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Jeff Zucker: Abu Dhabi Is An Important Centre For Capital, AI And Global Media Growth
(MENAFN- Mid-East Info) Jeff Zucker, CEO of RedBird IMI, has highlighted Abu Dhabi's growing role in shaping the future of global media, as IMI and Redbird IMI continue working together to build scaled, technology-driven content platforms.
In an interview with Hadley Gamble, Chief International Anchor at IMI, Zucker pointed to the merger of Banijay Entertainment and All3Media as a defining move to build the world's largest independent content producer, bringing together more than 170 production labels across 25 countries and a combined catalogue exceeding 260,000 hours of content. The combined entity, which will operate under the Banijay name and be jointly owned by Banijay Group and RedBird IMI, is expected to generate over €4.4 billion in revenues, strengthening its ability to compete with global streaming platforms and distribution giants. Zucker said the deal aligns with RedBird IMI's long-term investment approach, focused on combining content, distribution, and technology to build durable media businesses. He added that while demand for content continues to grow, the real transformation lies in how audiences consume it, with AI expected to play a central role across production and distribution. Highlighting the partnership with IMI, Zucker underscored Abu Dhabi's strength as a base for long-term capital and strategic discipline, positioning it as an increasingly important centre connecting global media markets. This is already reflected in activity across the RedBird IMI portfolio, with companies actively developing and producing content in the UAE. Silverback Films, part of All3Media, recently participated in the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi with a screening of its Ocean with David Attenborough documentary, while other All3Media companies are developing content with a stronger regional focus. EverWonder Studio has also worked on producing sports-led experiences in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the UAE's growing role as both a capital and content hub. Zucker also pointed to the UAE's focus on advanced technology, noting that AI will be a defining factor in how media companies operate and compete in the years ahead. Watch the interview on 6 April at 7:00pm UAE time on IMI's assets: The National, Sky News Arabia, CNN Business Arabic and Al Ain News. About IMI: IMI is a privately owned global media conglomerate headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with operations across 15 countries. Built to enrich lives and connect communities through compelling storytelling, IMI oversees a portfolio of leading media brands including The National, Sky News Arabia, Al Ain News, CNN Business Arabic, and a minority stake in Euronews. IMI is committed to journalistic excellence and digital innovation. Its state of the art headquarters includes the IMI Media Academy, which is dedicated to developing the next generation of media professionals. The group continues to set industry standards in content creation, audience engagement, and AI use in production across multiple platforms. IMI's investment pillar, IMI Ventures, includes RedBird IMI, its joint venture with RedBird Capital Partners, focuses on global investments in media, entertainment, and sport. IMI is also a strategic investor in MARI, a global events and experiences company founded by Ari Emanuel, which develops large scale, IP driven live experiences around the world. MARI brings together world-class assets across sport, art and lifestyle, including the Abu Dhabi Open, Madrid Open, and Miami Open tennis tournaments, Barrett-Jackson Auction Company and the internationally renowned contemporary art organisation Frieze, as well as Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland and the Taste series, amongst many more.
In an interview with Hadley Gamble, Chief International Anchor at IMI, Zucker pointed to the merger of Banijay Entertainment and All3Media as a defining move to build the world's largest independent content producer, bringing together more than 170 production labels across 25 countries and a combined catalogue exceeding 260,000 hours of content. The combined entity, which will operate under the Banijay name and be jointly owned by Banijay Group and RedBird IMI, is expected to generate over €4.4 billion in revenues, strengthening its ability to compete with global streaming platforms and distribution giants. Zucker said the deal aligns with RedBird IMI's long-term investment approach, focused on combining content, distribution, and technology to build durable media businesses. He added that while demand for content continues to grow, the real transformation lies in how audiences consume it, with AI expected to play a central role across production and distribution. Highlighting the partnership with IMI, Zucker underscored Abu Dhabi's strength as a base for long-term capital and strategic discipline, positioning it as an increasingly important centre connecting global media markets. This is already reflected in activity across the RedBird IMI portfolio, with companies actively developing and producing content in the UAE. Silverback Films, part of All3Media, recently participated in the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi with a screening of its Ocean with David Attenborough documentary, while other All3Media companies are developing content with a stronger regional focus. EverWonder Studio has also worked on producing sports-led experiences in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the UAE's growing role as both a capital and content hub. Zucker also pointed to the UAE's focus on advanced technology, noting that AI will be a defining factor in how media companies operate and compete in the years ahead. Watch the interview on 6 April at 7:00pm UAE time on IMI's assets: The National, Sky News Arabia, CNN Business Arabic and Al Ain News. About IMI: IMI is a privately owned global media conglomerate headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with operations across 15 countries. Built to enrich lives and connect communities through compelling storytelling, IMI oversees a portfolio of leading media brands including The National, Sky News Arabia, Al Ain News, CNN Business Arabic, and a minority stake in Euronews. IMI is committed to journalistic excellence and digital innovation. Its state of the art headquarters includes the IMI Media Academy, which is dedicated to developing the next generation of media professionals. The group continues to set industry standards in content creation, audience engagement, and AI use in production across multiple platforms. IMI's investment pillar, IMI Ventures, includes RedBird IMI, its joint venture with RedBird Capital Partners, focuses on global investments in media, entertainment, and sport. IMI is also a strategic investor in MARI, a global events and experiences company founded by Ari Emanuel, which develops large scale, IP driven live experiences around the world. MARI brings together world-class assets across sport, art and lifestyle, including the Abu Dhabi Open, Madrid Open, and Miami Open tennis tournaments, Barrett-Jackson Auction Company and the internationally renowned contemporary art organisation Frieze, as well as Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland and the Taste series, amongst many more.
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