The 7th edition of the Dubai International Content Market (DICM) concluded last week, reaffirming its pivotal role as the MENA region’s premier content marketplace. The event, hosted at the Madinat Jumeirah Conference and Events Centre, welcomed over 900 participants from 70+ countries, facilitating more than 2,500 B2B meetings and showcasing the latest trends, opportunities, and innovations in the media and entertainment sector.
The two-day event attracted 87 exhibitors representing leading media institutions, global distributors, and streaming platforms. Industry leaders and visionaries gathered to explore the evolving dynamics of content creation, distribution, and consumption across the MENA region and beyond.
In conversation with Señal News, Irina Deaconu, DICM's Marketing & Communication Manager, commented: “Distributors appreciated the platform’s role in connecting them with regional buyers seeking diverse and high-quality content to meet the growing demand in the MENA market. International production companies and distributors played a pivotal role, offering buyers access to exclusive licensing opportunities, including content from Hollywood studios, Turkish dramas, and Asian productions,among others.” Moreover, she highlighted some of the deals closed during the market: “Studio S concluded a distribution deal with Evision for 11 drama series, while Neon Creation signed an MoU worth $1.5M with a regional distributor.”
DICM TALKS: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MENA CONTENT
A significant highlight of the event was DICM Talks, where experts delved into pivotal trends shaping the MENA region's vibrant media landscape. As Nadim Safieddine, founder of the Nad's Reviews website, remarked: “With over 60 streaming platforms here, it’s dense and competitive. But the competition is fair and healthy, with players complementing each other through their own niche USPs and collaborations.”
At DICM Talks, leaders from across the media and entertainment industry unveiled transformative insights into the region’s dynamic content landscape. Deaconu added: “The MENA region is emerging as a powerhouse in the global content industry, driven by unique cultural narratives and a rapidly expanding streaming landscape. Since 2019, the number of platforms in MENA has grown fivefold, from 10 to over 50, with 84% of viewers favoring local services over global competitors, highlighting a strong demand for homegrown content. Arabic series and movies dominate viewership, while interest in family-friendly programming and sports is on the rise. Saudi Arabia and Egypt are becoming key content production hubs, focusing on unscripted formats, drama, and animation. The region's digital connectivity and youthful population create an ideal environment for growth, with increasing investment in localized content that appeals both regionally and internationally.” Additionally, according to a recent research by Parrot Analytics, MENA is on the brink of its “Squid Game moment,” with local stories gaining momentum and potential for global breakout success.
STREAMING PLATFORMS AND PROGRAMMING SPOTLIGHT
Mohammed Ogaily, from OSN+, shared the platform's commitment to blockbusters and originals, teasing the 2025 release of “The Fashionista,” while expanding into comedy and horror genres.Meanwhile, Farah Makarem, from Starzplay, showcased investments in sports leagues like cricket and Serie A, Arabic originals, and family-friendly content under e&'s ecosystem. Moreover, Elena Brodskaya, from Yango Play, highlighted AI-powered UX and original unscripted productions like “Al Ghaleb Ghaleb.”
As for the programming spotlight, speakers, including Hasret Ozcan from Inter Medya, highlighted Turkey's role as the world's second-largest content exporter. Discussions revealed how Turkish storytelling resonates globally, driving new opportunities in partnerships and innovation.
DICM 2024 underscored the importance of international co-productions, with insights from industry veterans highlighting the rising appeal of Turkish content and its role as the world’s second-largest content exporter. The sessions explored how cross-border storytelling is redefining the industry, paving the way for creative and commercial growth.
Amit Devani from Parrot Analytics provided transformative insights, revealing how demand for animated content has tripled since 2021, while genres like crime and thrillers remain dominant in regional preferences. Meanwhile, “Franchise Fatigue” is causing a decline in traditional blockbusters like Marvel and Star Wars, creating opportunities for fresh narratives.
Adding a cultural touch, the stars of the Turkish series Fatih—Selim Bayraktar and Serkan Çayoğlu—engaged with attendees in a special session that celebrated the influence of Turkish storytelling in the region.
THE GOLDEN ERA OF MENA CONTENT
As Talal Alasmani stated: “The golden era of media and production has come.” The MENA region has emerged as a powerhouse for content creation, driven by increased local demand and strategic investments.
Key trends highlighted during DICM 2024 include the rise of Arabic originals as the cornerstone of regional streaming strategies, with record-high demand in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Moreover, evolving audience preferences, with anime gaining popularity in Saudi Arabia and crime dramas captivating Moroccan viewers. What is more, Alasmani highlighted the expanding opportunities for unscripted content, family programming, and cross-genre productions tailored to younger audiences.
“Buyers and distributors are seeking platforms that cater to the region's unique needs while maintaining global relevance. There is a growing demand for tailored content opportunities, including more Arabic originals, family-oriented programming, and shows that align with regional preferences, such as anime in Saudi Arabia and sitcoms in the UAE,” said Irina Deaconu. “Networking and partnerships are highly valued, with platforms like DICM playing a crucial role in facilitating direct interactions, building alliances, and opening avenues for deals. In an increasingly competitive landscape, participants also prioritize market insights into audience trends, consumption patterns, and global opportunities. DICM remains a central hub for meeting these needs, offering a balance of regional expertise and access to the global market,” she added.
DICM 2024 set new benchmarks for collaboration and innovation in the media industry, securing significant deals such as Studio S’s partnership with evision for 11 series and Neon Creation’s $1.5M MoU with a regional distributor. The conversations and partnerships sparked during the event are expected to drive transformative change in the industry.
With a focus on localized, high-quality, and culturally resonant storytelling, the MENA region is poised to deliver a global breakthrough akin to Squid Game’s success. As highlighted by Rasha Audi and Amit Devani during their report presentation, “Arabic content is ready for its own global moment, combining cultural authenticity with universal appeal.”
Irina Deaconu concluded: “The 2025 edition of DICM promises to be even more exciting and innovative, with several key improvements planned. A new Ramadan Content Market Hub will provide a dedicated space for family-oriented and Ramadan-specific content, catering to a significant market segment and aligning with regional preferences. Building on the success of this year's sessions, DICM Talks will be expanded to include a stronger focus on storytelling innovations, data-driven strategies, and insights into emerging platforms and trends. Additionally, a special initiative is in the works to support and elevate producers, with more details to be announced soon. With these enhancements, DICM 2025 aims to solidify its position as a transformative marketplace and thought-leadership platform for the media and entertainment industry.”
The 8th edition of DICM will return in November 2025 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, promising another transformative experience.
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