Yahoo expects advertising surge



Yahoo expects its advertising revenues in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) this year to increase by as much as 30 per cent, double the industry average.

The US internet giant said Mena was one of its fastest-growing regions globally, despite the total local online advertising market being worth just US$175 million (Dh642.7m).

Ahmed Nassef, the vice president and managing director of Yahoo Middle East, said the online advertising market was set to buck the trends experienced in the broadcast and print-advertising sectors.

"It's been a year where probably the total advertising market has stayed flat, and maybe even declined," said Mr Nassef.

"But we're seeing the digital space continuing to grow. We're probably looking at anywhere between a 10 and 15 per cent growth in digital advertising spend in 2011. We hope that it will be more than that."

Mr Nassef said the growth in Yahoo's online advertising revenues was outpacing the industry average.

According to Google, the total advertising market in the Mena region is set to rise to $175m this year, up from $120m last year.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Seven tips from Emirates NBD

1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details

2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet

3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details

4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure

5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs  (one-time passwords) with third parties

6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies

7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately

Christopher Robin
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Haley Atwell, Jim Cummings, Peter Capaldi
Three stars

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.