The 30th edition of CABSAT, the premier conference for the broadcast, satellite, content creation, production, distribution, and entertainment industries, concluded on May 23, 2024, with a record-breaking turnout at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The third day of the conference saw over 18,000 visitors in attendance, with exciting announcements of collaborations and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between exhibiting organizations.
One of the major highlights of the day was the announcement of a strategic partnership between Almanasa, Iraq’s OTT streaming platform, and Roya Media Group, a provider of premium digital content. This partnership aims to enhance the streaming experience for audiences in Iraq by offering a diverse and extensive library of entertainment options. The announcement was made at the CABSAT Co-Production Salon, a dedicated meeting lounge for business opportunities in Arabic content.
In addition to the Co-Production Salon, CABSAT 2024 featured exclusive conference events such as the Content Congress and the SATExpo Summit, providing networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities for global industry leaders, regional government officials, and other business stakeholders over three days.
Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, and Dubai Production City at TECOM Group PJSC, emphasized the importance of enabling and accelerating local talent to drive the expansion of the regional content creation economy. Dubai Studio City served as a platform for over 358,000 minutes of unique stories in 2023, aligning with Dubai’s Economic Agenda ‘D33’ and Creative Economy Strategy.
The 30th edition of CABSAT also showcased cutting-edge technology demonstrations that engaged attendees. The GlamBot, a high-speed camera attached to a robotic arm that captures dynamic images in a mirrored tunnel, was a hit with visitors and exhibitors, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the conference and creating shareable moments on social media.
Moreover, CABSAT enjoyed its own red carpet experience at the BroadcastProME Manufacturer Awards, where firms were recognized for their contributions to the region’s broadcast sector. The event celebrated the innovative products that are making a difference in the industry, with the CABSAT team receiving accolades for their impactful contributions.
Overall, the 30th edition of CABSAT was a resounding success, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to explore emerging trends, forge partnerships, and celebrate the vibrant creativity of the regional content creation economy. The conference served as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and technological innovation, setting the stage for continued growth and advancement in the broadcast and entertainment industries.