CNN inaugurates Dubai studio


Details

Rebecca Hawkes

| 21 January 2016




Turner-owned global news network CNN has opened a new digital broadcast studio in the UAE’s Dubai Media City.


CNN Arabic will use the studio for interviews and a range of video content, while CNN shows across the network will also utilise the facility for news and programming. The studio will also offer an array of new video capabilities to CNNArabic.com.

In addition the facility features a system called Global Control, which allows any CNN control room, anywhere in the world, to take command of the studio and operate it remotely.

“This is a wonderful moment for CNN in the region. This versatile new studio is full of cutting-edge broadcasting technology, which will add a completely new dimension to our digital operation here in Dubai. It will open the door to a suite of new content from CNN Arabic, and provide superb new facilities for CNN as a whole in the Middle East,” said Caroline Faraj, vice president of Arabic Services for CNN.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and chairman of Dubai Creative Clusters Authority, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, said: "Dubai has steadily been enhancing its position as a unique and strategic hub for Arab and international media organisations and raising its profile in the global media industry. It has also been constantly enhancing the enabling environment it provides media organisations by offering a high quality infrastructure, and efficient logistics services.”

“Our successful relationship with companies like CNN is part of part of strategy of establishing partnerships with leading private sector companies,” he added.

The new Dubai studio is the latest addition to CNN’s operations in the Middle East. CNN Arabic launched in 2002 and its Abu Dhabi bureau was opened in 2009.

Rani R Raad, Turner MD for the Middle East and president of CNN International Commercial, commented: “This investment in Dubai further consolidates our presence in the UAE and really takes our commitment to the region as a whole to the next level. We want to continue to serve our audiences with great content across every platform, and this will enhance our ability to do that.”