UAE media company International Media Investments this week announced a new chief executive.
Rani R. Raad will now lead IMI – which owns The National, CNN Business Arabic and Al Ain News, as well as maintaining interests in Sky News Arabia and Euronews.
The company said Mr Raad "has been brought in to steer IMI and its operating assets to their next stage of development. With over 25 years in the sector, he brings a rich blend of international media expertise, leadership acumen and a profound grasp of the developing media landscape”.
"I am excited to lead IMI into its next chapter," Mr Raad said.
"Our ambition is crystal clear: to build IMI into a forward-thinking global media powerhouse.
"We already own and operate some of the strongest media properties in the region encompassing international and local brands."
Before joining RedBird IMI, Mr Raad was the president of CNN Worldwide Commercial and a member of its executive management team. During his time at Warner Bros Discovery, Mr Raad held several roles, ranging from running the company’s entertainment operations in Mena, through to advising AT&T’s Middle Eastern operations.
He will continue to act as president and operating partner at RedBird IMI, a joint venture with RedBird Capital.
Mr Raad - who is taking over from Nart Bouran, who had held the position since March 2020 - also said that the region's media sector had significantly developed in the last few years and thanked his predecessor.
"I want to thank Nart and everyone who has worked so hard to build IMI to where it is today.
"As we move forward, our commitment is to propel our content, media products and user experiences to new heights, while engaging audiences, partners, and key stakeholders.”
PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE
1 Man City 26 20 3 3 63 17 63
2 Liverpool 25 17 6 2 64 20 57
3 Chelsea 25 14 8 3 49 18 50
4 Man Utd 26 13 7 6 44 34 46
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5 West Ham 26 12 6 8 45 34 42
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6 Arsenal 23 13 3 7 36 26 42
7 Wolves 24 12 4 8 23 18 40
8 Tottenham 23 12 4 8 31 31 39
What is 'Soft Power'?
Soft power was first mentioned in 1990 by former US Defence Secretary Joseph Nye.
He believed that there were alternative ways of cultivating support from other countries, instead of achieving goals using military strength.
Soft power is, at its root, the ability to convince other states to do what you want without force.
This is traditionally achieved by proving that you share morals and values.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.