Evolution of media in the GCC

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Hydra Properties CEO, DR Sulaiman Al Fahim announced the launch of a reality show - starring Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim.

‘The Hydra Executive' will screen on the Showtime Middle East business channel in February, and see eight Americans and eight British nationals compete for US$1m in prize money to be used for a project in Abu Dhabi.

The first season will focus on marketing Abu Dhabi's real estate capabilities while the second season will feature UAE nationals, he said. Eventually the show will be broadcast in the US and Europe.

Fahim said that with the launch of the reality show, he aimed to showcase the capabilities of the UAE media industry.

"I will not pretend for a second that this is not a business venture. I want this to be a success. I am not a media mogul and I never will be but I very much want to be part of the media evolution. This is uncharted territory and is an opportunity that wasn't available even two years ago."

Speaking at the Arabian Business Media and Marketing Conference, Fahim described the evolution of media within the Arab World as a ‘remarkable journey'.

"This evolution has opened an incredible window of opportunity. When I was growing up, there were three major TV channels, now I have access to over 100. As recently as 2002, a commentator described the region as ‘media savage'. No-one can deny now that we have become media-savvy."

Fahim said in the past, many in the Arab world had a certain fear of the media, but now the people of the region possess the confidence, and the opportunities to showcase its culture, heritage and business.

"I am not a journalist. I am a viewer, a listener, a reader and a businessman. For me as a businessman, free media is a free market. We have entered an age where we can compete globally over all industries. Thanks to the media, my business, my country and my region have grown in reputation. The scope for promotion has become enormous."

Fahim attributed the huge economic success of the Middle East partially to its ability to successfully market itself on the global stage.

"It is through print, broadcast and the internet that we have such massive investment from abroad. I know an opportunity when I see one. It's a massive industry. Our use of the media has become far more sophisticated. There are more TV channels, more magazines and newspapers available to us than ever before. I can decide who gets my ears, my eyes and most importantly, my business."

I see the media as a wonderful tool for all of us across the Arab business world... The evolution of media in the Middle East has opened a door for all of us."

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