Noor Riyadh 2024 Preview Night: A Radiant Prelude to the World’s Largest Light Art Festival

In a pioneering move for the Arab entertainment industry, Rotana Media and Scene have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a strategic partnership aimed at producing and showcasing modern, youth-oriented content tailored for Arab and Gulf audiences.

The partnership includes the co-production of a collection of Micro Dramas short-form series introduced for the first time in the Arab world, as well as the adaptation of select Rotana series into vertical (mobile-friendly) formats, aligning with the new digital viewing habits of today’s audiences.

This groundbreaking collaboration marks a new era in Arabic drama production, enhancing its connection with younger generations while opening innovative opportunities for regional creative talent.

Commenting on the agreement, Mrs. Nada Makhzoum, CEO of Rotana Channels, one of Rotana Media’s entities, stated: “Rotana has always been at the forefront of delivering content that evolves with its audience and platforms. Our partnership with Scene extends this vision by empowering Arab creativity through new, innovative storytelling formats that reach viewers wherever they are, in the way they prefer to watch.”

From his side, Mr. Sayed Finianos, Founder and CEO of Scene, added:

“This strategic collaboration with Rotana represents a milestone partnership. Rotana’s deep expertise and solid position in the Arab media landscape bring tremendous value to this agreement. Together, we aim to introduce a new generation of short-form dramas for Arab youth, combining high production quality with the spirit of the digital age.”

About Rotana Media:
Rotana Media is one of the leading media groups in the Arab world, encompassing Rotana Channels and Rotana Studios under its umbrella. Rotana Media combines a legacy of innovation and creativity in delivering diverse content spanning cinema, drama, music, and entertainment programs. It owns the largest Arabic film library with over 2,300 titles and operates a network of 16 leading channels, including Rotana Khalijia, the first private Saudi channel. Rotana Khalijia has established itself as a platform that reflects the pulse of Saudi and Gulf society, offering a rich and immersive viewing experience that embodies Rotana’s leadership in the Arab entertainment industry.

During GITEX Global 2025

SonicWall and Digital Planets forge strategic partnership to reinforce cybersecurity defences in the Middle East

Global cybercrime damages are projected to reach USD 10.5 trillion annually in 2025

UNITED Arab EMIRATES, 15 October 2025: SonicWall, a global leader in managed cybersecurity solutions, and Digital Planets, a subsidiary of DP Group leading in integrated digital solutions and services, signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at enhancing digital defence capabilities across Middle Eastern markets.

Under the partnership, Digital Planets has become a SonicWall Gold Partner, providing advanced cybersecurity solutions across the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and the Arab Republic of Egypt. The agreement was signed during GITEX Global 2025, the world’s largest technology event, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, featuring over 6,800 participatingtechnology companies. This year’s edition of the event focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology (Bio-Tech), underscoring GITEX’s role as a global platform for shaping the future of the digital economy.

Accelerating Growth in Cybersecurity Threats

The partnership comes at a criticaljuncture,which experiences unprecedented growth in the regional cybersecurity market driven by rapid digital expansion and increasing threat complexity.

Egypt recorded more than 20,000 cyberattacksin the first half of 2025, targeting key communications and critical infrastructure sectors. Global reports also highlight that, this year, cybercrime damages are projected to reach USD 10.5 trillion annually worldwide.

Furthermore, the cybersecurity market in the Middle East and Africa is expected to become the second-largest globally, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.2 per cent in the upcoming years.

Strengthening Partner Networks Through the SecureFirst Program

Digital Planets has officially joined SonicWall’s SecureFirst Partner Program, enhancing its cybersecurity portfolio and enabling clients to access award-winning solutions in advanced protection, smart monitoring, and predictive threat defence.

Dr. Ahmed Hanafy, Founder and CEO of DP Group, said, “Our partnership with SonicWall marks a strategic milestone in line with our vision to empower secure digital transformation for our clients across the region. The signing came during GITEX Global, reflecting the convergence of innovation and real-life challenges. Cybersecurity remains to be a top priority for organizations today.”

Dr.Hanafy further added, “By integrating SonicWall’s advanced solutions with our regional expertise, we will be able to deliver a suite of comprehensive and reliable security offerings that ensure robust cyber resilience for organisations in Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, while protecting their vital digital assets.”

Eng. Mohamed Abdallah, Regional Director for Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) at SonicWall, affirmed, “This partnership reflects SonicWall’s commitment to supporting its regional partners and equipping them with the latest security technologies. Digital Planets’ client-oriented and professional approach aligns with our philosophy of placing partners at the core of the business ecosystem.”

He further stated, “Our goal is to facilitate secure digital transformation and assist organisations of all sizes transition safely to cloud and hybrid environments amidst the rising threats in the age of AI, a key focus of this year’s GITEXedition.”

Middle East Remains a Primary Target

Statistics show that the Middle East and Africa ranked third globally in the number of cyberattacks in 2024, with a growing number of state-sponsored threats directed at GCC countries and Egypt. This underscores the significance of the partnership between SonicWall and Digital Planets as a vital step to bolster regional digital security.

UAE home appliances market projected to reach AED 18 billion by 2028; After-sales segment valued at over AED 1.2 billion annually

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 13 October 2025: Homewide, a subsidiary of the Mohammed Hareb Al Otaiba (MHAO) Group; the 2nd oldest business conglomerate in the UAE incepted in 1946, has officially inaugurated its first service centre in Abu Dhabi, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by business leaders and media representatives.

