beIN and The Walt Disney Company Extend Their Content Agreement
Deal will bring Disney Channel and Disney Junior in English and Arabic to MENA, while subscribers continue to enjoy a selection of premium content DOHA, QATAR – 3 March 2025: beIN MEDIA GROUP (‘beIN’), the global media group, has extended its content agreement with The Walt Disney Company in 24 countries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Under the new deal, beIN secures the broadcast rights to Disney Channel and Disney Junior across the MENA region in English and Arabic. The agreement also ensures that beIN will continue offering premium content to its subscribers across a wide range of channels, including National Geographic, National Geographic Wild, Baby TV, STAR MOVIES, STAR WORLD, and STAR ACTION. Viewers can catch up on select content under the agreement via beIN’s OTT platform, beIN CONNECT. Esra Özaral Altop, Chief Entertainment Content Officer, beIN MEDIA GROUP said: “We are delighted to extend our collaboration with The Walt Disney Company, continuing to deliver the premium content our viewers in the region expect. The addition of two new channels, Disney Channel and Disney Junior, promise to offer our young audience hours of entertainment and adventure. With select content also available on-demand, beIN is reinforcing its commitment to bringing premium entertainment to MENA and solidifying its position as the broadcaster of choice for families across the region.” Vasilis Iliopoulos, VP, Country Manager MENA, The Walt Disney Company, said: “We are pleased to be extending our collaboration with beIN MEDIA GROUP. Our Disney Channel and Disney Junior channels are home to some of the most beloved content for young audiences. From fan-favorite Mickey and Friends to global phenomenon, Bluey, the Channels are full of non-stop entertainment for the families across the region. Our continued collaboration with beIN allows for more families to enjoy this premium content and discover new favorites from the Disney brand.” Some of the most notable titles coming to beIN’s screens for young viewers on Disney Channel include Miraculous, following the adventures of Ladybug and Cat Noir as they protect Paris from supervillains; Phineas and Ferb, a fun-filled series about two inventive stepbrothers and their wild summer adventures; Monsters at Work, a spin-off from the beloved Monsters, Inc., bringing new laughs and challenges to the monster world; and on Disney Junior, titles including Mickey and Friends, a heartwarming series about friendship and teamwork; Ariel, an exciting underwater adventure with the iconic Little Mermaid; Winnie the Pooh, the classic, lovable tales of Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood; and Bluey, a delightful show about a lovable Australian puppy and her family. Meanwhile, the STAR channels will continue bringing beIN subscribers the best-in-class fan favorites, including Life of Pi, a visually stunning tale of survival and faith; 12 Years a Slave, an Oscar-winning story of resilience and freedom; Project Runway, where aspiring fashion designers compete for the top prize; The Amazing Race, a thrilling global adventure where teams race across the world; MasterChef, a culinary competition with the world’s best home cooks; the Taken trilogy, a fast-paced action-packed series starring Liam Neeson; and Grey’s Anatomy, the beloved medical drama that continues to capture hearts. The partnership, dating back to 2022, reinforces beIN and The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to delivering exceptional, world-class entertainment to beIN’s MENA subscribers. The continued collaboration with The Walt Disney Company ensures that audiences across the region will continue to enjoy a rich and diverse array of premium content for years to come.
