Irina Deaconu
The recent Dubai International Content Market took place this year at the Madinat Jumeirah Conference and Events Centre, gathering over 900 participants from 55 countries. To understand the revamped event's reach, Señal News spoke with Irina Deaconu, DICM's Marketing & Communication Manager.
What overall balance would you make of the 2025 edition of the Dubai International Content Market?
"This year's edition of DICM exceeded expectations on every level. We welcomed over 900 participants from 55 countries, hosted more than 2,000 meetings, and saw remarkable engagement across all market sections. The atmosphere was vibrant and productive, a true reflection of Dubai's growing role as a global hub for content creation, collaboration, and innovation."
Last year, you mentioned the goal of surpassing 250 buyers and 90 exhibitors. Could you share the final figures for this edition and how international participation evolved?
"We're proud to confirm that DICM 2025 attracted over 250 qualified buyers from more than 40 countries and 94 exhibitors from 19 countries, achieving our targets while expanding international reach. This year's market saw stronger representation from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America, confirming that DICM is now firmly established as a global meeting point for the entertainment industry."
Which regions or markets showed the strongest growth within the event?
"We noticed a significant rise in participation from CIS, Africa, and Southeast Asia, as well as new players from the Gulf region, especially Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. These markets are investing more in original storytelling and partnerships, and DICM continues to serve as the bridge connecting them to international opportunities."
What types of content or genres stood out this year?
"Arabic dramas and Ramadan series continued to dominate regional interest, but we also saw strong momentum in docuseries, animation, and factual entertainment. Short-form storytelling and youth-focused content were also major highlights, reflecting the changing habits of audiences and digital innovation across the MENA region."
What feedback did you receive from international exhibitors regarding the quality of the market and business opportunities that Dubai offers?
"The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Exhibitors highlighted DICM's efficiency, high-quality networking, and Dubai's strategic advantages, including easy connectivity, world-class infrastructure, and a fast-growing media ecosystem. Many described DICM as 'boutique but high-impact,' offering a perfect balance between business and creative exchange."
Last year, you launched the Spotlight Stories – Pitching Challenge and strengthened the Producers Connect Hub. What were the results and feedback from these initiatives?
"Both initiatives were major successes. The 'Spotlight Stories Pitching Challenge' received more than 100 exceptional projects from emerging regional creators, and the jury praised the originality and quality of ideas presented. Meanwhile, the 'Producers Connect Hub' facilitated dozens of co-production discussions, further positioning DICM as a catalyst for meaningful creative partnerships."
How did the profile of attendees evolve this year?
"We saw a notable increase in participation from digital platforms, independent producers, and regional streamers, as well as stronger interest from talent agencies and IP developers. The industry's evolving structure was reflected in the diversity of attendees, more dynamic, digital, and globally connected than ever."
From the organization's perspective, what learnings or improvements will you implement for the next edition of DICM in 2026?
"For 2026, we aim to expand the DICM Talks program with even more specialized panels and training sessions, enhance our AI-driven meeting platform, and introduce new networking formats focused on co-productions and emerging technologies. We're also planning a bigger and more dynamic edition of the 'Spotlight Stories Pitching Challenge,' which will allow more regional producers to bring their creative ideas to life and connect with investors, platforms, and partners. Additionally, we will continue to build on the success of the Producers Connect Hub, further strengthening its role as a dedicated space for collaboration, idea exchange, and co-production development. Our goal remains continuous growth, not just in scale, but in the depth and quality of opportunities we provide to the global content community."
What are your expectations for the expansion of the MENA content market in the coming years, and how do you see Dubai's role as a regional content hub?
"The MENA region is entering a golden era for content. With substantial investments in production infrastructure, regional platforms, and international collaborations, we anticipate continued double-digit growth over the next few years. Dubai remains at the heart of this momentum, serving as a bridge between East and West, combining creative talent with business excellence."
Finally, what message would you like to share with international companies that have not yet participated in DICM?
"If you're looking to connect with the fastest-growing entertainment region in the world, DICM is the place to be. It's where global players meet regional visionaries, where partnerships are built, and where the next generation of stories begins. We invite everyone to join us in Dubai in 2026 and be part of the evolution shaping the future of content."