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Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi, the regulatory body of twofour54, and the Gulf Radio and TV Organization (‘GRTO’) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (‘MoU’) to cooperate on initiatives that aim to further develop the media industry.

The MoU, which was signed by H.E. Mujarry Mubarak Al Qahtani, the Director General of Saudi-based GRTO, and H.E. Maryam Eid AlMheiri, CEO of Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi and twofour54, will see the two organisations launch a joint training scheme aimed at boosting media skill levels across the GCC. The MoU will also see MZA and GRTO coordinate activities, share knowledge and networks, and collaborate on exploring new markets for Arab and Gulf content.

Highlighting the role of media in the local economies, H.E. AlMheiri said: “The media industry is very diverse and is continuously growing and becoming a key economic driver that supports the Gulf governments’ diversification strategies. At the same time, the media industry has a significant non-monetary value as it contributes to inclusive social development, tolerance, and dialogue.

“Guided by the values of the UAE’s founding father, H.H. Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, we at the Media Zone Authority have also focused on the media’s important social contribution through training local talent and equipping them with the tools to reach their full potential. Our partnership with GTRO will help us contribute further to the development of the region’s thriving media landscape.”

Under the MoU, Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi and GRTO intend to share training facilities in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh and conduct training programmes focused on broadcasting. The two organisations will look to arrange and promote conferences and events that bring media professionals together to raise awareness of the region’s growing media sector, including the Gulf Radio and Television Festival.

H.E. Al Qahtani said: “GRTO was established forty years ago to increase cooperation between the GCC countries in the media industry with the aim to develop local capabilities and enhance the role of radio and TV in driving the region’s development. Today, with the advancement of technology, the widespread use of social media platforms and its impact on the media landscape, this cooperation is more critical than ever before.

“One area of cooperation is developing and nurturing talent, in which Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi and twofour54 have a great track record. We are looking forward to working with the leading media zone in the region to train and invest in young Gulf talent across the different media fields.”

The organisations will also collaborate on providing relevant information and statistics to help monitor the needs of the Gulf’s media industry.

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