Snap Inc. signs landmark MOU with Government Communications Office (GCO) at Web Summit Qatar 2025 to launch first Augmented Reality Academy in the MENA region
MOU unlocks the creative potential of the region’s impressive talent pool and fuels thriving digital ecosystem Doha, Qatar, 26 February 2025: Snap Inc. has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar’s Government Communications Office (GCO) to launch the first Augmented Reality (AR) Academy in the MENA region. Announced at Web Summit Qatar 2025, the agreement marks a significant step in unlocking creative potential across the region and driving digital innovation. The partnership with GCO for the first AR Academy will unlock new opportunities and empower the next generation of AR creators and developers. This move also underscores Snap’s long-term commitment to investing in MENA’s digital ecosystem, by building AR capabilities for partners both old and new, which is critical to digital transformation agendas. Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the GCO and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Commitee, said: “Our partnership with Snap to launch the region’s first Augmented Reality Academy marks a strategic milestone in empowering digital talent and driving technological innovation. This initiative aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 in building a knowledge-based economy and nurturing the next generation of creators by equipping them with the essential tools and skills to navigate global digital transformations. Through our investment in such pioneering programs, we continue to strengthen Qatar’s position as a regional centre for digital excellence and technological innovation.” Hussein Freijeh, General Manager of Snap Inc. in the Middle East said: “We continue to bet on AR technology as we believe its potential is limitless. AR brings joy and utility to everyday life, enables brands to drive real business results, and empowers developers to push creative boundaries. The long-term success of the technology requires a vibrant developer and creator ecosystem, which is critical to the digital transformation taking place in the region. Once again we are honored to work hand in hand with GCO to drive the growth and digital upskilling of the thriving talent pool and we cannot wait to see the groundbreaking work they produce”. AR has played a pivotal role in visual communication for more than a decade, pioneered by Snapchat and widely loved by online communities and brands all over the world for its ability to elevate creativity, connection and self-expression. From retail try-ons, and now Gen AI, Snapchat has evolved AR into a tool for human connection and spatial computing. Today, over 300 million people use AR on Snapchat and more than 85% of MENA daily users interact with Lenses every day. In Q4 2024 alone, more than 400 million Snapchatters engaged with Gen AI-powered Lenses over 4 billion times. Developers and creators are central to the potential of this technology and Snap is committed to supporting this community through a variety of programs, opportunities and tools to help them build experiences and grow their creative potential. Currently, more than 375,000 AR creators, developers, and teams from nearly every country in the world have built over 4 million Lenses. Many of these are created using fifth generation Snap Spectacles, which have capabilities to better build and experiment with AR, allowing users to interact with the world and each other in entirely new ways. The MOU punctuated an action-packed Web Summit, which saw Snap take a central role in showcasing the evolution of its AR technology and reinforcing the positive role the tech plays in fostering authentic connections across the GCC. Snap’s presence included live tech demonstrations, Snap Spectacles, expert-led discussions, and AR masterclasses, bringing the power of AR to life for attendees.
Kingdee expands its footprint into the Middle East, opening Qatar office
25 February 2025, Doha – Qatar: Kingdee International Software Group Company Limited（0268 .HK）announced today the opening of its regional headquarters in Qatar’s Free Zones, marking its official entry into the Middle East market. The establishment of this regional headquarters has been facilitated through the support of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar, Invest Qatar, the investment promotion agency of Qatar and Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ). Founded in 1993, Kingdee is a globally renowned enterprise management cloud SaaS company listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Expanding its global presence has been one of Kingdee’s key strategic objectives. In December 2023, Kingdee and QIA announced an agreement in which QIA would invest around $200 million in the company. This investment recognised Kingdee as a category leader and key enabler of enterprise cloud transformation in China. The investment in Kingdee aligns with QIA’s strategic objective to invest in leading companies and technologies in global digitalisation trends. Robert Xu, Chairman and CEO of Kingdee Group stated: “Today marks a pivotal moment in the global expansion plans of Kingdee. Following the investment by QIA in December 2023, we are excited to further strengthen our collaboration with Qatar by opening our first office in the Middle East, in Qatar’s Free Zones. Kingdee plans to leverage Qatar as a bridgehead for expanding our footprint into the Middle East and North Africa markets, drive the digital transformation of local enterprises and supporting Qatar to achieve its “Qatar National Vision 2030. We are excited to collaborate with QIA, Invest Qatar and QFZ to bridge the gap between Kingdee and the Middle Eastern market, supporting Kingdee’s international growth strategy.” Mohammed Saif Al-Sowaidi, CEO of QIA stated: “QIA has been an investor in Kingdee since 2023 and recognises the company’s expertise in enterprise digitalization and cloud services in China. We are confident that Kingdee will succeed in their expansion and will bring a valuable offering to the Middle East market.” Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO, Invest Qatar, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Kingdee to Qatar. The establishment of their regional headquarters in Qatar marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to attract leading global technology companies to our region. This collaboration underscores Qatar’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that supports innovation and digital transformation. We look forward to working closely with Kingdee, the Qatar Investment Authority, and the Qatar Free Zones Authority to drive forward our shared vision of economic growth and technological advancement, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy.” On this strategic move, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), said: “Kingdee’s decision to establish its regional headquarters in our free zones reaffirms Qatar’s position as a leading hub for digital innovation. This partnership, developed through the joint efforts of Qatar Investment Authority, Invest Qatar, and Qatar Free Zones Authority, reflects our collective drive to achieve Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy — the final wave of the Qatar National Vision 2030. By integrating Kingdee’s expertise into our technology ecosystem, we accelerate digital transformation and strengthen Qatar’s role as a gateway for next-generation solutions to drive economic diversification and sustainable growth.” QFZ will provide Kingdee with a strategically positioned platform to strengthen its regional presence, cultivate high-impact collaborations, and contribute to the evolution of enterprise digitalisation. As a publicly listed company with over 31 years of history, Kingdee has reinforced its product R&D and implementation capabilities through serving more than 7.4 million customers worldwide. Kingdee SaaS solutions are used in 172 countries and regions worldwide, supporting 42 languages and serving over 1000 customers to achieve overseas digital operations. “We are confident in our ability to deliver professional enterprise digital solutions to Qatar and the regional market.” Kingdee, leveraging its industry expertise and the management models of China’s leading enterprises, can provide end-to-end digital solutions encompassing financial management, supply chain optimisation, and production operations to local businesses. This empowers regional enterprises to enhance management efficiency and strengthen competitive capabilities. The establishment of Kingdee Qatar represents a strategic milestone in Kingdee’s commitment to delivering localised services from Qatar’s Free Zones to global clients. Guided by the principle of “think globally, operate locally,” the company will synergize regional business acumen with technological strengths, integrating AI-driven digital technologies and management expertise to provide comprehensive one-stop solutions. This initiative will accelerate the development of the Middle East’s software and internet industries through technological empowerment.
