The head of the Middle East's largest satellite-TV network has topped a list of the 50 most powerful media executives in the Middle East.
Sheikh Waleed Al Ibrahim, the chairman of the Dubai-based MBC Group, was number one in the 'Power List' compiled by Communicate magazine.
MBC is the largest TV network in the region in terms of advertising revenues. It has several general entertainment channels and also runs the 24-hour news station Al Arabiya.
The top ten was otherwise dominated by advertising executives, with Elie Khouri, the chief executive of Omnicom Media Group in the Mena region, placing second.
Only one woman made the list: Amina Al Rustamani, chief executive of Tecom Business Parks, placed at number 27. Tecom manages freezones including Dubai Media City and the International Media Production Zone.
Communicate did not make the selection formula public. However, it said the criteria used in compiling the list included revenue (for media companies) and media agency billings.
Individuals were measured on factors such as the number of years they have worked in the business, and their exposure in the media.
Communicate ranked the top ten media executives as follows:
1. Sheikh Waleed Al Ibrahim, chairman, MBC
2. Elie Khouri, CEO, OMG MENA
3. Akram Miknas, chairman, MCN
4. Joseph Ghossoub, chairman and CEO, Menacom Group
5. Pierre Choueiri, CEO, Choueiri Group
6. Raja Trad, CEO, Leo Burnett Group of Companies, MENA
7. Roy Haddad, CEO, JWT Middle East and Africa
8. Ramzi Raad, chairman and CEO, TBWA/Raad
9. Edmond Moutran, CEO, Memac Ogilvy and Mather
10. Dani Richa, chairman and CEO, Impact BBDO
The years Ramadan fell in May
If you go
Flight connections to Ulaanbaatar are available through a variety of hubs, including Seoul and Beijing, with airlines including Mongolian Airlines and Korean Air. While some nationalities, such as Americans, don’t need a tourist visa for Mongolia, others, including UAE citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival, while others including UK citizens, need to obtain a visa in advance. Contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UAE for more information.
Nomadic Road offers expedition-style trips to Mongolia in January and August, and other destinations during most other months. Its nine-day August 2020 Mongolia trip will cost from $5,250 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, vehicle rental, fuel, third party vehicle liability insurance, the services of a guide and support team, accommodation, food and entrance fees; nomadicroad.com
A fully guided three-day, two-night itinerary at Three Camel Lodge costs from $2,420 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, accommodation, meals and excursions including the Yol Valley and Flaming Cliffs. A return internal flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad costs $300 per person and the flight takes 90 minutes each way; threecamellodge.com
Top 5 concerns globally:
1. Unemployment
2. Spread of infectious diseases
3. Fiscal crises
4. Cyber attacks
5. Profound social instability
Top 5 concerns in the Mena region
1. Energy price shock
2. Fiscal crises
3. Spread of infectious diseases
4. Unmanageable inflation
5. Cyber attacks
Source: World Economic Foundation
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
The essentials
What: Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
When: Friday until March 9
Where: All main sessions are held in the InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Price: Sessions range from free entry to Dh125 tickets, with the exception of special events.
Hot Tip: If waiting for your book to be signed looks like it will be timeconsuming, ask the festival’s bookstore if they have pre-signed copies of the book you’re looking for. They should have a bunch from some of the festival’s biggest guest authors.
Information: www.emirateslitfest.com
FIXTURES
Monday, January 28
Iran v Japan, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)
Tuesday, January 29
UAEv Qatar, Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)
Friday, February 1
Final, Zayed Sports City Stadium (6pm)