Abu Dhabi Media Network

Abu Dhabi Media Network (ADMN), formerly known as Abu Dhabi Media and, before that, Emirates Media, is the official media organization of the Government of Abu Dhabi. Its roots date to 1999, when Emirates Media was established. The organization was substantially reorganized in June 2007 under Abu Dhabi Law No. 13 of 2007 as a government-owned joint stock company formed from the assets of Emirates Media Incorporated. It was rebranded as Abu Dhabi Media Network in September 2023. The network operates across broadcasting, radio, publishing, digital media, sports content and related media services. Its television portfolio has included Abu Dhabi TV, Al Emarat TV, Abu Dhabi Sports, Yas TV, Majid Kids TV, Baynounah TV and Arabic and regional National Geographic services. Its radio operations include Radio 1, Radio 2, Emarat FM, Abu Dhabi Radio, Star FM, Abu Dhabi Classic FM, Kadak FM and The Holy Quran Radio. These stations cover general-interest programming, entertainment, music, sport, religious content and multilingual services for audiences in the United Arab Emirates and the wider expatriate population. ADMN also maintains a publishing portfolio associated with titles such as Al-Ittihad, Zahrat Al Khaleej, Majid and Arabic-language and English-language National Geographic editions. Its digital activities have included Zayed Digital TV and Mohtawa, together with websites and applications linked to several of its media brands. Tawzea and United Printing and Publishing represent supporting distribution and production capabilities identified in the network's asset portfolio. The organization expanded beyond conventional broadcasting during the late 2000s. It launched The National, Abu Dhabi's first English-language newspaper, and helped develop the Abu Dhabi Media Zone as a proposed hub for international media companies, journalism training and production activity. It also pursued film, television, animation and entertainment investments through Imagenation Abu Dhabi, later renamed Image Nation. That initiative involved production and financing agreements with international partners including Warner Bros., Participant Media, National Geographic Films and Hyde Park Entertainment, although the scale and results of those agreements varied. Sports rights have remained an important part of the network's programming strategy. In 2019, Abu Dhabi Media entered a multiyear partnership with UFC to broadcast UFC events, beginning with UFC 236. In 2017, the organization relaunched Radio 1 and Radio 2 after the previous license holder ceased operating the stations. In 2019, the board was restructured under the oversight of Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company, with Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber as chair and Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi as deputy chair. The 2023 network rebranding consolidated the organization's identity around Abu Dhabi Media Network. Publicly available material does not establish a complete current list of executives, financial results or detailed ownership arrangements beyond its government ownership.