Snap Inc. Steps Up AR Investment in the Region to Empower the Next Generation of Developers at Web Summit Qatar 2025
Middle East, 19 February 2025: In a region eager to embrace emerging technologies, Snap Inc. is stepping up its investment in the region by empowering the next generation of Augmented Reality (AR) developers in MENA and building their AR capabilities at Web Summit Qatar 2025. With over 85% of GCC Snapchatters engaging with AR lenses daily, Snap is ensuring that the region remains at the forefront of innovation in this rapidly evolving digital landscape. At this year’s Web Summit Qatar 2025, guests will walk through an immersive AR journey, showcasing the evolution of Snap’s AR and how the technology has grown beyond entertainment to become a powerful tool for self-expression, discovery, and cultural storytelling. From face Lenses to interactive AR try-ons and real-time utility and now Gen AI, Snap’s AR continues to inspire developers and businesses alike to enhance community engagement and design immersive experiences. Snap will also shine a spotlight on the company’s hardware technology – Snap’s fifth generation of Spectacles – that enable truly groundbreaking software experiences. Guests will have the opportunity to experience first hand the future of communication and see what it is like to interact together in the same shared experience all while being grounded in reality, giving them the chance to experience computing, the world, and one another in totally new ways. For the first time in the region, Snap has partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) bringing a new initiative that will empower 50 young creatives from the university’s Foundation year and BFA programs with tools that will help them shape the future of AR and contribute to the region’s digital ecosystem. Titled “Building a Snapchat Lens, Building Your Career”, the educational session led by Joseph Darko, Global Head of AR Developer Relations at Snapchat will showcase the transformative power of AR and allow students to unlock their creative potential. “We’re excited about the opportunity that AR holds, both globally and in our region. Our core priority is to support the ongoing digital transformation across the GCC and help our partners and governments achieve their tech-driven agendas. With AR, we have the power to enable brands to drive business impact, empower developers to create immersive AR experiences, as well as create a positive impact on people’s lives through shared experiences,” said Hussein Freijeh, Vice President of Snapchat in MENA. “Following an incredibly successful event last year, we are delighted to once again be taking center stage at this pioneering Summit. This year we’re excited to showcase how Snapchat’s suite of sophisticated AR tools continue to enrich the way people communicate, learn, and experience the world around them.” added Freijeh. What’s more? Four of Snap’s renowned experts will lead inspiring sessions at Web Summit Qatar 2025, covering a range of topics on AR and its impact on social connectivity. Qi Pan, Snap’s Global Director, Spectacles AR Platform, will walk attendees through a journey of augmented reality, starting with innovation in mobile AR then looking at how Spectacles will foster the next generation of human connection and spatial computing. Valentina Cullati, Director of EMEA Creative Strategy and Global Production, will explore how AR is not just a tool but is a behaviour, seamlessly integrated into daily life. Valentina will delve into the role of creators as cultural architects, building moments of connection that resonate deeply and will share why Snapchat – from its unique position of empowering creativity that drives real results – is the right place to create real impact. Youmna Borghol, Head of Marketing Science, EMEA, will offer an overview on how marketers must adapt to stay ahead in a fast-changing environment with many new challenges. Youmna will explore how comprehensive measurement strategies can provide deeper, more actionable insights, and share how to refine strategies to better quantify and optimize the impact of marketing efforts on business outcomes. Through an inspiring schedule of talking sessions, engaging workshops and informative live demonstrations, Snap intends to drive the conversation around the possibilities created by AR and the opportunities it enables for the community, developers and partners, as stakeholders navigate the exciting future of the digital landscape in the region.
