April 27, 2021

DPC’s Ramadan Majlis discusses future of TV amid increasing popularity of digital streaming platforms

The Dubai Press Club (DPC) hosted the first session of the Ramadan Majlis programme on Monday to discuss trends shaping the future of television and the surge in popularity of digital streaming platforms.

The event, held at DPC, was attended by prominent media personalities, industry experts and representatives of media organisations. The event was organised in line with precautionary measures outlined by authorities.

Participants included Ali Jaber, Group TV Director of MBC; Emirati artist and producer Ahmed Al Jasmi; actress Maysa Maghrabi; actor Abed Fahed; Essa Kayed, Director of Drama Projects at Abu Dhabi Media; actress and singer Aseel Omran; actress Dima Bayaa; and TV critic Jamil Daher. Presenter Nada Al Shaibani moderated the session, which was held in the presence of Maitha Buhumaid, Director of DPC.

Speakers in the session said that despite the success of streaming services worldwide and an increase in subscriptions, satellite TV remains the primary source of entertainment in this part of the world. Arab TV channels have effectively adapted to industry developments and diversified their content for various digital platforms.

The focus of Arab digital streaming platforms on producing exclusive content was a key factor in driving their popularity and increasing paid subscriptions. Despite the pandemic’s impact on Arab entertainment production, lockdowns drove a rise in viewership, speakers noted.

These platforms continue to attract a large number of Arab viewers, especially the youth. Audiences are gradually moving away from linear TV and watching their preferred content on new media platforms without advertising breaks. The Arab region needs to develop digital streaming platforms independent from TV channels in order to compete with global streaming platforms, the speakers added.

Maitha Buhumaid, Director of DPC, said the Ramadan Majlis programme provides a platform to examine a range of issues affecting Arab societies. To be held throughout Ramadan, the Majlis seeks to foster a dialogue between members of the community on key challenges and issues. Buhumaid thanked the participants in the first Ramadan Majlis session for having contributed to a rich discussion.

The Ramadan Majlis is organised annually by the Dubai Press Club to examine local and international issues that are of interest to the Arab world.