Al Sharqiya, Al Wusta Magazines highlight dev. scene in Region
Al Sharqiya focused on the continuous growth of investments in the eastern region and featured success stories of community figures, unique tourism and sports experiences, as well as various cultural and heritage topics.
Al-Wusta Highlights Market
Meanwhile, Al-Wusta dedicated its main feature to the Friday Market in Mleiha as a vital destination supporting productive families and youth. The issue also included interviews with prominent figures, reports on heritage and sports events, and coverage of developmental projects in the region.
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3 days ago
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Why MEA broadcasters are choosing evolution over revolution
The MEA broadcast landscape is evolving smartly, with broadcasters choosing technologies that meet current needs and prepare them for the future, building on proven foundations instead of starting anew. The broadcast industry loves to talk about revolution. IP workflows, cloud production, software-defined everything – the narrative often suggests that broadcasters need to tear down their existing infrastructure and start fresh. But here in the Middle East and Africa, I'm witnessing something far more pragmatic and, frankly, more intelligent: evolution over revolution. Working from our Dubai hub and supporting broadcasters across this vast, diverse region, I see firsthand how MEA operators are navigating technological change with a wisdom that comes from understanding their unique operational realities. They're not rushing to abandon proven technologies; instead, they're strategically adopting new capabilities whilst maintaining the rock-solid reliability that their audiences and stakeholders demand. The Reliability Imperative and Regional Diversity Consider the operational pressures facing broadcasters in our region. When Al Sharqiya covers breaking news across Iraq and the broader Middle East, or when Production Crew produces live sports coverage for Saudi Arabia's expanding entertainment sector, there's absolutely no margin for error. These aren't just business operations – they're critical communications infrastructure that audiences, governments, and sponsors depend upon. This reliability requirement shapes every technology decision. It's why Al Sharqiya chose our HVS-1200 switcher for their Dubai newsroom – not because it was the flashiest option, but because it delivers broadcast-grade reliability whilst future-proofing their investment with 12G-SDI capabilities ready for their planned Ultra HD transition. Similarly, Sharjah TV required absolute reliability for mission-critical government event coverage combined with creative flexibility for cultural programming, leading them to implement a sophisticated dual-switcher setup featuring the HVS-2000 as main and HVS-1200 as backup. These broadcasters needed technology that works flawlessly today but grows with them tomorrow. One aspect that outsiders often underestimate is the sheer diversity of our region. Technical standards, content requirements, infrastructure maturity, and production scales vary dramatically from country to country. A solution that works perfectly for a high-end sports production in Dubai might be completely inappropriate for a news operation in Lagos or a cultural programme in Cairo. This diversity actually drives innovation in interesting ways, pushing us to develop solutions that are genuinely flexible rather than one-size-fits-all. The Smart Hybrid Approach What I find particularly interesting is how MEA broadcasters are embracing hybrid workflows that blend traditional and next-generation technologies. Production Crew's new 12G-SDI outside broadcast unit exemplifies this approach perfectly. They wanted the creative flexibility of modern production tools, but they also needed the operational certainty that comes with native 12G-SDI infrastructure. This isn't about being conservative, it's about being smart. The 12G-SDI architecture provides immediate 4K capabilities with the simplicity and security that live production demands, whilst still offering pathways to IP integration when business cases and operational requirements align. The modular approach we see in products like our FA-1616HB-12G platform allows broadcasters to build exactly the functionality they need, whether they're focused on remote production with JPEG XS support, SMPTE ST 2110 implementation, or exploring new technologies like AI-assisted production. The most successful broadcasters I work with view technology as an enabler of content and business goals, not as an end in itself. This pragmatic approach is leading to some fascinating hybrid architectures: IP connectivity for remote collaboration combined with SDI infrastructure for mission-critical switching, software-defined capabilities for creative flexibility paired with hardware reliability for core operations, and AI tools for production efficiency integrated with proven broadcast-grade equipment for output quality. Building the Future Intelligently Perhaps most exciting is how this evolutionary approach is positioning MEA broadcasters for growth. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is driving massive investment in entertainment and sports production. The UAE continues to expand as a regional media hub. African markets are seeing unprecedented growth in local content production. Broadcasters who have built flexible, future-ready infrastructure, rather than cutting-edge systems that might be obsolete in two years, are best positioned to capture these opportunities. They can scale up for major events, adapt to new content requirements, and integrate new technologies as business cases develop. The MEA broadcast landscape is evolving rapidly, but it's evolving intelligently. Broadcasters are making technology choices that serve their current operational needs whilst preparing for future opportunities. They're building on proven foundations rather than starting from scratch. This evolution-over-revolution approach isn't just smart for individual broadcasters; it's creating a robust, adaptable industry infrastructure that can support the region's growing content ambitions. Whether it's covering major sporting events, producing cultural programming that reflects our diverse communities, or delivering the reliable news coverage that democracy depends upon, MEA broadcasters are proving that thoughtful evolution often beats dramatic revolution. The future of broadcasting in our region isn't just about having the latest technology – it's about having the right technology, implemented thoughtfully, supporting real operational needs and business goals. That's the kind of future I'm excited to help build.
