India’s media landscape is set for a major expansion, with new initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral ties with the UAE as the two countries work together to elevate the global entertainment sector. Led by Information and Broadcasting Secretary Shri Sanjay Jaju and Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi, a high-level Indian delegation visited the UAE this week to solidify these ties ahead of the World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) scheduled for May 1-4 in Mumbai.
The delegation’s trip marked a critical phase in preparing for the highly anticipated summit, set to position India as the epicenter of innovation and collaboration in the entertainment and media industries. Through high-profile meetings in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Indian team focused on fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with key UAE media stakeholders, strengthening existing collaborations, and exploring new opportunities for growth in broadcasting and digital content production.
Enhancing Strategic Partnerships in Media
In Dubai, the Indian delegation met with influential figures in the UAE’s media sector, including Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President overseeing Dubai Studio City and Dubai Production City. These areas have long been recognized as pivotal hubs for the UAE’s entertainment and media industry, and the meetings focused on leveraging synergies between India’s rapidly expanding media industry and Dubai’s established entertainment ecosystem.
Furthermore, the delegation held talks with Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policy at the UAE Media Council, and Sumaya Al Ali, Director of Partnerships and International Cooperation. These discussions were centered on the regulatory frameworks needed to deepen collaboration between both countries in areas such as broadcasting, digital content, and media policy. The goal is to create an environment conducive to innovation, ensuring that both countries can benefit from greater economic integration in media and technology.
Prime Minister Modi’s Vision for Stronger Bilateral Ties
Reflecting on the significance of this visit, Secretary Jaju highlighted the shared vision between India and the UAE for mutual growth and cooperation. “As we gear up for WAVES 2025, I am encouraged by the strong ties between India and the UAE, guided by the vision of Prime Minister Modi and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” he stated. This vision is evidenced in the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has laid the foundation for immense opportunities in various sectors, including media, digital innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy.
The CEPA agreement aims to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, demonstrating the UAE’s growing importance as a key partner in India’s foreign policy strategy. The partnership between the two nations is being actively strengthened, with particular emphasis on India’s burgeoning media industry. Secretary Jaju further noted, “Our collaboration in media, digital innovation, AI, and renewable energy reflects a shared commitment to progress. WAVES 2025 will not only spotlight our media industries but also strengthen our strategic partnership, as India and the UAE continue to be ‘Partners in Progress,’ shaping a future of trust and growth.”
Focus on Film Production and Creative Content
The Indian delegation’s engagement with key media organizations in the UAE included meetings with the BPG Group, Emirates News Agency (WAM), and the Creative Media Authority in Abu Dhabi. One of the highlights of the trip was the visit to twofour54, a prominent film studio in Abu Dhabi that fosters film production and creative content development. The discussions focused on identifying avenues for collaboration, particularly in film production, animation, and visual effects.
Additionally, the MoU between Prasar Bharati and WAM — the official media agency of the Emirates — continues to bear fruit as both parties explore new opportunities for joint ventures in content creation and distribution. This partnership has been crucial in driving forward the media exchange between the two nations, further solidifying India’s role as a global media player.
WAVES 2025: A Transformative Event for the Global Entertainment Industry
Scheduled for May 1-4, 2025, the World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) will be a landmark event in Mumbai at the Jio World Convention Centre. Backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the event will be a powerful platform for showcasing India’s strengths in media, entertainment, and technology. WAVES 2025 is set to bring together global leaders from the animation, gaming, visual effects, augmented reality (AR), and virtual production industries, with the aim of shaping the future of global media.
The summit is expected to attract prominent figures, industry leaders, and technology innovators from across the world, setting the stage for new collaborations and investment opportunities in the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. The Indian delegation’s meetings and engagements in the UAE are crucial in positioning India as a key hub for media and entertainment innovation, ensuring the success of the upcoming event.
The Delegation’s Broader Outreach
The Indian delegation includes Raman Kumar, Director of Global Outreach at Prasar Bharati, Kshitij Aggarwal, Deputy Director of Media Coordination Unit, and Shri Vinod Kumar, Special Correspondent for Prasar Bharati. Their outreach and engagement with global media partners underscore India’s proactive approach to strengthening diplomatic and business ties across the entertainment and media sectors.
As part of the broader strategy, the delegation is scheduled to visit Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, to continue their diplomatic engagements and further India’s media outreach in the Middle East. This regional tour underscores the growing importance of the UAE and Saudi Arabia in India’s media and entertainment ambitions.
Shaping the Future of Global Entertainment
As India prepares to host the WAVES 2025 Summit, the strengthening of media ties with the UAE plays a pivotal role in India’s broader strategy to become a global leader in the entertainment and media sectors. Through collaborative efforts with key stakeholders in the UAE, India is positioning itself at the forefront of digital innovation, film production, and entertainment technology. The strategic meetings, partnerships, and discussions held during the UAE visit serve as a solid foundation for the successful launch of WAVES 2025, which is poised to shape the future of the global entertainment industry. India’s growing influence in this space, coupled with the UAE’s established media infrastructure, will create a robust ecosystem for creative and technological innovation, benefitting both countries and the global media landscape as a whole.
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