DICM 2023 saw the participation of more than 800 attendees representing over 50 countries.
The Dubai International Content Market (DICM 2023) successfully concluded last week at its new venue in Madinat Jumeirah. The sixth edition witnessed notable achievements, with the introduction of two new features – DICM Talks and Producers Connect.
DICM Talks brought together industry visionaries for insightful discussions on crucial topics. Sessions like “Fast in MENA – Part 2,” “Exporting Arabic Content to the World,” and “The Co-Production Advantage” received widespread acclaim for their relevance and impact. Producers Connect, a dedicated matchmaking initiative, provided a fertile ground for collaboration, attracting more than 50 companies seeking co-production opportunities.
With more than 800 participants from over 50 countries engaging in meaningful conversations, DICM 2023 reaffirmed its role as a global nexus for content producers, distributors, and industry leaders.
Jamal Sanaan, CEO of Eagle Films (UAE), who was part of a panel session titled, “Exporting Arabic Content to the World”, emphasised on the importance of extending the reach of Arabic content around the world, and said: “It was so great to be here and talk in-depth about Arabic content and how to discover it internationally. We were so delighted that everyone was happy to be a part of it and join the conversation.”
Andy Grant, Vice President of Programming at OSN+ (UAE), was also part of an informative panel discussion on, “Streaming Platforms: The New Content Kings and Creators”, where he gave valuable input and stated: “It’s good for people to get in the same room together, it’s good to meet people from other companies. Not just on a business level but also for market intelligence.”
The presence of industry pioneers like Jamal Sanaan and Andy Grant underscored the event’s dedication to providing a high-quality and diverse gathering, contributing to the platform’s prestige. DICM 2023 hosted four country pavilions, including two from South Korea, one from Türkiye, and one from Russia, totalling 80 exhibitors from around the world. Notably, 27% of the exhibitors marked their inaugural participation, showcasing the event’s appeal to new entrants. The event facilitated over 1,400 B2B meetings, fostering partnerships and collaborations set to influence the global content industry in the coming years.
Syeda Naima Fahim, Content Operations Team Lead at Shahid (UAE), added: “DICM provided an incredible opportunity to network and collaborate with global content creators, distributors, and industry leaders. The event not only highlighted current trends but also provided a glimpse into the future of content creation and distribution. The seminars were engaging, offering actionable strategies, and inspiring creativity. It is a must-attend event for anyone involved in the content creation or distribution industry.”
Shoaib Ahmed, Marketing Manager at Ingenuity Productions (Pakistan), commented: “DICM is growing stronger year after year. It is a unique hub for connecting media producers, buyers and everyone related to quality content acquisition. This year’s market had a very focused participation from the global content arena. Also, the support team & hospitality were top of the line, making the event and meetings tailored for best outcomes.”
The success of DICM 2023 attests to the vibrant global content community, promising new opportunities and deeper collaborations in the dynamic world of content creation and distribution. The next edition in November 2024 aims to continue DICM’s legacy as a preeminent platform and destination for the content and entertainment industry. All industry professionals, stakeholders, and content enthusiasts worldwide are invited to join DICM for another immersive experience in 2024. The Dubai International Content Market is organised annually by the INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions Organisation – a member of INDEX Holding.