Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 30 May 2024 – Yango Play participated in the Arab Media Forum, showcasing its commitment to growth and collaboration within the entertainment industry. This innovative forum, held under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, is part of the larger Arab Media Summit. It attracted over 4,000 industry experts to discuss advancements and innovations in media. The first AI-powered entertainment super app, integrates video streaming, music, mini-games, and Yasmina, an AI-based Arabic voice assistant with a human-like touch, Yasmina, aims to revolutionize user engagement and set new standards in personalized digital entertainment by adapting content and recommendations to individual tastes and cultural preferences, leading the way in transforming the entertainment landscape in the Middle East.
At the forum, Roman Shimansky, MENA Region Business Director at Yango Play, alongside industry leaders such as His Excellency Mohamed Al Mulla, CEO of Dubai Media, and Nasser Almomen, CEO of SHASHA, engaged in a panel discussion on “Streaming and the Future of Entertainment”. The panel delved into the evolving media and entertainment landscape in the Middle East, which is currently valued at USD 41.13 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 59.10 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 9.41%. They also shed light on topics such as the evolving landscape of the media and entertainment industry in the region, the impact of streaming services, and the significant role of localized Arabic content and AI in shaping future media consumption.
The media and entertainment landscape in the Middle East is marked by rapid technological adoption and an increasing demand for digital media. However, with the current penetration of digital and streaming platforms standing at just 4% in the region, the opportunity for substantial growth is immense. This presents a promising landscape for innovative companies looking to expand and enhance technological capabilities and diverse content offerings, catering to a tech-savvy audience.
“At Yango Play, we are not just adapting to these changes; we’re leading them. Our use of advanced AI like Yasmina and our music feature ‘My Vibe’ (Ajwaii) helps us deliver a uniquely personalized experience that resonates deeply with our audience, particularly in the Arabic-speaking communities,” Shimansky commented.
When asked about competition, Shimansky said, “our focus isn’t on competing in the market; instead, we are committed to growth by fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity that supports the industry, the local talent, and enhances the digital entertainment experience for all. Competition for us is a catalyst, not a hindrance, helping to drive our progress and innovation.”
Roman also emphasized the company’s dedication to the local culture and talent, “At Yango Play, we strive to meet the diverse needs of our audience. We live in a dynamic world where customers enjoy a plethora of choices, while platforms continuously seek growth. The future depends on our ability to engage users effectively, whether through music, video or personalized information especially for Arabic-speaking communities who have a profound attachment to their culture and show keen interest in national content, including music, movies, and series. With our innovative technologies and experience in the entertainment industry, Yango Play enriches the users’ lives by offering high-quality, culturally resonant entertainment. We’re also focused on empowering the Arab youth by providing platforms for them to tell their untold stories, fostering a two-way dialogue that reflects our commitment to growth rather than mere competition.”
As the industry continues to evolve, Yango Play remains at the forefront, integrating AI and other technologies to influence content creation, distribution, and consumption, and ensuring they remain at the cutting edge of the digital entertainment landscape.
