Mohammed opens MBC studios

Mohammed opens MBC studios 16 July 2013 His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday, inaugurated Dubai-based MBC Group’s “O3” Drama Production Studios, a state-of-the-art facility running on an area of 15,000 square feet, being one of three sound stages to be launched at the end of 2013. Accompanying Shaikh Mohammed during the inauguration ceremony, was Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI). In presence of MBC Group Chairman Waleed bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim and a number of senior officials and media leaders, Shaikh Mohammed reviewed the latest equipment that match the efficiency and capacity of the largest international production studios equipped with the latest audio/visual technologies that are in par with the best international standards; affirming Dubai’s leading position as a high-tech centre for delivering premium content of international standards and consolidating its statue as a favourable destination for major media institutions as well as a popular destination for Arab and International investment in various sectors. The ceremony was also attended by Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Ahmad bin Byat, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Holding; Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, Director-General Of Protocol Department; Mona Al Marri, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office; Sami Al Qamzi, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Dubai Media Incorporated; and Dr Amina Al Rustamani, CEO, Tecom Investments. Shaikh Mohammed was briefed about the production of TV programming and drama carried out by MBC Group, which has a portfolio of 12 TV channels and two Radio Stations. He was also briefed on the most important contents MBC Group channels offer. Shaikh Mohammed also toured the studios, located in the heart of “Dubai Studio City”, and was familiarised with the state-of-the-art technologies available, expressing his admiration over the advanced level of the studio. During the tour, Shaikh Mohammed watched a short 3-D film, especially prepared for the occasion that embodied a future panoramic view, inspired by the character, cultural and humanitarian components of the city of Dubai, and that projected the larger-than-life future outlook of the city. Later, Shaikh Mohammed was familiarised with the “Visual Backlot” technique compiled by “Stargate” global production technology of simulation visual multidimensional and the green screen technology that allows one to feature scenes from around the world without leaving Dubai. Extending his best wishes for the MBC Group and its staff, Shaikh Mohammed affirmed that the UAE will continue to support both private and government media sectors as well as provide the necessary requirements and space for local, regional and international media outlets operating in Dubai so as to be able to spread the media message and boost their role in building the society and making the future. His Highness also toured two mega sound stages, the largest in the Middle East and Europe, running on an area of 50,000 square feet and inspected the technologies and logistics set up to meet the best international standards before being briefed about the most important achievements and future projects. Shaikh Mohammed expressed his satisfaction over the great accomplishment by Dubai Studio City noting its impact in supporting Dubai strategy towards establishing a high-tech centre for audio-visual production to compete with the best centres established worldwide and, consequently, towards cementing Dubai’s position as a TV and film production hub attracting global production institution and facilitating their work offering cutting-edge services. On its part, the MBC Group expressed its appreciation to UAE’s leadership support for Media institutions and media persons. Taylor Scott International