Dubai Studio City, the Middle East's first dedicated film production cluster and a member of Tecom Investments, will showcase for the second consecutive year its diversified value offerings at IBC 2008, Europe's largest annual broadcast show.

Highlighting Dubai's role on the global landscape, Dubai Studio City will also highlight the facilities and services offered through the free zone to potential international partners from the US, India, the UK, Europe and Canada.

IBC 2008 will be held from September 12 to 16 at the RAI Exhibition and Congress Centre in Amsterdam.

Complementing the regional media industry’s growth by 19 per cent in 2007 according to Pan Arab Research Center (PARC) – Dubai Studio City achieved phenomenal growth of 263 per cent in 2007, based on 58 new business partners, compared to 2006.

Jamal Al Sharif, executive director, Dubai Studio City, said: “IBC 2008 offers an ideal platform for Dubai Studio City to showcase our sophisticated offerings to the international broadcast community.

"Strategically located at the crossroads of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, Dubai Studio City offers prospective partners a business enabling environment with significant incentives including a 100 per cent tax free benefit."

Currently, Dubai Studio City is home to over 70 broadcasters, while more than 160 TV channels operate from Dubai Media City (DMC), yet another Tecom Investments entity.

DSC has over 140 licensed business partners, comprising recognised broadcasters such as MTV, Spacetoon, Nickelodeon and NDTV (Arabia), and value chain companies including EVS Broadcast Equipment SA, Irdeto, Alpatron, and Mediapro.

Dubai Studio City will leverage the IBC platform to highlight its world class satellite broadcast solutions.

Provided in partnership with du, a vertically integrated satellite services provider that owns and operates its own communication infrastructure, Dubai Studio City provides access to teleport and satellite connectivity for enabling customers to uplink and downlink content and live feeds.

“Dubai Studio City’s participation in major international events such as IBC facilitates our interaction with key global players in the broadcasting sector.

"We keenly look forward to establishing increased synergy with a body of professionals such as broadcasters, content creators/providers, equipment manufacturers, professional and technical associations from across the world."

With its state-of-the-art facility, Dubai Studio City offers shared services and infrastructure including production and post-production facilities, which allows broadcasters to leverage considerable operational cost savings.

Location Approval Services (LAS), Dubai Studio City’s dedicated operational arm, is mandated with facilitating government permits for all photography and filming activities in Dubai, enhancing the operations of regional and international filmmakers.

Dedicated to the growth of film, TV, radio production, post-production and broadcast industries in the region, the 22 million square foot Dubai Studio City boasts 14 sound stages, 3.5 million square foot back lot for outdoor shooting, commercial offices, pre-built studios, a business centre and post-production studios. - TradeArabia News Service