Media companies flock to Dubai with more major deals in the works

Almost 150 media companies registered at Dubai Media City (and Dubai Studio City) last year.

Almost 150 media companies registered at Dubai Media City (DMC) and Dubai Studio City (DSC) last year, according to Jamal al Sharif, the managing director of the two media free zones.

Media companies including China Central Television and Turner Broadcasting System Europe, which is part of Time Warner, were among those to launch in the Dubai free zones.

"There were 149 new licensed companies that joined DMC and DSC in 2010," Mr al Sharif said.

Beyond that, a number of new freelancers registered at the media zones, he said. "Between DMC and DSC we have 67 new freelancers - that's a big number for 2010."

Mr al Sharif said there would be more high-profile launches in near future, with two "huge" US companies looking to form a presence in the emirate's media zones.

"We have two more large brand names under registration right now," he said. "One is almost finished. In the next two to three weeks, there will be an announcement."