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OSN-Anghami Merger Creates New MENA Media Giant
The combined entity will leverage Anghami’s advanced infrastructure to enhance the streaming experience, with OSN integrating 18,000 hours of premium content.
In a significant development, OSN has secured a controlling stake in Anghami, consolidating its position as the Middle East’s premier online media and streaming service provider. Initially announced in November 2023, the acquisition has now received all necessary regulatory approvals.
Anghami stands out as the leading music technology platform in the Middle East and North Africa, boasting a strong market presence and rapid growth. With OSN Group now owning 55.45% of Anghami’s shares (valued at $3.69 each, representing a 1.9x of the closing price on March 28), the combined entity emerges as a formidable media force.
This strategic move unites 120 million registered users and around 2.5 million paid subscribers, and will generate nearly $100 million in revenue upon completion. The merger integrates OSN+’s extensive library of premium video content, spanning 18,000 hours, with Anghami’s vast catalog of over 100 million songs and podcasts.
Moreover, the combined entity will leverage Anghami’s advanced technological infrastructure to enhance the streaming experience through AI-driven hyper-personalization and upcoming cutting-edge products.
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Elie Habib, co-founder and CTO of Anghami will assume the role of CEO in the merged company, underscoring a commitment to continuity and expertise. Meanwhile, Joe Kawkabani will remain at the helm as CEO of OSN Group.
Anghami’s journey has been marked by several transformative deals, including a SPAC buyout culminating in a listing on Nasdaq New York, reflecting its evolution and resilience in the market.
The Middle East’s media landscape continues to witness dynamic shifts, evident in notable events such as the high-profile IPO of Saudi MBC Group on Tadawul and the acquisition of Starzplay Arabia by e& Group’s E-Vision and ADQ. The developments highlight the region’s growing dominance of the global media industry.
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UAE Prepares To Launch Two Satellites: Thuraya-2 And MBZ-SAT
HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Space Council yesterday.
HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Space Council in Dubai on December 16, 2024. The session highlighted the UAE’s ambitious space plans and took stock of the sector’s economic progress.
The council emphasized the growing role of private companies in advancing space technologies, noting that their contributions are now equal to that of the public sector. Members also praised initiatives like the Space Economic Zones Programme, which are designed to fuel innovation and investment in the space industry.
خلال ترؤسنا الاجتماع الأول للمجلس الأعلى للفضاء، بحثنا الاستثمارات الوطنية والمشاريع المقبلة في قطاع الفضاء والذي يشهد تطوراً مستمراً… وجددنا التزامنا بدعم ومواصلة تنفيذ برامج طموحة لاستكشاف الفضاء الخارجي حيث وصل حجم الاستثمارات في هذا القطاع إلى 40 مليار درهم خلال السنوات… pic.twitter.com/etJ33OnuSu
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) December 16, 2024
Discussing the UAE’s space journey, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum remarked, “The national space sector continues to grow and advance, and we take immense pride in the remarkable achievements we have accomplished over the years”.
Sheikh Hamdan also received updates on two upcoming satellite projects: Thuraya-2 and MBZ-SAT. Thuraya-2, developed by Space42, is slated for launch this December. Meanwhile, the MBZ-SAT, created by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), will soon follow. MBRSC, a major driver of the UAE National Space Programme, continues to lead the nation’s space-related developments.
Space42 took the opportunity to showcase its advancements, including ongoing collaborations between public and private entities. The company also outlined strategies to promote innovation, boost revenue streams, and create new opportunities for growth in the sector.
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The UAE’s current projects build on a growing legacy of space exploration. Back in 2020, the nation made headlines with its Mars mission, successfully sending a probe into the planet’s orbit in 2021. This mission, which is now in its second phase as of June 2024, has been collecting critical data to develop a comprehensive diurnal image of Mars.
The UAE also ventured into lunar exploration with an unmanned mission aimed at studying untouched regions of the Moon’s surface. While the probe ultimately crashed during its landing attempt after communication was lost seconds before touchdown, the effort represented a significant step in the country’s exploration ambitions.