• Industry event assembled leaders and innovators from tech and entertainment brands including Warner Bros. Discovery, Google, Mobily KSA, Samsung, Apple, Virgin, du, Etisalat and more to discuss the future of media and streaming in the MENA region
  • “We see huge opportunity in the MENA market and this is being reflected by our own growth in the past year – we’ve seen an increase of 40% engagement from our subscribers in the last 12 months.” Joe Kawkabani, OSN CEO
  • “Partnership is key to giving our customers the content they want and need, but we always start with what’s right for the customer.” Jamie Cooke General Manager, Middle East, Warner Bros. Discovery
  • “AI makes our lives easier; we can do more with less. However, currently, it's like collaborating with a junior team member, validation is necessary. On the other hand, today's AI is the least advanced it will ever be." Elie Habib, Co-Founder, Anghami

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – OSN, the region’s leading service for premium, must-watch entertainment, recently hosted over 100 leading industry stakeholders and decision-makers for focused discussions across Pay TV, streaming and tech. In a series of engaging talks, thought-leaders from companies including Anghami, Google and Warner Bros. Discovery debated the trends, the opportunities, and the challenges from the ever-evolving landscape of media and streaming in the region.

The summit began with an inspiring keynote address by OSN's CEO, Joe Kawkabani. He briefly touched on OSN’s transformational journey over the last year and how it has overcome market challenges, reaffirming itself as the home of Western content by achieving a 40% year-on-year increase in engagement on the platform. He went on to discuss the key trends affecting the tech and entertainment industry, from rising content costs to noting that streaming democratizes the value chain but there is pressure on the content machine to constantly feed the beast, the growing adaptation of ad-tier, how to build a sustainable business with the pressures of content economics, the benefits and pitfalls of technology, and the aggregation opportunity, culminating in summarising the positive growth seen in the outlook for the MENA region and beyond.  

Speaking ahead of the summit, Joe Kawkabani, CEO, OSN stated, “OSN is driven by the high demands and standards of its consumers and their shifting and evolving needs. Strong content is not enough; we must keep people engaged, anticipate their needs, and provide them with user experiences that they can’t find anywhere else. The audience is constantly changing in terms of how they consume entertainment, and we respond by delivering the most in-demand content, products, and value.”

He continued: “In a region first, we are proud to bring together industry leaders, partners, and experts in this format to discuss the future of media in MENA to ultimately be able to deliver an elevated customer experience."

One of the highlight sessions of the summit was titled "New Growth Strategies in a Divided Landscape." This lively discussion featured guest speaker Jamie Cooke, General Manager, Middle East, Warner Bros. Discovery and OSN's CEO Joe Kawkabani. The conversation, moderated by Kelsey Warner, delved into innovative strategies for growth in a rapidly evolving media landscape such as personalisation and customization and taking content beyond the screen.

Jamie Cooke General Manager, Middle East, Warner Bros. Discovery, commented: “OSN has always been a highly valued partner to Warner Bros. Discovery as we continue to deliver something for everyone to watch, whenever they want. We’re focused on the customer, and it’s crucial for us that OSN shares the same vision and strategy in terms of making every decision based on how it benefits who is watching. It’s the strength of this partnership that has enabled us to deliver a fantastic array of content to the MENA region, with much more to come this year and beyond.

Cooke also said that MAX’s parent company Warner Bros. Discovery will not go direct in the MENA region any time soon, while reiterating its partnerships with OSN, which was renewed in a multi-year agreement earlier this year.

Another session that garnered significant attention was led by Justin Hewelt, an industry expert, who shared his insights on "Telco Trends and the Power of Television." Hewelt's discussion highlighted the evolving role of telecommunications companies in the entertainment industry and the impact on viewers' experiences.

The eagerly awaited "Introducing the new streaming TV: OSNtv" session featured OSN executives Devrim Melek and Rory Buckley discussing the recent upgrades to OSN’s latest home product, OSNtv, as it evolved to a fully dishless offering with IP functionality, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey to provide viewers with a top-of-the-line quality entertainment experience.

Emmy-award-winning producer and cartographer Evan Shapiro touched on how users want both local and global progamming, with local publishers in the MENA market able to leverage the additional flexibility coupled with their understanding of the content needs of the market. The session was hosted by a representative from OSN’s streaming service, OSN+, which has long-term partnerships with major studios including HBO, NBC Universal, Paramount+, Endeavor Content, MGM, and Sony, to deliver critically acclaimed series and must-see movies, as well as world-class Turkish and Arabic content.

Rounding off the day was a case study presented by guest speaker Elie Habib, co-founder and CTO of Anghami who discussed how brands can harness the power of AI, giving the creative world access to intelligence that can empower their everyday work.

The event was attended by over 100 guests, from companies including, Google, Mobily KSA, Samsung, Apple, Virgin, du and Etisalat.

About OSN

OSN is the leading service for premium entertainment servicing the MENA region in 22 countries featuring exclusive and in-demand premium global and local hit tv series and films. OSN delivers content across multiple divisions: OSN+, OSNtv, and b2b offerings in every market. Home to the most compelling content from around the world, OSN spearheads premium content including Western, Arabic, Turkish and more across divisions, distinctively known for broadcasting the latest content on the same day as the US, including popular series, blockbuster movies, and the best in kids and lifestyle programming.

OSN’s ambition is to deliver entertainment everywhere for everyone, which is informed by the company’s three key pillars: A customer-first approach, unrivaled exclusive content, and unbeatable value. By seamlessly bringing together Global Network Partnerships, Studios, and Originals, along with reimagined Linear channels, OSN provides an ecosystem of entertainment.

About OSN+

OSN+ is the region’s leading local premium streaming service, featuring an incredible line-up of exclusive global and local curated content. Led by its long-term partnerships with major studios including HBO, NBC Universal, Paramount+, Endeavor Content, MGM, and Sony, the platform ensures the latest content at the same time as the US, including critically acclaimed series and must-see movies, as well as world-class Arabic original content and OSN+ Originals. 

OSN+ can be accessed through all your favourite devices, including major TV platforms, all iOS, and Android devices, and from the web. Find out more and stream now at www.osnplus.com