Dubai International Content Market will become the region’s most dynamic hub for the content industry. With over 250 buyers from the MENA region’s leading broadcasters, OTTs, and platforms, alongside 90+ global exhibitors from more than 50 countries, DICM is where regional demand meets international supply. “This year’s edition of DICM promises to be our most dynamic yet. We’re welcoming over 95 exhibitors and more than 250 buyers from over 50 countries, all converging in Dubai to make meaningful connections. Two of the most anticipated features will be the Producers Connect Hub, where co-production opportunities take center stage, and DICM Talks, which will explore cutting-edge topics, from Ramadan content, docuseries, sports media rights, to streaming trends and new storytelling formats like microdramas. Another highlight is the launch of Spotlight Stories: The DICM Pitching Challenge, giving creators from the MENA region a platform to pitch their ideas to top decision-makers,” said Irina Deaconu, Marketing & Communication Manager for International Buyers at DICM.
Beyond the market floor, DICM offers a platform for collaboration and insights: DICM Talks brings together thought leaders to discuss trends shaping the industry, while the Producers Connect Hub fosters curated matchmaking for co-production deals and cross-border partnerships. “The feedback from 2024 was overwhelmingly positive. Exhibitors told us they appreciated the quality of meetings, with many highlighting that Dubai has become a strategic stop on the global content calendar. Buyers valued the curated matchmaking and the opportunity to discover both international hits and fresh Arabic content. That said, we listened closely to their input. For 2025, we have further improved the Content Business Hub to deliver even more tailored meetings and a smoother networking flow. Just as importantly, we worked to ensure a stronger exhibitor lineup, with more than 50 companies already rebooking from last year and new participants bringing the genres and content buyers are actively seeking. Our goal has always been not only to host meetings but to create the perfect environment for long-term partnerships to flourish,” Deaconu stated.
A BOOMING REGION
MENA’s content appetite is soaring: Arabic content demand has grown 16x in recent years, and Ramadan alone now generates nearly $500 million in value. Global distributors and producers can’t afford to miss this marketplace. “The Middle East is experiencing a content revolution. There is surging demand for authentic Arabic stories with global appeal, especially dramas, docuseries, and Ramadan specials. At the same time, platforms are investing in diverse genres such as kids’ content, factual entertainment, lifestyle shows, and even emerging categories like true crime, thrillers, and sports documentaries, which are resonating strongly with younger audiences,” Deaconu described. “Importantly, we’re also seeing an unprecedented appetite for co-productions that bridge MENA creativity with international expertise. Buyers and platforms are not only acquiring but also actively seeking partners to collaborate with, ensuring cultural resonance while reaching global audiences. At the same time, international content remains a cornerstone of demand in the region. Hollywood blockbusters, Korean dramas, and Turkish series continue to perform exceptionally well, with audiences embracing both dubbed and subtitled formats. This blend of global imports and local originals is shaping a truly hybrid viewing culture,” she added.
In this context, DICM has become the gateway between MENA and the world. “Our role is to create a space where international distributors, platforms, and producers can discover the richness of Arabic content, while regional players gain direct access to global opportunities. In just a few years, we’ve seen DICM grow threefold, with international heavyweights and independent creators alike recognizing Dubai as a strategic hub for deal-making. What makes us unique is that we’re not just a marketplace, we’re a connector of cultures, industries, and ideas. By combining curated matchmaking, thought-leadership through DICM Talks, and platforms like Spotlight Stories, we’re shaping the future of entertainment in the region and giving global players the confidence to invest and collaborate here,” Deaconu stated.
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