DFTC announces Dubai Studio City and Alfan as key sponsors for VIDXB 2017

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 28 November 2017:  The Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) is delighted to announce two major sponsors for VIDXB 2017, welcoming Dubai Studio City and Alfan to the dedicated gathering for content creators taking place on 8 and 9 December at the Dubai World Trade Centre. VIDXB is the region’s first annual event celebrating the world of online video and will give fans and budding creators an opportunity to meet some of the world’s most renowned online stars and get exclusive insight into the world of digital content creation.

Alfan is the leading multi-platform network in the MENA region, focusing on creating original content alongside supporting its vast network of content creators in the region. With almost 1 billion monthly views on YouTube, and 200 million followers across social media, Alfan is currently ranked #1 MCN in the MENA region and #30 globally. 

Alfan is well-known for building and working with top creators like Noor Stars, the #1 YouTuber in the Middle East. The US based YouTuber, Stars had a fan base of 1 million subscribers on YouTube at the time she joined Alfan, and this number has grown significantly to over 5 million subscribers and a total reach of over 8 million followers across all her social networks since. Alongside Noor Stars, Alfan has supported the journey of creators such as Matte3 3a8lak, who joined the network as a single channel with 70 thousand followers and has since expanded to a network of 6 channels reaching 6 million subscribers.

Attendees at VIDXB will have a chance to meet more of Alfan’s featured content creators including Khalaf Zone, Shahad Imad, 1 Ted and many more.

Speaking about the partnership, Mohammad Fattal, CEO at Alfan, said: “We are excited to partner with VIDXB, our vision has always been to nurture growth, focus on generating original content and support our talents. We believe partnering with an event such as this one will help us amplify the digital growth in the region.”

Omar Butti, Executive Director of Innovation at DFTC, added: “There’s an incredibly strong alignment between Alfan’s mission of supporting the digital media industry and VIDXB, offering the right platform to bring everyone together.’’

Also, joining VIDXB as an associate partner is Dubai Studio City (DSC), a leading entertainment community that is home to many Fortune 500 companies from around the world. A popular location for filming and production that has hosted blockbuster publications such as Star Trek Beyond and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Dubai Studio City provides an all-in-one solution to facilitate an easy, efficient and innovative production process. Launched in 2005, Dubai Studio City provides cutting-edge facilities and services to companies across the broadcasting, film production, TV, music, and entertainment sectors, including being home to the largest Sound Stages in the region.

As a part of their vision, Dubai Studio City has pledged an ongoing commitment to filmmakers and content creators by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, along with providing a dynamic business platform and support system for entrepreneurs to launch and scale their projects and startups. 

Speaking about the opportunity to further the region’s exposure at VIDXB, Majed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director, Dubai Studio City, said: “Our participation in VIDXB 2017 reflects our commitment to contribute to the growth of the digital space in the UAE and the region.  With the evolvement of digital, the need for relevant and constantly new content is growing as well and it is critical for the industry to address this. There is a significant uptake in digital video and that is evident in the time spent by the youth, which is a staggering 72 minutes per day, according to the Arab Media Outlook report. VIDXB is a great platform that will bring together content creators and digital experts to discuss best in class standards, a step pointing at the development of this sector.” 

Thanks to YouTube, which triggered the online video revolution, ten years ago. This has been further fuelled by smartphones and youth who are driving heavy “digital video-only” consumption. Social media, which was mostly text and image-driven is also embracing video. 

Omar Butti, Executive Director of Innovation at DFTC, added; “We are thrilled to be working with Dubai Studio City whose world class studios and production facilities will help take global creators’ content to the next level and cement Dubai’s place as one of the best locations to tell your story. VIDXB is not only an opportunity for likeminded creators to connect, but also for us to showcase the extent of what can be done in the region.”

Tickets are available to purchase now at Virgin Megastore and Platinumlist.