UTURN Group & Webedia join forces to form Arabic media and entertainment powerhouse
Webedia Arabia forms one of the largest digital networks in Arabic, reaching an audience of over 50 million Arab users
The merger between the two companies is a strategic move to capitalize on the growing digital landscape of the region
Using data and insight on consumer trends from its channels, Webedia Arabia creates culturally-driven content to cater to Arab audiences
Dubai, UAE | 04 November 2019: Saudi-based online entertainment network, UTURN Group, has joined forces with digital media company, Webedia, to create Arabic media and entertainment powerhouse, Webedia Arabia. The company, a key player in the digital space, now forms one of the largest digital networks in Arabic, with 30million followers across social digital platforms, 24million YouTube subscribers, and 4million monthly unique visitors on its digital publications.
With almost 70% of the total population online, the Middle East has one of the highest internet penetration rates in the world[1]. In the UAE, social media penetration rates reached 99% in January 2019, making it the highest rate globally[2]. Saudi Arabia’s online audience is also rapidly growing, with smartphone penetration at 96%. The merger between the two companies marks a strategic move to capitalize on the growing digital landscape of the region.
Speaking on the merger, Kaswara Al-Khatib, Chairman of Webedia Arabia and Founder of UTURN Group, said: “The success and growth of UTURN has been very organic due to our philosophy of bringing creative, edgy, relevant and high-quality content to local audiences. This partnership will allow us to take this success and replicate it across the region with a partner that is equally strong in publishing, as well as developing bespoke content for Arab consumers on its channels. Globally renowned for creating in insight-driven, culturally relevant content, Webedia Group is the perfect international partner to take our business to the next level, and we’re very much looking forward to what’s next.”
With Arabic publishing and social media channels across multiple sectors including fashion & beauty, food, parenting, pop culture and gaming/esports, Webedia Arabia has a wealth of data and insight into what Arab audiences are consuming and how. The 250-strong team of multi-national Arabs use this insight to conceptualize and create engaging, culturally driven content that resonates with local audiences.
“It’s a very exciting time for the digital industry, particularly in the region, with the number of people consuming content online being at a global high. As a digital company, we live and witness trends as they happen, which gives us a big advantage as it allows us to translate them into culturally-driven content, now. We are all about engaging audiences with passion and connecting brands with their audiences – what better way to do so than by bringing two leading regional players in Arabic content creation and publishing under one roof,” commented Karim Daoud, Chief Executive Officer, Webedia Arabia.
In 2014, international media and entertainment group, Webedia, acquired the majority stake of publishing company Diwanee. Brands that fall within this group include Yasmina.com, 3a2ilati.com and AtyabTabkha.com, Arabic publishing channels focused on luxury, parenting and food respectively.
UTURN Group was one of the first companies in Saudi Arabia to begin shaping the country’s digital culture in 2010 and it rapidly became renowned as a game changer in the KSA media industry. The company comprises Multi-Channel Network (MCN), UTURN Entertainment, creative agency Fullstop Creatives, and production company MADE IN SAUDI FILMS.
In addition to these brands, Webedia Arabia will also be launching Millenium Arabia – an Arabic platform focusing on gaming and esports in the near future to further diversify its offering.
As a result of the merger, Webedia Arabia will have a strong presence in the Gulf, with offices across the UAE and KSA. Omar Alabdali will head up operations in the Kingdom as Chief Executive Officer – Saudi Arabia.
Webedia Arabia is part of Webedia Group, which is a rapidly growing French media and entertainment group powered by insight and technology with operations in 15 countries including France, USA, Brazil, Germany, UK, Spain, Turkey, Lebanon, Mexico and LATAM.