Sharjah 24
4 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Al Sharqiya, Al Wusta Magazines highlight dev. scene in Region
Investment Growth Focus Al Sharqiya focused on the continuous growth of investments in the eastern region and featured success stories of community figures, unique tourism and sports experiences, as well as various cultural and heritage topics. Al-Wusta Highlights Market Meanwhile, Al-Wusta dedicated its main feature to the Friday Market in Mleiha as a vital destination supporting productive families and youth. The issue also included interviews with prominent figures, reports on heritage and sports events, and coverage of developmental projects in the region.
Sharjah 24
4 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Khorfakkan Mango Festival concludes on high note
This year's edition achieved remarkable success, attracting over 20,000 visitors from within and beyond the UAE, a 100% increase in attendance, and generating more than AED 1 million in total sales. It featured the participation of more than 40 local farmers and several agriculture and fertilization companies. Delegations from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Pakistan, and Uganda further highlighted the event's expanding international presence. The festival showcased more than 150 premium mango varieties and provided a unique opportunity for visitors to explore Khorfakkan's and the Eastern Region's leading agricultural outputs. It also attracted strong participation from productive families, along with local, regional, and international exhibitors. Their presence created an ideal platform for networking and knowledge exchange around best practices in mango farming and agribusiness innovation. Khalil Mohammed Al-Mansouri, Director of Expo Khorfakkan, noted that the Mango Festival has solidified its status as one of the UAE's leading agricultural and heritage-themed events. He emphasised its growing role in raising community awareness about the importance of the agricultural sector in achieving sustainable development, ensuring food security, and preserving the UAE's cultural heritage for future generations. Delegates from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Pakistan, and Uganda highlighted that the festival offered valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange among mango farmers. It served as an ideal platform to explore diverse experiences in cultivating mango trees across various environments, as well as methods for improving yield and utilizing mangoes in different food industries. For his part, Mohammed Al Darmaki, Head of the Coordination and Follow-Up Committee of the Mango Festival, stated that the committee worked diligently to turn the festival's vision into comprehensive operational plans. He highlighted efforts to streamline participation for farmers and home-based producers, while enhancing the overall visitor experience. He added that the committee continues to track feedback and outcomes to ensure the festival's long-term success as a strategic platform for developing mango and crop cultivation, thereby reinforcing Khorfakkan's position as an agricultural and tourism destination. Meanwhile, Dr. Syed Muhammad Tahir, Chairman of the Pakistan Business Council, expressed his appreciation for Pakistan's participation, saying: 'We are proud to take part in this outstanding event, which reflects the UAE's commitment to agricultural and food development'. 'The festival offered Pakistani mango growers and agribusiness stakeholders a platform to engage with regional and international counterparts, gain insight into cutting-edge mango cultivation technologies, and explore new avenues for agricultural collaboration and investment between Pakistan and Sharjah's business communities,' he added. The Mango Festival 2025 was held in strategic partnership with the Kalba-based Al Sharqiya TV, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), Bee'ah, and the Department of Social Services. It featured a diverse lineup of activities and events, including live heritage-themed performances and expert-led agricultural workshops on advanced farming techniques, mango tree care, modern irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and pest control practices. These sessions helped raise awareness among visitors and farmers alike and encouraged the adoption of smart farming practices to enhance crop productivity and quality. This year's edition fostered a dynamic and engaging competitive atmosphere, with farmers presenting their highest-quality mango varieties. It featured lively competitions like 'Best Farmer's Display,' 'Mango Mazayna' (Most Beautiful Mango), 'Largest Mango', 'Most Beautiful Mango Basket' for families and a children-focused 'Best Agriculture-themed Video' competition. The festival awarded valuable prizes to winners of its competitions and gave visitors a chance to win through daily raffle draws featuring a variety of rewards and giveaways. It also featured a vibrant lineup of interactive events and live cultural shows, where Emirati folk ensembles showcased traditional performances that highlighted the UAE's rich cultural legacy. These elements fueled excitement and visitor engagement over the festival's three-day run. Furthermore, a large space was dedicated to family-friendly and hands-on activities, where visitors of all ages explored educational and experiential zones, fostering a deeper appreciation for agriculture and sustainability.
