The IAA will sign a MoU with Al-Arab News Channel later, the newest channel in HH Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal’s successful media empire. Al-Arab News will be partnered with Bloomberg and will broadcast internationally in Arabic. The channel will be launched on 12 December 2012 and is expected to employ approximately 300 people by the start-up date, with potential expansion at a later point.
The management of Rotana media network is also relocating its offices to Bahrain. Rotana is a leading Arab-language media network with 12 entertainment channels including LBC, Fox Movies Channel and Fox Series Channel. This will entail the relocation of about 100 of its management team to Bahrain.
Shaikh Fawaz praised HRH Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, owner of Rotana and Al-Arab News Channel, for his valuable contribution to Arab media and thanked him for choosing Bahrain as their headquarters. They are expected to serve as an anchor in the new Manama-based Media City and should be instrumental in attracting other reputable media organizations to Bahrain.
“The IAA is constantly looking to improve its performance in the field of media” Shaikh Fawaz said.
“Despite all the circumstances Bahrain went through over the past year, we were able to successfully compete with other media centers in the Gulf to be selected to host Al-Arab News and Rotana Network. This is big news for Bahrain and our dedicated team at the IAA will make every effort to contribute to the success of this new venture.”