ABU DHABI // The Arabic entertainment industry is undergoing a major growth, the head of an Abu Dhabi-based media company said in France this week.
“We might not be ‘Hollywood’ or ‘Bollywood’ yet, but we are open to different cultures and our media industry is growing rapidly,” Noura Al Kaabi, chief executive of twofour54 said.
Ms Al Kaabi was a panellist at Mipcom 2013 in Cannes, alongside industry experts and international entertainment bosses.
“There are more than 300 million Arabic speakers eager for content that reflects Arab identity and culture and that matches the quality of content that can be found on international channels,” she said.
She indicated that more must be done to encourage women to enter all parts of the entertainment sector, not just in front of the camera, but behind the scenes as well.
Twofour54, provides training, production facilities and funding support to local and international film and TV producers. It tries to promote Emirati talent and expertise.
The importance of online platforms was a major topic at the event, hailed as a key driver of new content.
“Google and Apple TV give audiences audio, video, and photo content, while Amazon and Netflix promise easy-to-use, high quality, smart and interactive TV. This revolutionary TV experience will take us to a whole new world,” Ms Al Kaabi said.
She spoke alongside British actress Emily Mortimer, Nancy Dubuc, the president and chief executive of A&E Networks and Roma Khanna, MGM Television Group and Digital president, at the “Women in Global Entertainment Power Lunch”.
Mipcom is an annual content marketing event that takes place in the French city and brings together television producers, buyers, and content creators and allows them to discuss trends in the industry and create new contacts.
ksinclair@thenational.ae
Walls
Louis Tomlinson
3 out of 5 stars
(Syco Music/Arista Records)
The specs: Volvo XC40
Price: base / as tested: Dh185,000
Engine: 2.0-litre, turbocharged in-line four-cylinder
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 250hp @ 5,500rpm
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Important questions to consider
1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?
There are different types of travel available for pets:
- Manifest cargo
- Excess luggage in the hold
- Excess luggage in the cabin
Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.
2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?
If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.
If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.
3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?
As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.
If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty.
If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport.
4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?
This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.
In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.
5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?
Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.
Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.
Source: Pawsome Pets UAE
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