Ericsson has strengthened its partnership with twofour54, the commercial arm of the Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi, through the acquisition of its current playout business, initially providing playout services for nine different channels.

The agreement, which comes as part of a long-term partnership, recognizes the important role of the private sector in supporting twofour54 in building Abu Dhabi’s media industry ecosystem, a statement said.

For Ericsson, the acquisition provides an ideal springboard for its expansion into the region from its base in Abu Dhabi, it added.

As part of this partnership, Ericsson will establish a media hub in Abu Dhabi to serve clients across the Middle East region and beyond.

The hub will provide playout services and act as the local base to eventually leverage Ericsson’s leading portfolio of services in content management, over-the-top (OTT), content discovery, metadata, creative and access services.

Noura Al Kaabi, CEO of twofour54, said: “Twofour54 is committed to the growth of the media industry across the Mena region. This long-term partnership with Ericsson is another step towards achieving our goal of being the region’s leading developer of a sustainable, private sector led media industry.”

Rafiah Ibrahim, president Ericsson Region Middle East and East Africa, said: “The Networked Society is happening across Region Middle East, transforming industries.  Today we see the TV industry in the Region witnessing this transformation with strong local and international broadcaster base. Our role is to help those broadcasters seize the opportunities of this transformation.”

“The partnership with twofour54 is an important milestone in our ambition to provide industry-leading media services in this dynamic region,” Ibrahim added.

Ericsson will work closely with twofour54 to develop media services in Abu Dhabi and nurture the development of media professionals in the region.

Young Emirati nationals will be encouraged to undertake internships, participate in training courses and will also have access to employment opportunities. This will also give them exposure to the media industry’s fast growing private sector. – TradeArabia News Service