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Some of North-America’s top media and entertainment executives attended ‘Spotlight on Abu Dhabi: Business and Creative Opportunities for the Media and Entertainment Industry’ organized by twofour54 and Abu Dhabi Media (ADM) and hosted by Reed Smith, the global relationship law firm that is a preeminent advisor to the global media and entertainment industry. The event took place on 19 November 2013 at the international law firm’s New York headquarters.

Presentations and panel discussions moderated by Reed Smith, showcased the extensive opportunities for media and entertainment companies in Abu Dhabi to approximately 50 influential Reed Smith contacts and clients.

By joining forces for ‘Spotlight on Abu Dhabi’, twofour54 and ADM covered a range of topics relevant to North-American entertainment industry executives, including: television, film and content creation in Abu Dhabi; the protection of intellectual property rights in the UAE; how media companies are regulated in Abu Dhabi and the opportunities and challenges for media companies in the region.

twofour54 was represented by Wayne Borg, President International and Chief Commercial Officer, and Greg Sweeting, twofour54 Chief Legal Officer. Abu Dhabi Media was represented by Abdul Hadi Al Sheikh, Executive Director of Digital Media Services.

twofour54’s Wayne Borg, said:

“By meeting selected executives from international media and entertainment companies, twofour54 and ADM seek to highlight the great opportunities the region represents and in doing so attract further investment in Abu Dhabi and continue to grow the thriving industry ecosystem we have established. Increasing the number of media and entertainment companies operating from twofour54. The media and entertainment sector is already making a positive impact on Abu Dhabi’s GDP and twofour54 aims for that growth to be continued and sustained. Sincere thanks to Reed Smith’s Global Media & Entertainment Industry Group, for hosting ‘Spotlight on Abu Dhabi’.”

Abu Dhabi Media’s Abdul Hadi Al Sheikh, added:

“Abu Dhabi is witnessing an unprecedented growth across various fields- particularly within the media sector. To keep up with these fast-paced industry developments and technologies, Abu Dhabi Media’s strategy is focused on diversifying its brands and integrating them with one another. This allows ADM to continue meeting international standards and advancing the production industry in the UAE and the Middle East.”

In the five years since it was established twofour54, the commercial arm of the Media Zone Authority-Abu Dhabi, has made a significant contribution to the growth and diversification of the Abu Dhabi economy, attracting over 290 local, regional and international companies to its Abu Dhabi campus and driving the development of the creative industries in the region, supporting talent and content development initiatives, creativity and young entrepreneurs.

Abu Dhabi Media shares twofour54’s vision to grow the Emirate’s media and entertainment industry. As one of the fastest growing media and entertainment organisations in the Middle East, with 18 market-leading brands across print, broadcast and digital media platforms, ADM joined twofour54 for ‘Spotlight on Abu Dhabi’ to support in the growth of the local media sector and the development of compelling, creative content across the company’s diverse platforms.

Reed Smith’s Global Media & Entertainment Industry Group is a multi-disciplinary group of lawyers which advises clients in all aspects of the media and entertainment industry. Reed Smith’s Global Media & Entertainment Industry Group advises clients globally, including the United Arab Emirates. It is a trusted advisor in all aspects of the industry, including development, production, finance, regulatory, litigation and corporate-commercial transactions, with globally recognised leadership in film, television, publishing, video games and interactive entertainment, music, and digital media.

The agenda for ‘Spotlight on Abu Dhabi: Business and Creative Opportunities for the Media and Entertainment Industry’ included:

– Presentation: Abu Dhabi and the region, perceptions and reality; media in Abu Dhabi

– Panel discussion: Television, film and other content creation in Abu Dhabi

– Presentation: The clear regulation of media companies and content in Abu Dhabi

– Protection of intellectual property rights in the UAE

– Panel discussion: Covering the Region from Abu Dhabi – Gateway to the Middle East

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