Arab Radio and Television Network (ART), a Saudi-based television network, will set up studios and offices in Dubai Studio City to further expand its current scope of programming.

ART, a subsidiary of Arab Media Corporation (AMC),  delivers quality TV content based on traditional values and culture to Arab homes across the globe. Its current pay-TV platform comprises more than two million viewers.

Dubai Studio City, a member of Tecom Investments, offers a complete technical and community infrastructure catering to the film, TV, radio production and broadcast industries.

Addressing a press conference, Abdullatif Almulla, CEO, Tecom Investments, said: “Tecom Investments is pleased to welcome onboard the Arab Radio and Television Network as one of our business partners.  Contributing to Dubai’s long-term vision to support the growth of its knowledge-based industries, all our clusters offer world-class infrastructure for companies that seek to establish their regional office in Dubai.

“As a Tecom entity, Dubai Studio City will serve as an appropriate avenue to augment the growth of ART, and provide opportunities for people, brands and subsidiaries to help them realize their full potential.”

Jamal Al Sharif, executive director, Dubai Studio City said: “The wealth of opportunities and world-class infrastructure that Dubai offers will immensely complement ART, which has selected Dubai Studio City as its location of choice for setting up operations. ART’s unique offerings, which seek to preserve traditional Arab values and culture, will distinctively enhance the cluster’s existing group of broadcast and production companies.

“As DSC strives to boost the film industry’s growth in Dubai and the region, we are confident that our high quality ancillary services will be widely utilized by ART’s experienced and dedicated team.”

Abdul Aziz Yamani, CEO, Arab Media Corporation, said: “The facility that ART will establish in Dubai Studio City aims to develop third party international media brands, with a possibility of conceptualising and broadcasting localized programming from the free zone. The opportunity of being based in Dubai, the hub of regional businesses, provides us with access to a rich talent pool that will enhance the network’s new initiatives.”

The ART complex will house the Arab Reach Media (ARM), ART’s advertising and sales arm, and the corporate office of AMC, as well as its other subsidiaries.

Muhyuldeen Saleh Kamel, general manager, ART Sports Channels, said: “ART is keen to come closer to its audience, particularly in the GCC region.  Dubai Studio City’s amenities and services complement ART’s plans to decentralize the programming and deliver local content that is tailored to the sensitivities of our viewers.

“We look forward to this collaboration which we hope will generate results that will contribute to the growth of the local and regional broadcast industries.”

ART provides comprehensive, all-encompassing entertainment, including nine sports channels, three Arabic movie channels, four Western and Indian movie channels, four music channels, nine variety channels, three kids and knowledge channels, and six news channels. ART's production offices are spread throughout the Middle East, while its technical headquarters are based in Jordan.

Spread over an area of 22 million sq. ft, Dubai Studio City includes 14 sound stages, 3.5 million sq ft back lot for outdoor shooting, commercial offices, pre-built studios, a business centre and post-production studios. - TradeArabia News Service