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Golden Visa program has significantly contributed to the influx of Indian creatives into Dubai’s media ecosystem: Majed Al Suwaidi
Mumbai: As Indian creatives and production houses seek new opportunities to broaden their reach, Dubai Studio City has emerged as a vital gateway, providing world-class infrastructure and cutting-edge facilities designed to elevate content creation and distribution on a global scale. This vibrant hub serves not only as a state-of-the-art filming and production complex but as a springboard for Indian media companies looking to break into international markets.
They have introduced a range of forward-thinking initiatives, such as the Golden Visa program, which is specifically designed to attract top-tier talent from India and beyond. This long-term residency program offers creative professionals and entrepreneurs the stability and opportunities they need to thrive in Dubai’s dynamic media landscape.
Indiantelevision.com’s Rohin Ramesh caught up with Majed Al Suwaidi, senior vice president of Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City & Dubai Production City at Tecom Group PJSC where he discussed the strategic role they play as a gateway for Indian creatives to access global markets,
On Dubai Studio City planning to strengthen ties with Indian media and entertainment companies
Dubai Studio City, one of Tecom Group PJSC’s 10 vibrant business districts in Dubai, is strengthening ties with global media and entertainment companies, including talented Indian content creation specialists. Our world-class infrastructure and pro-creativity environment foster a strategic bridge that links Indian creatives with global audiences by leveraging Dubai’s strategic location and multicultural environment. Alongside Dubai Media City and Dubai Production City, our district forms Tecom Group’s Media Cluster, an interconnected hub home to more than 3,500 customers and 38,000 professionals.
On highlighting some of the advanced facilities or technologies that have been especially beneficial to content creators, particularly those coming from India
Our state-of-the-art infrastructure includes among the region’s largest Sound Stages, backlots, and production offices, all tailored to serve diverse production needs. We also offer support to incorporate cutting-edge technologies and support for virtual production, augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) integration to push the boundaries of storytelling through in5 Media. The dedicated vertical of Tecom Group’s in5 incubator, in5 Media’s dedicated Innovation Centre at Dubai Production City provides access to specialised facilities, further enhancing the production process for creative entrepreneurs seeking to start or scale up from Dubai.
On some initiatives shaping Dubai’s freelance culture, particularly within the media industry
Tecom Group’s D/Quarters and GoFreelance platforms are vital pillars that support our vision to foster a thriving creative community in Dubai for global impact. GoFreelance offers flexible and collaborative workspaces at the heart of Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, while GoFreelance nurtures the gig economy with networking opportunities. Our strategic alignment with Dubai Film and TV Commission also offers access to content production activities for producers, film crews, and filmmakers. Combined with our sector-specific infrastructure, these offerings ensure a dynamic and agile media landscape.
On this initiative impacting the influx of Indian creatives and professionals into Dubai’s media ecosystem
In a testament to Dubai’s high quality of life and the close ties between the UAE and India, more than 3.5 million Indians call the UAE their home. The Golden Visa program has significantly contributed to the influx of Indian creatives and professionals into Dubai’s media ecosystem. Having attracted a wave of cinematic and creative personalities from India in recent years, the programme strengthens bilateral ties and reaffirms Dubai’s appeal to Indian creatives seeking global opportunities.
On specific collaborative projects or strategies you are considering tapping into the Indian market
More than 46 per cent of global media professionals expect advanced emerging technologies and the adoption of AI solutions to impact their field of expertise in the coming years. Moreover, 77 per cent agree Dubai and the UAE provide well-developed infrastructure to enable creative excellence, according to Dubai Design District’s and Dubai Media City’s Digital Creative Economy 2024 white paper, developed in partnership with global digital consultancy Monstarlab. We recognise the immense potential of the Indian digital content market and nurture talent to harness such cutting-edge technologies.
On Tecom Group planning to support or incorporate esports-focused facilities or partnerships within the media cluster
The rapidly growing esports industry in India and South Asia presents new opportunities for audience engagement and revenue, and with the UAE having played IPL host in 2014 and 2020 – as well as the IPL 2024 auction in Dubai in 2023 – we are keenly tracking the e-sports industry’s growth in India and beyond. Tecom Group’s Media Cluster is at the forefront of supporting the industry evolution that the growth of e-sports represents, and we will nurture our community to embrace such innovation.
On top priorities for Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City and Dubai Production City in the next three-five years
We will continue to invest in world-class infrastructure and platforms to strengthen our ecosystem for global talent and leaders from international markets, including India. Our Media Cluster is geared to solidify Dubai’s position as a global hub for content creation, driving innovation and contributing to the growth of the global creative economy.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
