Fox seals Middle East tie-up

08 March 2010

Fox International Channels (FIC) has struck a partnership with Abu Dhabi’s twofour54 to collaborate on three projects in the Middle East.

The first part of the agreement sees FIC’s .Fox network work alongside the UAE government to help develop the Arabic media industry. As a result, the network will now be housed at new headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

Secondly, FIC’s documentary production arm NHNZ will develop a HD and 3D documentary scheduled to broadcast across television, cinema and museums. NHNZ will also set-up a production office in Abu Dhabi with a focus on developing 3D productions along with workshops developing talent in the region.

The third part of the agreement sees FIC move operations and playout of its channels from Hong Kong to Abu Dhabi while fully integrating HD capabilities in its operations.

Speaking on behalf of twofour54, chief executive, Tony Orsten said: “The world's media industry is increasingly focusing on the MENA region. This announcement reinforces our vision, which is to establish Abu Dhabi as a regional centre of excellence for the Arabic media industry, and adds to the media ecosystem we have created.”

The announcement coincided with the  Abu Dhabi Media Summit, which begins tomorrow (9 March) and runs until 11 March.

Josh Colley, London