What will shape the future of media in the UAE?

Dubai Marina welcomed a gathering of media decision-makers on October 5 for the OTTRED Soirée at Sea, marking the opening of CABSAT week. The event brought together professionals from streaming platforms, broadcasters, producers, telcos, technology suppliers, and investors, representing media landscapes in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, and beyond. OTTRED is a global media community that has fostered connections among media, streaming, and entertainment industry professionals for the past 15 years.

OTTRED's founder and CEO, Chris Redmond, reported that the app now boasts over 2,000 members across 68 countries and six continents, with more than 1,200 employers represented. Members logged over 3,500 hours on the platform in the past year, a 78% increase. Professionals use OTTRED as a modern networking tool, likening it to "Facebook for media."

Raghav Anand, EY-Parthenon's media work leader, highlighted the industry's rapid reinvention every six months, pointing to connected TV, creators, and gaming as driving forces. He argued that events like OTTRED Soirée at Sea redefine how business operates in the region.

Melvin Saldanha, SVP Technology at OSN, noted the growing number of streaming services viewers subscribe to, with an average of ten. As a result, he estimates that 30% of viewers keep a phone in hand while the TV runs. Khaled Zaatarah, CEO of VUZ, subscribes to more than seven services, boasting the largest library of immersive experiences in the world, which includes sport, education, and entertainment.

Clare Butler, VP of Marketing at Synamedia, discussed the software behind the screens, explaining how her company builds online video platforms for OTT streaming, along with monetisation tools. She outlined a typical evening: vertical video during commutes, followed by a TV interface with various apps and on-demand services at home.

AI was a recurring topic throughout the event, with opinions divided. Melvin Saldanha advocated for a human anchor in 2030, emphasizing the importance of trust between presenters and audiences. Chris Redmond, however, expects AI agents to significantly alter habits, dubbing voices into 150 languages, and keeping humans for everything else, including client meetings.

Raghav Anand and Heba Korayem both saw value in AI, with Anand envisioning it handling deal structures while Korayem already outsources admin and design tasks to AI. Khaled Zaatarah's vision for the future of media is immersive and interactive experiences, while Chris Redmond hopes for transformative breakthroughs.