Disney+ plans major UAE expansion
Disney+ MENA's Director, Tamim Fares, has lauded the UAE's pivotal role in fostering a vibrant media and creative industry, calling the nation a fertile ground for entertainment and media growth.
His remarks came during the inaugural day of the Arab Media Summit 2025 in Dubai, running from May 26-28.
Disney+ eyes UAE growth
Fares emphasised Disney's strategic expansion across various sectors in the UAE, encompassing digital platforms, television channels, entertainment retail, and specialised theme parks.
He highlighted the remarkable evolution of the UAE's media landscape, expressing Disney's pride in being an integral part of this burgeoning scene, which mirrors the company's growing investments and plans within the Emirates.
Fares said: 'Participating in the Arab Media Summit offers a valuable opportunity to witness these transformations firsthand'.
Disney+ has forged significant partnerships within the United Arab Emirates to boost its reach and subscriber base.
These collaborations include agreements with telecommunications giant du and Abu Dhabi Media, alongside content partnerships with affiliated channels like National Geographic, which enjoys a substantial following in the region.
Fares also drew attention to the recently announced, groundbreaking project in Abu Dhabi: Disneyland Abu Dhabi.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
28 minutes ago
- The National
OSN Group CEO Joe Kawkabani steps down after three years
Joe Kawkabani has stepped down as chief executive of OSN Group, the Dubai-based streaming and entertainment company, after three years leading its transformation. He announced his resignation via LinkedIn, calling his tenure 'an incredible journey' and thanking colleagues for their support before departing to new ventures. During Mr Kawkabani's leadership, OSN underwent a broad strategic overhaul. In May, OSN became the first in the region to launch addressable advertising across satellite and video-on-demand services via a partnership with ad-tech firm Magnite. The innovation enabled targeted ads in set-top box experiences, a regional first. Earlier this year, global media giant Warner Bros. Discovery invested $57 million for a one-third stake in OSN Streaming. The phased deal, pending regulatory approvals, reinforces OSN's position in the regional streaming market and underscores a focus on content localisation, co-production, and strategic expansion. Mr Kawkabani previously told The National that the Warner Bros. deal was 'strategic, not financial', emphasising knowledge transfer and building high-quality local originals. Analysts noted the Warner Bros investment could help OSN carve out a unique identity, positioning it as an exporter of premium Arabic originals to complement its role as the region's exclusive distributor of HBO content. In April last year, OSN merged its streaming platform OSN+ with Mena-based music and entertainment service Anghami, acquiring a 55.45 per cent stake and forming a unified platform serving more than 120 million registered users, combining video and audio offerings. OSN also maintained long-term licensing deals, including a 2022 exclusive multi-year agreement with HBO, extending streaming and broadcast rights across Mena, and developed Arabic-language content under its OSN Originals banner. OSN's parent company Kuwait Projects Company (Kipco), which owns a majority stake in the platform, has not yet announced a successor. The National has reached out to Kipco for a comment. His departure comes at a pivotal moment, as OSN continues to build on momentum from strategic partnerships, technology-led advertising solutions, and its evolving content strategy.
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Anna Wintour and Candace Bushnell to headline the WE Convention Dubai 2025
The WE Convention (Women's Empowerment Convention), world's largest women's empowerment event, is set to take place in Dubai on November 1–2 at Atlantis the Royal Dubai. Organized by the WE Council, a global community of women leaders championing personal and professional growth, the event expects over 2000 attendees and more than 100 world-renowned speakers. Participants will spend two transformative days engaged with inspiring narratives, expert business insights, themed workshops, and extensive networking opportunities. This year's theme is 'All in: Career, Money, and Life.' The WE Convention 2025 will discuss how financial independence influences women's lives and explore the paths to achieve this independence. We bring together women leaders who have shaped generations of women and made modern women who they are today, with Anna Wintour and Candace Bushnell paving the way. Dame Anna Wintour has led Vogue for over 37 years. She currently serves as the title's Global Editorial Director of Vogue, and as the Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast. A defining figure in fashion and media, Wintour is a trustee of the New York Metropolitan Museum and chairs the annual Met Gala. She is also a Founding Committee Member for the New York-Presbyterian Youth Anxiety Center, which focuses on anxiety disorders in people aged 16–28. Candace Bushnell is an author, journalist, television producer and stage performer. Her 'Sex and the City' columns published in the New York Observer became the best-selling book and Emmy-winning HBO series. Author of nine international bestselling novels, she continues to shape generations of women and has made a lasting impact on how women see themselves in the world of relationships, career, and money. The ever-expanding roster of speakers already includes a US self made billionaire and co-CEO & President of Summit Therapeutics Dr. Maky Zanganeh, Grand Slam tennis champion and clothes designer Svetlana Kuznetsova, Director General of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority HE Hala Badri, Managing Director of Kraft Heinz Middle East & Africa Mary Gukasyan, General Manager for Middle East and Africa Growth Markets Mirna Arif, Chairperson of Global Women Forum Rana Alnasir-Boulos, Business Director of Energy Institute in the Middle East Hanan Mohsen. Mila Smart Semeshkina, Founder of the WE Council and a keynote speaker at the WE Convention, shares her vision of this year's theme: "It is a call for women to embrace ambition in every dimension of their lives. We no longer need to choose between professional success, financial freedom, or personal fulfillment — we can claim them all with clarity and purpose. At the WE Convention, guests will be inspired by women who've redefined what's possible, and leave equipped with bold, actionable strategies to lead, earn, and live entirely on their own terms." During the WE Convention, Mila Smart