Overview  

The explosive growth seen in the Middle East media and telecommunications industries over the past five years has been hit hard by the global recession. As investors pull in their horns, both regional and international operators need to find new ways to expand their businesses and stake their place in an ever more competitive field.
 
New partnerships are emerging in response to demand for multi-platform entertainment and commerce, but success in the Middle East also depends on a thorough understanding of the regional user environment, and investment in infrastructure and the development of local talent.
 
The FT Society, Media and Technology Summit 2009 will draw together global leaders from the broadcast, publishing, telecommunications and technology industries to define the new principles on which the future of media and telecommunications in the Middle East will be based.
 
At this critical moment for the industry, the summit provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to engage in the debate and to forge the new alliances that will be crucial to success in this rapidly evolving market.

Confirmed speakers include:

  • John Willman, Editorial Consultant and Former UK Business Editor and Associate Editor, Financial Times
  • HE Dr Tarek Mitri, Minister of Information, Lebanon
  • Abdulaziz Al-Mahmoud, Editor in Chief, Al-Arab
  • Ray Maurer, Managing Director, QNB Capital
  • Robert Menard, Director General, Doha Centre for Media Freedom
  • Yousef H Mugharbil, President, Rotana Digital Media
  • Bhavneet Singh, EVP & MD, Emerging Markets, MTV Networks International
  • Neil Cook, Managing Editor, Gulf Times
  • Ziad Kebbi, Managing Director, Endemol Middle East
  • Abdullatif Al-Sayegh, Chief Executive Officer, Arab Media Group