Author: Niyas Aboobacker

Media City Qatar (MCQ) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cité de Mémoire, a leading Paris-based organization dedicated to using the power of digital transformation and cutting-edge media to preserve and promote various scales of media content assets including public arts, at The Arab States Broadcasting Union in Tunis, Tunisia.

Under the MoU, Cité de Mémoire will partner and support MCQ in a project of national importance for the State of Qatar: the design, implementation, and subsequent operation of a new National Media Digitization & Preservation Centre.

Cité de Mémoire will provide training to archivists and managers, and draw on its three decades of expertise in assisting with this National Mission to archive, digitize, and catalogue all formats of audio, video, films, images, documents, artefacts, and others – to ensure both Qatar’s heritage and its current endeavors are preserved for future generations.

“We are delighted to enter this partnership with Cité de Mémoire, an organization with extensive experience of working to conserve the cultural and historical fabric of societies in the Middle East,” says His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, Chairman of Media City Qatar. “This is an ambitious plan of vital national importance, which MCQ is honored to undertake. We are confident that through this association we can start to build a Centre that will promote awareness and appreciation of the history of the State of Qatar, and by blending tradition with innovation, making that story accessible, enjoyable, and inspiring to all.”

MCQ is proud to announce its participation alongside the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar) at the highly anticipated Vision Golfe event in Paris. This high-level conference, held under the High Patronage of Mr Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, and under the aegis of the Ministry for the Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, serves as a premier platform to showcase the collaborative spirit and economic potential between France and the Gulf countries.

Vision Golfe, scheduled to take place on 4th and 5th June 2024, will bring together business leaders and investors from both nations to explore opportunities for growth and cooperation. Featuring distinguished speakers from France and across the GCC, the event aims to strengthen bilateral relationships, foster innovation, and drive economic development in both regions.

MCQ's participation underscores its commitment to expand its reach in global markets and encourage media companies to set up in Qatar. With diverse incentives, and a forward-thinking approach, MCQ is well-positioned to present its unique value proposition to potential partners and investors at Vision Golfe.

"We are thrilled to be part of Vision Golfe in Paris, an event that embodies the spirit of collaboration and progress," said His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, Chairman of Media City Qatar. "This is a significant opportunity for us to engage with business leaders, share our vision, and explore mutually beneficial partnerships."

The 4th annual Qatar Economic Forum, held May 14 -16 in Doha, concluded on a high note, solidifying its position as a premier platform for navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing global landscape. Powered by Bloomberg and hosted in collaboration with Media City Qatar, the event brought together over 2,700 in-person attendees and boasted a total of 3,592 registrations, including 1,000+ global leaders, CEOs, and 427 government officials from 124 countries.

This year's edition, held under the theme ‘A World Remade: Navigating the Year of Uncertainty,’ showcased a renewed sense of collaboration and a commitment to addressing the challenges presented by an interconnected world. Globalization and trade, the energy transition, technology and innovation, along with sports and entertainment, and the business and investment outlook, were at the forefront of discussions.

However, fostering collaboration extends beyond the walls of the Forum itself: one of the defining aspects of the event is its unwavering focus on a news-driven approach. The Forum recognizes the media's critical role in shaping economic, political, and social narratives.  In today's interconnected world, clear and accurate information is essential for fostering global understanding and cooperation.

The Forum attracted significant media interest, drawing over 160 members of the press from more than 35 media outlets. Over 50 interviews were conducted with key participants, securing prominent coverage across various platforms. The event garnered front-page placement in print publications, featured articles in online media, and prime-time broadcast segments, resulting in hundreds media mentions across 25 countries. This widespread coverage highlights the importance and the impact of the discussions held at the event.

His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, Chairman of Media City Qatar, a key partner of the Forum, emphasized this crucial role.  He highlighted the media's transformative potential, stressing the need for compelling narratives that not only combat misinformation but also promote understanding across diverse global perspectives.  Through fostering innovation and dialogue, Media City Qatar aims to empower the Gulf's media industry to become a dynamic force for economic growth and a bridge between cultures.

The Forum transcended mere rhetoric by witnessing concrete steps toward innovation and collaboration.  The signing of 21 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) stands as a testament to this commitment.  Media City Qatar had two particularly noteworthy partnerships announced at the Forum with Qatar University (QU) and the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council.

These notable partnerships are set to pave the way for substantial growth in Qatar's media sector by enhancing technological capabilities, providing comprehensive training programs, and fostering a conducive environment for innovative media companies. They further underscore Media City Qatar’s commitment to transforming Qatar into a global media hub and creating high-skilled job opportunities in the media industry.

Media City Qatar (MCQ) and the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council have announced a strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Qatar Economic Forum on 16^th May 2024. This collaboration aims to foster an innovation-driven media sector in Qatar, enhancing technological capabilities and global competitiveness in alignment with the National Development Strategy 3 (NDS-3), and MCQ’s directive as regional leader in the media industry, contributing to Qatar’s economic diversification, and The QRDI 2030 Strategy.

The MoU sets the framework for integrating media as a dedicated stream within QRDI Council’s broader innovation initiatives. Under this MoU, MCQ and the QRDI Council will spearhead joint initiatives aimed at fostering innovation capabilities within the media ecosystem. A roadmap will guide the translation of QRDI Council’s funding and supportive initiatives into tangible projects. Additionally, MCQ will participate in the QRDI Council’s Corporate Innovation Leaders program in 2024, encouraging media companies under its umbrella to engage in QRDI Council's Technology Development Grant and Qatar Open Innovation program.

This partnership extends to enhancing the attractiveness of Qatar as a destination for RDI-intensive media organizations by collaborating with key stakeholders, including leading academic institutions. It further aims to structure foreign direct investment for the media cluster, generating positive spillovers within Qatar's RDI ecosystem. Additionally, the initiative will include a series of interdisciplinary training workshops aimed at boosting the innovation skills of MCQ tenants, supporting the creation of high-skilled job opportunities in the media sector, and fostering the continuous development of local talent.

H.E. Sheikh Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, Chairman of Media City Qatar, commented on the partnership, stating, "This MoU marks a significant milestone in our commitment to transforming Qatar into a global hub for media innovation. By integrating media into the Council’s innovation programs and aligning our incentives and grants, we are setting the stage for a dynamic, technologically advanced media sector."

Omar Al-Ansari, QRDI Council’s Secretary General, emphasized, “Our partnership with Media City Qatar epitomizes strategic diversification, enriching our portfolio by integrating the vibrant media stream. Recognizing Digital Technology as one of the five National RDI priority areas outlined in our QRDI 2030 Strategy, this collaboration not only expands our innovation landscape but also marks a significant step towards fulfilling our mission of nurturing a culture of technological advancement and creative excellence. This also marks a new chapter in Qatar's global media prominence, contributing to the fulfilment of the Qatar National Vision 2030."

MCQ and QRDI Council will also work closely with key stakeholders to shape a policy and regulatory environment conducive for innovative media companies, facilitating a thriving media landscape in Qatar.