Semeshkina, founder of the WE Council, will present her third book - a step-by-step guide for women navigating career and financial success in today's male-dominated world, drawn from her extensive work with multimillionaires, political leaders, CEOs, and other high-achieving women. In addition to the main conference, a select group of speakers and VIP ticket holders will convene for a WE Night on November 1 at Michelin acclaimed estiatorio Milos located in Atlantis the Royal. The evening's itinerary includes a red carpet arrival, musical performances, a gourmet meal, high-level networking opportunities, and the WE Awards ceremony. -Ends- Further details about the WE Convention can be found on our website: WE Convention's logo, photos, and videos are provided in the Media Kit WE Convention's official hashtag across social media channels #WEConvention Contact Details: General Questions and Partnerships: joinus@ Media Inquiries: media@ The WE Convention is possible due to the invaluable support of our partners: ORLOV high jewelry, international educational platform Kraft Heinz, Migems Dubai, and the female factor. About the Women's Empowerment Council: The WE Council (Women's Empowerment Council) is a global community dedicated to unlocking women's potential across business, career, and personal development. Guided by the belief that exceptional women inspire others through example, the WE Council supports and celebrates female leadership, success, and well-being. Through a dynamic program of seminars, conferences, and curated resources, the WE Council creates meaningful opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. It equips women with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to define and achieve their goals. With a vibrant community of over 30,000 members, the WE Council offers an inclusive and empowering environment where women can access inspiration, support, and practical guidance to reach their fullest potential. Website:
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
How Sharjah's children are using AI to rewrite 1,500-year-old fables
Forget bedtime stories at House of Wisdom's summer camp in Sharjah , the next generation is using AI to build them from the ground up. AI-powered storytelling is the new frontier, and children are transforming ancient animal fables of Kalila wa Dimna into a vibrant digital universe of their own making, complete with custom animations, synthesised voices, and even holographic projections. Based on the enthusiastic response from participants and parents, the House of Wisdom is exploring significant expansion, including specialised AI-focused workshops in game design, animation, and interactive fiction. Plans also include extending the programme across more age groups with tiered levels for different skill sets. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The camp is bridging Arab heritage with cutting-edge technology, inspiring youth through the wisdom and stories of their cultural past while introducing them to the potential of artificial intelligence. The programme centers on Kalila wa Dimna, the 1,500-year-old masterpiece of Arabic literature, allowing young participants to honor its narratives and lessons while igniting its relevance for today's generation. The AI-powered tools enable youth to repackage and reinterpret cultural content in creative and exciting ways, giving them the power to reimagine these ancient fables while learning new skills through generative technologies. The summer camp integrates a diverse suite of industry-leading AI tools, ensuring there is something for everybody while providing opportunities to discover new passions and skills. For text and narrative innovation, children learn to use large anguage models such as ChatGPT to reimagine plots and craft scripts, poems, and alternate versions of the legendary tales. Visual storytelling comes alive through tools like Adobe Firefly, Canva's AI design suite, and RunwayML, enabling students to generate animations and story reels from text prompts. Audio design utilises ElevenLabs to synthesise character voices and soundscapes, while platforms like Book Creator and Google Slides compile all elements into interactive digital books. The experience culminates with holographic projectors and Augmented/Virtual Reality tools that transform student creations into immersive exhibits for the camp's digital kiosk showcase, merging physical and digital creativity. AI has provided an accessible and inspirational way to explore storytelling by transforming young learners from passive listeners into confident creators. Students who might struggle with traditional art can generate vivid illustrations and animations, while LLMs help them rework ancient fables into personally meaningful narratives. The multi-sensory approach, blending text, visuals, sound, and interactive elements, deepens engagement with cultural heritage. Children can hear their version of Dimna the jackal speak in a synthesised voice or experience AI-generated music accompanying their digital storybooks. Adapting to AI One of the most surprising outcomes has been how quickly and deeply children adapted to using AI tools in storytelling. Beyond technical proficiency, participants formed unique and personal connections to the ancient tales, collaboratively reimagining traditional narratives with modern technology, often blending genres or adding culturally resonant twists. Young participants expressed genuine excitement about their experiences. 'Yes! It was so cool to see the stories I imagined come to life with pictures and voices,' shared one student. Another added, 'Definitely! I want to make my own game or cartoon using AI next time.' Parents have embraced the programme enthusiastically. 'I was looking for a programme that combined creativity and technology. This camp felt like the perfect balance,' explained one parent. Another noted, 'AI is the future, and introducing it in a creative and guided way like this helps children learn without fear or pressure.' 'He comes home every day excited to tell us what he created. That says a lot!' shared a parents. Parents have recognised the broader benefits. 'It builds confidence, curiosity, and digital literacy — all essential for tomorrow's world.' 'At House of Wisdom, we believe the true legacy of culture lies not just in preserving knowledge, but in passing it forward in ways that empower new generations to build upon it,' said Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of House of Wisdom. She added, 'Our AI-powered summer camp was designed to help children shift from passive consumers to active creators, equipping them with the tools and confidence to reimagine timeless stories through the lens of emerging technologies.'
