Just ahead of the start of 2018 edition of DISCOP Dubai, Saudi Arabia has announced a commitment to invest $64 billion in support of the entertainment sector as part of Vision 2030, the social and economic reform program spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Kingdom looks set to have the fastest growing media sector in the region, if not the world.
But what do Saudi viewers actually watch? The opening keynote presentation at DISCOP Dubai will be made by Dr. Riyadh Naim, CEO of the Saudi Media Measurement Company. SMMC is the only internationally accredited TV people metering service in the MENA region, and gives a unique insight into Saudi viewing habits.
25 Feb 10:15 – 11:00 AM | OPENING KEYNOTE
What TV shows are Saudi Arabia’s 33 million inhabitants watching?
- What is SMMC and why its data is the only legitimate measure of audience viewing in Saudi Arabia
- the performance of Arabic productions during Ramadan in particular
- the performance of international shows (Turkish, American, Indian, Korean, European etc.) throughout the year
Dr. Najm’s opening address will be a must-attend event for any producers planning on taking advantage of what promises to be a massive investment in the sector. He will elaborate on the Saudi population is looking for in TV content, and his insights will prove invaluable in light of the recent reforms and changes taking place within Saudi Arabia.
With a recent ban on commercial cinemas lifted, it is clear that content development will be part of the Saudi government’s investment strategy. As Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority Chief Ahmed bin Aqeel al-Khatib explains, “In the past, investors would go outside the kingdom to produce their work, and then showcase it back in Saudi Arabia. Today, change will happen and everything related to entertainment will be done here.”
DISCOP Dubai starts tomorrow, February 25th at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City and more information can be found here: www.discop.com