The expansion comes at a time of strong sectoral growth. According to Mordor Intelligence (2025), the UAE’s home appliances market is projected to reach USD 4.9billion (AED 18billion) by 2028, driven by rising consumer demand for premium and energy-efficient products.

Meanwhile, Frost & Sullivan (2024) estimates the after-sales and repair segment for home appliances in the country at more than AED 1.2billion annually, underscoring the growing need for quality servicing, warranty support, and localized customer care; areas where Homewide continues to invest and expand according to its senior officials present in the inauguration event.

Located in Mussafah area, the 1,200 sq. ft. facility is now fully operational, featuring a state-of-the-art workshop, modern reception areas, spare parts storage, and dedicated service bays. With this opening, customers in Abu Dhabi will benefit from faster turnaround times and localized after-sales support.

Jaishankar K. Nair, Head of Services at MHAO Group, commented: “The opening of our Abu Dhabi centre is a major milestone in our journey to bring world-class after-sales service closer to our customers. We are proud to deliver a seamless experience built on speed, quality, and reliability. This reflects our ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction and sustainable growth.”

The centre is authorized to service globally renowned brands including Bosch, Beko, Black & Decker, and Laurastar, ensuring customers have access to genuine spare parts, trusted repairs, and warranty services. It also contributes to the local economy by creating new job opportunities and supporting Emiratization by prioritizing UAE national talent.

This expansion aligns with MHAO Group’s broader vision to build a decentralized network of service centres across all the UAE, while laying the groundwork for regional growth into GCC markets. By combining localized delivery with international standards, Homewide reinforces its position as a trusted partner for households and entities across the UAE.

Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi: “The winning films stood out for the quality, diversity, and artistic depth of their stories.”

“My Driver & I” wins Best Feature Film; “Miss Moxy” is named Best Animated Feature.

“The Mullah” wins Best Arab Short Film; “How to Open the Door” wins Best International Short.

“Guardians of the Mountains” awarded Best Documentary

 The 12th Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFF) concluded on Sunday, October 12, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. The closing ceremony took place at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, in the presence of filmmakers, guests, and industry professionals.

Over six days, the festival welcomed more than 60,000 visitors, participants, and students, celebrating young filmmakers and honoring winners across various categories.

The Best Feature Film Award went to “My Driver & I” by Ahd Kamel, with Rola Khalil receiving a Special Mention for her performance. “Son” by Zhanna Bekmambetova won Best Short Animation Film, while “Miss Moxy” by Wib Vernooij received Best Animated Feature. “Every Living, Breathing Moment” by Angelo Visser won Best Film by Children and Youth, and “Coop” by Mujtaba Alhejji won Best Student Short Film. “The Old Klavirista” by Sarah Coppin received Best Student Short Animation.

“The Mullah” by Baha Al-Kadhimi won Best Arab Short Film, while “How to Open the Door” by Joan Ji Yey Hui and Ji Wan Park earned Best International Short Film. “Guardians of the Mountains” by Ali Fuad was awarded Best Documentary. Special Mentions went to Marion Provrov for “The Secret of the Black Hand” and Park So-yi for “2:15 PM”.

Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of SIFF, said, “The festival’s success reflects its growing influence both locally and internationally. The festival has become a key part of Sharjah’s cultural landscape. Its impact lies in how it inspires young people to explore cinema as a form of self-expression and creativity. The winning films captivated audiences and juries alike with their strong storytelling, technical excellence, and artistic diversity.”

This year’s edition showcased 74 films selected from 1,740 submissions across 26 countries, including Saudi Arabia, France, Iran, Indonesia, Bahrain, Russia, India, and the Netherlands, alongside first-time participants from São Tomé and Príncipe, Ecuador, and Belize. The festival’s Green Carpet featured the regional premieres of “Miss Moxy”(Netherlands), “2:15 PM” (South Korea), and “Hajeer” (Saudi Arabia).

Korean cinema was the Guest of Honour, with a curated program highlighting its human-centered storytelling and global appeal.

The 12th edition also introduced the World Conference on Children and Youth Films, a new platform exploring cinema’s role in shaping awareness among Arab youth and discussing opportunities for developing the regional film industry.

In a gesture of social commitment, SIFF donated proceeds from ticket sales to the Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation, supporting vulnerable children worldwide, reaffirming FUNN’s dedication to social responsibility.

Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, said:“As the festival’s official tourism partner, we are proud to support initiatives that reflect Sharjah’s cultural and family values. Our collaboration with FUNN highlights our shared vision of fostering creativity and youth engagement.”

Tushar Singhvi, Deputy CEO of Crescent Enterprises, described the festival as “a vital platform for intercultural dialogue and creative empowerment.”

Fared Belbouab, CEO of Gulftainer Group, added, “Supporting SIFF reflects our commitment to empowering youth through creativity and collaboration, strengthening Sharjah’s role as a thriving hub of innovation.”

The closing ceremony also honored jury members, trainers, volunteers, partners, and sponsors, including Crescent Enterprises, Gulftainer, Sharjah Media City (Shams), the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, Sharjah Airport, Emirates Airline (official airline partner), and many others such as Sharjah Research Technology Park, House of Wisdom, Vox Cinemas, City Centre Al Zahia, Sony, Nikon, and Palazzo Versace Hotel.