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ACE in MENA antipiracy takedown

Antipiracy coalition the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) has secured a major victory in its fight against content piracy in the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region with the shutdown of Cima4U, an illegal streaming service based in Giza, Egypt. Cima4U operated 498 domains that enabled users to stream online content illegally. Through its various […]

January 26, 2024By Colin Mann

Forecast: Arabic SVoD subscriptions to boom

There will be 28 million SVoD subscriptions across 13 Arabic countries by 2029, up from 15 million in 2023, according to the Middle East and North Africa OTT TV and Video Forecasts report from analyst firm Digital TV Research. Netflix will still lead the market, but local players will provide a strong challenge. “As some […]

August 17, 2023

OSN enhances platform with Irdeto

Irdeto, a specialist in digital platform cybersecurity, and Middle East entertainment network, OSN, habe signed a new contract for Irdeto to provide its App Watch, anti-piracy services, app management and data analytics to the Dubai-based entertainment provider. Irdeto App Watch is a solution that ensures the integrity of the apps running on OSN’s Android TV […]

June 8, 2023

Further MENA anti-piracy success for ACE

Anti-piracy coalition the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), is claiming a landmark victory for content creators after working with Egyptian authorities to shut down the largest piracy ring in the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region. Operating since at least 2015, the Shahed4U ring was based in Alexandria and Cairo, Egypt. More than 25 per […]

February 27, 2023By Colin Mann

Egypt’s MyCima pirate service shut down

MyCima, the second-largest piracy operation in the Middle East region, has been shut down by the Egyptian authorities following a referral from anti-piracy coalition the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE). Based in Alexandria, Egypt, the illegal service averaged more than 55 million visits per month prior to its shutdown and comprised more than 70 […]

February 16, 2023By Colin Mann

OSN joins ACE’s anti-piracy coalition

Dubai-based entertainment company OSN has joined anti-piracy coalition the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE). OSN is one of 11 global media and entertainment companies that joined ACE in December 2022, expanding the coalition’s ability to combat illegal piracy operations around the world. ACE currently has a total of 52 members. “In line with our […]

January 13, 2023By Colin Mann

Forecast: 22m Arabic SVoD subs by 2027

There will be 21.52 million paying SVoD subscriptions [TV episodes and movies only] across 13 Arabic countries by 2027, up from 9.49 million in 2021, according to the Middle East and North Africa SVOD Forecasts report from analyst firm Digital TV Research. “Netflix will continue to lead the market, although Disney+ has provided a strong […]

August 22, 2022

New directors at OSN

Sheikha Al Zain Al Sabah and Elie Habib have joined Dubai-based OSN under the leadership of KIPCO’s Sheikha Dana Al Sabah. The board also includes Michael Johnson from junior partner Mawarid Holding Co as well as OSN’s newly appointed CEO Joe Kawkabani. Sheikha Dana Al Sabah, Chairperson of the Board commented that the “deep experience […]

June 6, 2022By Chris Forrester

OSN relaunches with revamped line-up

Dubai-based OSN used the CabSat show in Dubai to relaunch its branded bundle of pay-TV channels. OSN says the relaunch includes refreshed on-screen branding and 18 exclusive curated channels with 9 new or revamped channels. In its statement, OSN says: [The new look] is designed to deliver a distinct and world-class scheduled TV experience, OSN […]

May 19, 2022By Chris Forrester

Kawkabani new OSN CEO

OSN, the Middle East pay-TV platform, has appointed Joe Kawkabani its new CEO. Kawkabani is already a board member and has previously served as the group chief investment officer at KIPCO, OSN’s parent company. Kawkabani takes over from Sangeeta Desai, whose term as interim CEO since August last year. Sheikha Dana, chair of OSN/Panther Media […]

April 6, 2022