Dubai:The ninth Dubai International Content Market (DICM) 2026 commenced on Tuesday in Dubai, organized by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions, a member of INDEX Holding. The event features participation from 800 attendees representing 50 countries.

According to Wam, the two-day event, held at Madinat Jumeirah, gathers international buyers, distributors, broadcasters, studios, production companies, and leading specialists from the media and entertainment sector. It includes more than 200 buyers and over 80 regional and international exhibitors.

The event underscores Dubai's significance in the global content industry, highlighting its role in attracting international institutions and companies, and connecting them with opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa. This supports business development in the sector and fosters content exchange and cross-market partnerships.

Tariq Abdulsalam AlMadani, CEO - Exhibitions and Experiences at INDEX Holding, emphasized the content industry's expansion beyond creative production to rights trading, distribution, investment in intellectual property, and co-production. He stated that INDEX is working to position Dubai as a strategic hub linking the global content industry with opportunities in the region.

AlMadani also noted that DICM aims to attract international buyers, broadcasters, content platforms, and production companies, creating a business environment that supports partnerships and turns creative projects into commercial opportunities. He added that Dubai will continue to support the sector's growth, enhancing the competitiveness of Arabic content in global markets.

Rana Jerdak, Content Manager at Al Mashhad TV, highlighted the importance of strategic funding and innovative partnerships in producing content that resonates with Middle Eastern and North African audiences. Mustafa Ilbeyli of TRT emphasized cooperation with regional broadcasters and production companies to extend content reach and impact.

Can Okan, CEO of Inter Medya, recognized the Middle East and North Africa as a market filled with collaborative opportunities, essential for the company's growth. DICM Talks, the event's knowledge platform, discusses industry developments and includes sessions such as 'The Future of TV in MENA' and 'Funding in a Down Market Turning Projects into Production?'

Additionally, the Spotlight Stories initiative at DICM 2026 features a live pitching challenge for Arabic-language projects. Five projects are presenting to a panel of experts, with a winner announced on Wednesday, aiming to advance projects and access global markets. TRT and MOSKINO sponsor the event, alongside pavilions from ICC Trkiye, KOCCA, and ROSKINO, showcasing international partnerships and distribution opportunities.