Business & Money | Wednesday 23 November, 2016 6:53 am |

As part of Enterprise Ireland's Trade Mission, Charlie Flanagan TD, Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and H.E. Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, attended the first Ireland-UAE Digital Media Showcase at Abu Dhabi's media hub, twofour54.

The showcase brought together high level representatives from governmental organisations, media and digital agencies, publishers, broadcasters, and other private sector firms with a cluster of Ireland's leading digital marketing solution providers involved in the areas of advertising technology, digital marketing solutions, experiential technology, customer experience management, and smart city technologies.

H.E. Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, said: "Irelandand the UAE have enjoyed a strong relationship over many years and we are delighted to host our Irish friends here at twofour54 to exchange ideas on how we can work together in the digital media space. The Middle East is a huge market when it comes to content creation and media consumption with the sector expected to grow annually by 7 per cent in the next few years, and be worth $21.5 billion in 2019. Abu Dhabi is an ideal base from which to reach and serve the broader Middle East market because of our stability as well as the attractive proposition we can offer foreign companies. We truly believe in the power of collaboration and we look forward to continuing the dialogue and developing opportunities to do business together."

Mr. Charlie Flanagan TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade added: "The focus on developing the digital media industry is a strategic policy for both countries. The UAE has emerged as a hub for the Middle East's media and marketing industry. Media companies from all over the Arab region and the world have come here to expand on the UAE's vibrant digital ecosystem. The potential for collaboration is exponential as Ireland has emerged as a technological hub in Europe, and is home to some of the world's leading animation houses, digital media solutions, and gaming innovators - seven of whom are participating here today".

Local media content is highly sought after by the Arab nation. Regional media players involved in content production, gaming, and marketing are developing ground-breaking content catered for Arab viewers, often through collaboration with international companies. Middle Eastern companies are keen to develop partnerships with Irish digital media companies with leading technological capabilities to develop content in their UAE headquarters. Media hubs such as twofour54 have been pivotal in building platforms to connect Middle Eastern media companies with their counterparts world-wide to create innovative content.

Mr. Joe Breslin, Regional Director, S. Europe, Middle East, Africa & India at Enterprise Ireland said: "A key focus for Enterprise Ireland is helping companies to start-up, innovate and scale in global markets. Ireland is recognised globally as a hub for the ICT and digital sectors, with Dublin home to 9 out of the top 10 global ICT companies and an ever-growing number of innovative start-ups. Seven leading Irish digital media companies are participating at Digital Media Showcase. These companies are already attracting the attention of major international players. This Showcase will provide them with the perfect platform to demonstrate their solutions to top decision makers and key players in the global digital media ecosystem".