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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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1,000 Drones Light The Dubai Sky For AC Milan Celebration
Cyberdrone’s groundbreaking display marked 125 years of AC Milan football club and the 1st-year anniversary of Casa Milan Dubai.
Cyberdrone, a leading UAV display company based in Dubai, put on a breathtaking drone light show on Monday to honor two significant football milestones: AC Milan’s 125th anniversary and the one-year anniversary of Casa Milan Dubai.
The spectacle involved 1,000 drones working in perfect harmony to project AC Milan’s iconic imagery against the city’s night sky. Highlights included the UAVs synchronizing to form the club’s iconic crest, the signature red and black jersey, and a special emblem marking its 125th year. The intricate performance demanded meticulous planning, not just in terms of choreography, but also in dealing with the necessary permits and logistics.
“Our goal was to spotlight AC Milan’s legacy through a stunning visual narrative,” explained Mohamed Munjed Abdulla, Director of Sales at Cyberdrone. “We celebrated the club’s history, its Dubai milestone, and the universal love for football. The show also enhanced AC Milan’s regional presence, growing its fanbase through a cutting-edge, memorable experience. Drone shows are unparalleled in leaving lasting impressions, making them perfect for driving partnerships and growth”.
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Greta Nardeschi, AC Milan’s Regional Director for MENA, echoed the sentiment, adding: “Collaborating with Cyberdrone for this 1,000-drone performance allowed us to connect with our fans in innovative ways. It gave us a unique opportunity to surprise and inspire audiences while elevating our Club’s visibility and that of our partners. Cyberdrone truly helped us take AC Milan to new heights”.
This groundbreaking drone display sets a new benchmark for the Middle East’s sports sector, which already contributes around $2.4 billion annually to Dubai’s GDP alone. Sporting events also generate $1.76 billion in revenues across the region, while the MENA’s entertainment sector, valued at $41.13 billion, is growing at 9.41% annually, driven by rapid technological advancements.
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