CABSAT, the leading event for broadcast, media, satellite, and entertainment industries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, marks its 30th anniversary with the return of the prestigious MENA Co-Production Salon.

In collaboration with HConsult, a prominent content market specialist in the Arabic-speaking MENA region, the event is scheduled from May 21 to 23, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, promising to uphold the collaborative spirit that defines the annual gathering.

The MENA Co-Production Salon, located within a specially designed VIP lounge near the Content Congress area, serves as an exclusive, invitation-only platform bringing together the region’s leading production houses, OTT platforms, TV networks, content investors, and brand representatives. It facilitates exploration of co-production and investment opportunities, aimed at creating internationally viable TV and film content.

Reflecting on the success of the previous year’s edition, Heba Korayem, Content Market and Partnerships Specialist at HConsult and host of the MENA Co-Production Salon, highlighted the significant impact of the event. She emphasized the achievement of USD 8 million in content investment through partnership deals directly resulting from the meetings conducted at the Co-Production Salon in CABSAT 2023, with several new deals still in progress.

Korayem underscored the importance of CABSAT to the media industry, stating that the Co-Production Salon attracts a diverse mix of companies, serving as an ideal one-stop-shop for participants, producers, and broadcasters. She noted that attendees benefit not only from networking opportunities but also from access to new technologies and broadcast support.

Elena Brodskaia, Head of International Content Strategy at ‘Yango’, the MENA region’s first Entertainment super App, shared her experience from the previous year’s event, highlighting its role in shaping the content strategy for the app’s launch. She emphasized the unique opportunity to connect with leading production houses of the region in one place, along with insightful panel discussions and analytics provided by HConsult.

The return of the MENA Co-Production Salon at CABSAT 2024 signifies a continued commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in the MENA media industry, providing a platform for creators, investors, and stakeholders to come together and drive growth and development in the region.