Abu Dhabi Media Network traces its origins to Emirates Media, established in 1999 as part of Abu Dhabi's government media structure. The organization was transformed in June 2007 through Abu Dhabi Law No. 13 of 2007, which created a government-owned joint stock company from the assets of Emirates Media Incorporated. This restructuring gave Abu Dhabi a consolidated vehicle for broadcasting, publishing and wider media development. The company was chaired initially by Mohammad Khalaf Al Mazroui, with Ahmad Ali Al Sayegh as deputy chair and Riyad al-Mubarak as chief executive officer. The post-2007 organization expanded its scope rapidly. It announced The National in 2007, and the English-language newspaper began publication in 2008 under founding editor Martin Newland. The network also strengthened its television operations, including Abu Dhabi TV, and developed digital-media management capabilities. In October 2008 it proposed the Abu Dhabi Media Zone, a large campus intended to attract global media businesses such as CNN, the BBC, HarperCollins, Random House, the Financial Times and Thomson Reuters Foundation. The initiative was designed not only as a commercial cluster but also as a platform for journalism, filmmaking and technical training for Arab students. Film and entertainment became another area of experimentation. Abu Dhabi Media hosted the Middle East International Film Festival in 2007 and entered an animation-training arrangement with Toonz Academy in 2008. Later in 2008 it established Imagenation Abu Dhabi with a stated mandate to finance and produce films and other media. Imagenation recruited Edward Borgerding as chief executive and Stefan Brunner as chief financial officer, then announced partnerships with Warner Bros., Participant Media, National Geographic Films and Hyde Park Entertainment. The agreements covered feature films, documentaries, television and, in some cases, games and related entertainment projects. The Warner Bros. arrangement delivered fewer film results than initially anticipated, while the National Geographic relationship was described as more workable in the available account. Imagenation also supported The Way Back, directed by Peter Weir, and organized the Circle conference from 2007 onward to discuss film finance, production and professional training. In 2011, Imagenation Abu Dhabi was renamed Image Nation and divided into Abu Dhabi and international subsidiaries. The broadcasting portfolio continued to develop through a mixture of owned, operated and branded services. Television assets identified in public descriptions include Abu Dhabi TV, Al Emarat TV, Abu Dhabi Sports, Yas TV, Majid Kids TV, Baynounah TV and National Geographic services. Radio assets span general programming, commercial entertainment, classical music, religious broadcasting, sport and multilingual South Asian programming. In 2017 Abu Dhabi Media relaunched Radio 1 and Radio 2 after the former licensee lost the right to operate them. The relaunch restored the stations under Abu Dhabi Media's management. Sports rights became a prominent part of the network's content strategy. In April 2019 Abu Dhabi Media and UFC announced a multiyear broadcast partnership, with UFC 236 identified as the first event covered by the arrangement. That year, Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company's board approved a restructuring of Abu Dhabi Media's board. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber became chair, with Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi as deputy chair and several additional members. On 19 September 2023, Abu Dhabi Media was rebranded Abu Dhabi Media Network. The new identity reflects an organization operating across television, radio, publishing, digital media, sports and related production and distribution activities. Public information confirms its government ownership and broad portfolio, but does not provide a complete current executive roster, audited financial profile or definitive account of the status of every listed channel and subsidiary.

1. 2023Rebranded Abu Dhabi Media Network

   Abu Dhabi Media adopted Abu Dhabi Media Network as its new name.

   Source
2. 2019UFC broadcast partnership announced

   A multiyear agreement brought UFC event coverage to Abu Dhabi Media's broadcast portfolio.

   Source
3. 2017Radio 1 and Radio 2 relaunched

   The two stations returned to operation under Abu Dhabi Media after a licensing change.

   Source
4. 2011Imagenation renamed Image Nation

   The film initiative adopted the Image Nation name and created Abu Dhabi and international subsidiaries.

   Source
5. 2008The National began publication

   The newspaper launched under founding editor Martin Newland.

   Source
6. 2008Abu Dhabi Media Zone announced

   A planned media campus was presented as a base for international media companies and training programs.

   Source
7. 2008Imagenation Abu Dhabi established

   The organization entered film and entertainment financing through a dedicated subsidiary.

   Source
8. 2007Abu Dhabi Media created by law

   Abu Dhabi Law No. 13 of 2007 created a government-owned joint stock company from Emirates Media's assets.

   Source
9. 2007The National announced

   The company announced plans for Abu Dhabi's first English-language newspaper.

   Source
10. 2007Middle East International Film Festival hosted

    The organization hosted a ten-day regional film festival in Abu Dhabi.

    Source
11. 1999Emirates Media established

    The predecessor organization to Abu Dhabi Media Network was established as Emirates Media.

    Source

A government-owned Abu Dhabi media institution combining national broadcasting, Arabic and international content, radio, publishing, digital services and sports rights.

• Abu Dhabi TVTelevision2008

  A flagship Abu Dhabi television service carrying general-interest programming, news, entertainment and locally relevant content for Arabic-speaking audiences.

• Abu Dhabi SportsSports television

  A sports broadcasting group that has included multiple channels and sports programming within Abu Dhabi Media's television portfolio.

• Al Emarat TVTelevision

  An Emirati television service listed among Abu Dhabi Media's broadcast brands, focused on national and regional programming.

• Radio 1 and Radio 2Radio2017

  Two English-language-oriented radio brands relaunched by Abu Dhabi Media in 2017 after the previous operator's license ended. Their formats have been described as contemporary commercial music and classic songs.

• Emarat FMRadio

  A commercial entertainment radio station serving the UAE market as part of Abu Dhabi Media's audio portfolio.

