Saudi Arabia’s PIF is leading a $55bn takeover of Electronic Arts with Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, marking the world’s biggest gaming deal
Media
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AI
UAE warns social media users and creators against AI misuse
The UAE Media Council warned that misuse of AI to depict national symbols or spread misinformation violates media laws and can result in fines and penalties
football
Roshn Saudi League secures media deals to broadcast in over 180 territories
Roshn Saudi League inks global broadcast deals with ESPN, Fox, DAZN and YouTube, expanding coverage to more than 180 territories for the 2025-26 season
1 Billion Followers
UAE launches $1m AI Film Award with 1 Billion Followers Summit and Google Gemini
UAE launches $1m AI Film Award with 1 Billion Followers Summit and Google Gemini, inviting global creators to submit AI-driven films ahead of January 2026
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
BRIDGE Summit 2025: Abu Dhabi to host world’s largest media and creative industries event
Abu Dhabi will host BRIDGE Summit 2025, the world’s largest media and creative industries event, with 60,000 participants, 400 speakers, and 300 exhibitors
MBC
Saudi Arabia’s PIF acquires 54% stake in MBC Group for $2bn
Saudi Arabia’s PIF acquires 54 per cent of MBC Group in a $2bn deal, becoming majority shareholder in the Middle East’s leading media company
Dubai Future Foundation
Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 aims to create 30,000 jobs and add $1bn to GDP with new XSOLLA partnership
Dubai Future Foundation and XSOLLA partner under the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, aiming to create 30,000 jobs and add $1bn to GDP
Podcast
Dubai PodFest 2025 to host workshops with YouTube, TikTok and global podcast leaders
Dubai PodFest 2025 will host workshops with YouTube, TikTok and global podcast leaders, covering creativity, business strategy and AI-driven production tools
social media
UAE cracks down on social media advert over medical claims
UAE Media Council takes action against unsubstantiated medical claims in social media advert
social media
TikTok drives over $1bn boost to Saudi GDP, supports 25,000 jobs in 2024
TikTok contributed more than $1bn to Saudi Arabia’s GDP and supported 25,000 jobs in 2024, with over one million creators and 170,000 SMBs driving growth
1 Billion Followers
Dubai to host $1m AI film prize at 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026
Dubai to host 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026, launching world’s largest $1m AI film prize and $13.6m fund for creators
Snap Inc
Snapchat study: Saudis rely on social media to shop
From food orders to travel decisions, Saudis are turning to social media to make shopping decisions
content creators
Dubai’s Creators HQ attracts 2,415 members and 78 global firms in just six months
Creators HQ in Dubai attracts 2,415 members and 78 firms in six months, reinforcing UAE’s vision to lead the global content economy
beIN Media Group
beIN SPORTS to broadcast all 380 LA LIGA matches live in UAE, Saudi and across MENA for 2025/26 season
Spanish football returns to beIN Sports with exclusive coverage in Arabic, English and French as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico chase glory
eSports
Saudi gaming market surges with 2.4m consoles imported amid esports boom
Saudi Arabia’s gaming industry surges with 2.4m consoles imported, faster game response times, and a $70m Esports World Cup in Riyadh
Gaming
Dubai to showcase $1bn gaming ambitions with first-ever Middle East government pavilion at Gamescom 2025
Dubai will host the Middle East’s first government gaming pavilion at Gamescom 2025, showcasing its $1bn plan to become a top 10 global gaming hub by 2033.
beIN Media Group
beIN Sports: How to watch English Premier League 2025/26 football on TV in UAE, Saudi and across MENA
beIN Sports to stream English Premier League 2025/26 football across 24 MENA countries in the 2025/26 season