GSMA M360 MENA opens in Doha with AI and digital partnerships at the forefront
Three regional partners have joined the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, while the GSMA’s latest Mobile Economy MENA report highlights significant genAI adoption across the region 18 November 2024, Doha: Under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, M360 MENA opened its doors in Doha today with Host Sponsor Ooredoo Qatar, in partnership with the GSMA and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Qatar (MCIT), and Media City Qatar. As mobile services are projected to contribute $360 billion to the region’s GDP, the event brings together leaders from the industry, technology, telecoms, and government sectors to foster the advancement of the MENA digital economy. The Opening Ceremony was led by Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, alongside Ooredoo Group CEO Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo; Ooredoo Qatar’s CEO, Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Bin Mohammad Al Thani; and GSMA’s Head of MENA, Jawad Abbassi, with attendance from high-level dignitaries, ministers, government officials, and esteemed delegates from across the region. Following the Opening Ceremony, a delegation of senior executives from Ooredoo and GSMA, embarked on an exhibition tour. The tour featured visits to key exhibits, including the Ooredoo booth, Media City Qatar, Invest Qatar, SAP, and Google, where they explored innovative solutions aimed at accelerating digital transformation. Key topics on this year’s M360 MENA agenda include the 5G monetisation, the importance of building AI-ready networks, the smart projects unlocked by digital innovations, and the digital partnerships key to advancing the region’s digital economy. During his opening remarks, The State of Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, said: “Guided by the Qatar National Vision 2030, our country is committed to creating a knowledge-based economy, with technology and digital transformation positioned at the core of our sustainable development aspirations. M360 MENA in Doha stands as a testament to The State of Qatar’s enduring commitment to fostering digital innovation and collaboration across the MENA region. We truly believe that by embracing advanced technologies like AI and 5G, and by building strategic digital partnerships, we can drive sustainable growth and enhance the quality of life for all citizens. This event is a valuable platform to discuss and strategize the digital future of MENA to support its advancement.” Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer at Ooredoo Qatar, commented: “Hosting M360 MENA in Doha reflects Ooredoo Qatar’s commitment to advancing digital transformation across the region. We are proud to be at the forefront, leading initiatives in AI and 5G that have a direct impact on enhancing connectivity and quality of life for the people of Qatar. By collaborating with the GSMA and our regional partners, we are dedicated to creating a robust digital ecosystem that supports our nation’s vision of becoming a leader in technology and innovation. Together, we are laying the foundations for a future where digital connectivity empowers communities and strengthens our economy.” Taking to the stage for keynote 1, the GSMA’s Director General, Mats Granryd, said: “It’s fantastic to be hosting M360 MENA in Doha for the first time, and we look forward to exploring the powerful potential of AI, digital partnerships, and mobile connectivity for MENA. With mobile services projected to contribute $360 billion to the region’s GDP by 2030, M360 MENA stands as a powerful platform for collaboration and the innovation that will advance the region’s digital transformation.” Ooredoo and Batelco are the latest partners to join the GSMA Open Gateway initiative in the Middle East region. These latest additions mean 67 mobile operator groups, representing 279 networks and three-quarters of global mobile connections, have now signed up to the initiative, alongside many of the world’s leading technology companies. Early Open Gateway implementations in MENA have focussed on fraud prevention and security, supporting the region’s drive towards digital collaboration. Launched at MWC Barcelona 2023, the GSMA Open Gateway is a framework of network APIs that provides developers with universal access to operator networks, designed to speed up the creation of new digital products and services. Mobile Economy MENA 2024 report The GSMA launched its Mobile Economy MENA 2024 report, which forecasts that 5G will account for half of all mobile connections in MENA by 2030. The report finds that genAI adoption is gaining significant momentum across MENA, with operators leveraging AI to enhance customer service, optimise network performance, and drive new business opportunities. Other findings include: This year’s M360 MENA also introduced the GSMA Foundry AI Use Case Library, featuring over 60 real-world AI use cases from across the globe, including Huawei, ZTE, Ericsson, Nokia, and IBM. The library showcases how AI is powering mobile technology in areas from customer service to network planning, with the GSMA aiming to rapidly expand the library with use cases across the mobile ecosystem. Presented by the GSMA, M360 is a series of global events that unify the regional mobile ecosystem. The events aim to discover, develop and deliver innovation that serves as the foundation for positive business environments and societal change. The calendar of GSMA events returns next year, beginning with MWC Barcelona which returns to the Fira Gran Via between 3-6 March 2025. Find out more about the GSMA here.
