Mohammed bin Rashid inaugurates MBC Group’s latest Studios at the heart of Dubai

His Highness directs to transfer “Dubai Studio City” into a global hub for TV and Film Production

“O3" Drama Production Studios... A-state-of-the-art facility affirming Dubai’s position as a centre for premium content production

The Government of Dubai Media Office, July 15th, 2013: UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has inaugurated today Dubai-based MBC Group’s “O3" Drama Production Studios, a state-of-the-art facility running on an area of 15 thousands square feet- being one of three sound stages to be launched at the end of 2013.

Accompanying Sheikh Mohammed during the inauguration ceremony was His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI).

In presence of MBC Group Chairman Waleed Bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim, and a number of senior officials and media leaders, Sheikh Mohammed reviewed the latest equipments that match the efficiency and capacity of the largest international production studios equipped with the latest audio/visual technologies that are in par with the best international standards; affirming Dubai’s leading position as a high-tech centre for delivering premium content of international standards and consolidating its statue as a favorable destination for major Media institutions as well as a popular destination for Arab and International investment in various sectors, including that of the Media which plays a pivotal role in boosting the Emirate’s economy.

The ceremony was also attended by HE Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Ahmad Bin Byat, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Holding, HE Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, Director General Of Protocol Department, HE Mona Al Marri, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, Sami Al Qamzi, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Dubai Media Incorporated and Dr. Amina AL Rustamani, CEO, TECOM Investments.

Sheikh Mohammed was briefed about the production of TV programming and Drama carried out by MBC Group, which has a portfolio of 12 TV channels and two Radio Stations. He was also briefed on the most important contents MBC Group channels offer allowing it to compete on regional and global levels due to its outstanding achievements and successes which have cemented the company’s position and extended its influence in the Arab Media landscape.

His Highness also toured the studios, located in the heart of “Dubai Studio City”, and was familiarized with the state-of-the-art technologies available, expressing his admiration over the advanced level of the studio which only mirrors keenness to providing premium content reflecting the ability of Arab Medial to compete competently and hence establishing the Arab world rightful place on the map of the global media industry.

During the tour, Sheikh Mohammed watched a short three-dimensional film, especially prepared for the occasion that embodied a future panoramic view using 3-D, inspired by the character, cultural and humanitarian components of the city of Dubai, and that projected the larger-than-life future outlook of the city, encapsulated in enhanced sound, light and visual effects.

Later, Sheikh Mohammed was familiarized with the “Visual Backlot” technique compiled by “Stargate” global production technology of simulation visual multidimensional and the green screen technology that allows one to feature scenes from around the world without leaving Dubai.

Extending his best wishes for the MBC Group and its staff, Sheikh Mohammed affirmed that the UAE will continue to support both private and government media sectors as well as provide the necessary requirements and space for local, regional and international media outlets operating in Dubai so as to be able to spread the media message and boost their role in building the society and making the future.

Global Production Centre

UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also toured the Dubai Studio City and familiarized himself with the various activities and the recent shootings including TV and film production carried out by a number of regional and international institutions; in addition to other activities related to movie, television and music production in the city that has grown in popularity as a center that harbors a robust infrastructure since its inception in 2005.

His Highness also toured two mega sound stages, the largest in the Middle East and Europe, running on an area of 50 thousands square feet and inspected the technologies and logistics set up to meet the best international standards before being briefed about the most important achievements and future projects that could benefit from the great potentials laid out and enforced by a network of companies and a wide range of support services, including providers for animation, dubbing, makeup, costume design, stage design and building, casting, telnet agencies, telecine, and laboratory facilities.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed his satisfaction over the great accomplishment by Dubai Studio City noting its impact in supporting Dubai strategy towards establishing a high-tech center for audio-visual production to compete with the best centers established worldwide and, consequently, towards cementing Dubai’s position as a TV and film production hub attracting global production institution and facilitating their work offering cutting-edge services.

Successful Partnership

On its part, the MBC Group expressed its appreciation to UAE’s leadership support for Media institutions and media persons and extended sincere thanks to UAE President, Prime Minster and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his kind patronage and continuous support for the media community in the Arab region; a support felt throughout various important initiatives that offer opportunities for improvement and a conducive environments for creativity.

Chairman and CEO of MBC Groups Sheikh Waleed Bin Ibrahim Al Brahim commended the launching event stating that “As we had bet before on Dubai when we left London in 2002, today we particularly bet on Dubai Studio City. We took the right decision back then, and we are quite sure we are taking the right one now. Dubai Studio City provides solid platform for media production with all its state of the art facilities and topnotch technology. In terms of competency and capability, I believe Dubai Studio City is standing head to head with top global studios.”

“This move shall contribute in enhancing Dubai’s international position as a hub for media content production. Considering all the success’ elements that the city offers, drama and entertainment production shall exceed all expectations”, He added.

On his part, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Ahmad Bin Byat said: “Dubai Studio City is increasingly becoming the haven for broadcast, movie, television and music production companies in the Middle East looking for a business environment created specifically to facilitate their growth and development. The commencement of production by MBC Group, a champion in the television production industry, in the new sound stage marks an important milestone for Dubai Studio City, as it proves that world-class content can be produced in Dubai.

“We are confident that the specialised and modern infrastructure, facilities and services we provide, combined with the strategic location and global status of Dubai and the presence of leading media groups such as MBC, will attract global players in the film, TV, music, entertainment and broadcast industries to the Emirate and the region.”

It is worth mentioning that MBC Group is regarded as one of the most important Arab Media institutions that have chosen Dubai to establish its headquarter in 2002, paving the way for a record achievements the most prominent of which is the launch of “Al Arabyia” news channel and other entertainment and TV programme channels that have contributed in making a quantitative leap in the Arab Media landscape. Moreover, the launch of the new “O3" Drama Production Studios at the Dubai Studio City only testify for the successful partnership between the MBC Group and the "Dubai Holding" and sets out a model for cooperation, a value deeply rooted at various Media institutions looking for an environment that could enable them to carry out their activities in an ideal manner and through the support of such specialized cluster of professionals "Dubai Media City" and "Dubai Studio City" and "Dubai's International Media Production Zone”.

Today, “Dubai Studio City” offers the ideal platform and business environment to support the growth of broadcast, movie, television and music production companies in the Middle East. It also offers spaces for shooting indoor and outdoor scenes as well as many film production workshops to cater for the companies operating in the city.