both return as prominent features at the show this year, delivering high-level sessions streamlined into three tracks: technical, strategic and creative.

Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, events and exhibitions management, DWTC, said: “The cable and satellite industry has experienced a multitude of changes and challenges brought on by the dawn of a technology-driven society.”

“Between competition from new industry players offering over the top services and video on demand content, to the adoption and integration of these services by existing and established organisations, companies have been forced to make changes in order to stay relevant in the industry,” he said.

More than 40 speakers are set to share their insights during the Content Congress, representing industry heavyweights such as Facebook, BBC, iflix, WWE, UTURN, Cartoon Network Studios Arabia, Rotana Media Group, Viacom International Media Networks' (VIMN), Turner Broadcasting, Cote Ouest, Cairo News Company, Discovery Networks and FremantleMedia.

Similarly, SatExpo’s line up will include high level speakers across broadcast, telecoms, aviation and maritime sectors with the keynote being delivered by Dr Eng Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, director general of the UAE Space Agency.

Additionally, the exhibition floor will offer opportunities for industry professionals to test, use and experience the latest equipment in the broadcast, satellite communication, content delivery and electronic media industries, as well as explore the latest industry-tailored features lead by top experts in their sectors.

LohMirmand said: “The newly set up IP Theatre will deliver a non-stop series of presentations covering a range of topics focused on real-time IP production and intra-facility distribution.”

“These sessions are catered for those who are working in IP as well as though who are considering entering the industry for the first time,” he said.

Another new edition for the show, is the ‘Script to Screen in 48 Hours Competition’ which will offer students and young professionals exclusive training and support the creation of Arabic content.

The initiative will task teams to create, write, film, edit and produce a short piece of content onsite that will be judged by a panel headed by Martin Gaiss, former senior vice president, Content at 20th Century Fox. Prizes will be awarded to the winning teams on the final day of the show.
CABSAT continues to be the foremost platform for the broadcast, production, content delivery, digital media and satellite industries, and the hub for buyers, sellers and experts across the region. – TradeArabia News Service