• Kadak FMMultilingual radio

  A commercial multilingual station serving South Asian expatriate audiences with programming in languages including Hindi, Punjabi, Malayalam, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Urdu.

• The NationalNewspaper2008

  An English-language newspaper launched by the organization as Abu Dhabi's first newspaper of its kind. It formed a major part of the network's publishing expansion in the late 2000s.

• Al-IttihadNewspaper

  An Arabic-language newspaper included in Abu Dhabi Media's publishing portfolio.

• Zahrat Al KhaleejMagazine and digital media

  A consumer publication brand with associated websites and applications identified among Abu Dhabi Media's publishing and digital assets.

• MajidChildren's media

  A children's publishing and media brand associated with Majid Kids TV and related digital products.

• National Geographic Abu DhabiDocumentary television

  An Arabic-market National Geographic television service carrying factual, documentary and exploration-oriented content.

• Zayed Digital TV and MohtawaDigital media

  Digital video and content platforms listed among the network's online activities, complementing its broadcast and publishing brands.

• 2008Abu Dhabi Media Zone

  United Arab Emirates · International

  A proposed media campus intended to attract global broadcasters, publishers and news organizations while providing journalism and filmmaking training.

  Outcome. Several international organizations agreed to establish or explore operations and training activity, but the available material does not establish the initiative's final scope.

  Source
• 2007Circle

  United Arab Emirates · International film industry

  An annual conference focused on film finance, production and professional development for producers, directors, editors, technical personnel and performers.

  Outcome. The conference became an ongoing industry and training initiative, although the available material does not document its full later history.

  Source
• 2007Middle East International Film Festival

  United Arab Emirates · Middle East

  A ten-day film festival hosted in Abu Dhabi to support the emirate's profile as a regional center for cinema and media.

  Outcome. The event formed part of Abu Dhabi Media's broader film and cultural development program.

  Source

• 2023Rebranding as Abu Dhabi Media NetworkStrategy

  The organization sought a network identity reflecting its broad television, radio, publishing and digital portfolio.

  What changed. Abu Dhabi Media adopted the name Abu Dhabi Media Network on 19 September 2023.

  Aftermath. The rebrand established ADMN as the umbrella identity for the organization's media activities.

  Source
• 2019UFC broadcast partnershipOther

  Abu Dhabi Media sought to strengthen its sports content and live-event offering.

  What changed. The network signed a multiyear agreement with UFC to broadcast UFC events, beginning with UFC 236.

  Aftermath. UFC events became part of the network's sports broadcasting proposition in the region.

  Source
• 2017Relaunch of Radio 1 and Radio 2Product launch

  The prior operator stopped running the stations after losing its operating license.

  What changed. Abu Dhabi Media relaunched both stations on 3 April 2017.

  Aftermath. The stations returned to Abu Dhabi Media's radio portfolio.

  Source
• 2008Launch of The NationalProduct launch

  Abu Dhabi Media identified a need for an English-language newspaper serving Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.

  What changed. The company launched The National under founding editor Martin Newland.

  Aftermath. The newspaper became a central publishing initiative associated with Abu Dhabi's international media ambitions.

  Source
• 2008Expansion into film and entertainment financingStrategy

  The network pursued a larger role in international film production and sought to build Abu Dhabi's media ecosystem.

  What changed. It established Imagenation Abu Dhabi and negotiated production and financing partnerships with international entertainment companies.

  Aftermath. The initiative produced selected projects and was later renamed Image Nation. The Warner Bros. arrangement generated fewer film results than initially expected.

  Source
• 2007Creation of a consolidated Abu Dhabi media companyStrategy

  The Government of Abu Dhabi sought to reorganize the assets of Emirates Media Incorporated into a broader media institution.

  What changed. Law No. 13 of 2007 created a wholly government-owned joint stock company.

  Aftermath. The new company expanded into English-language publishing, digital media, film, international partnerships and additional broadcasting activities.

  Source

• 2023Abu Dhabi Media rebranded as Abu Dhabi Media Network

  The organization adopted Abu Dhabi Media Network as its public brand identity.

  Other
  Source
• 2023Abu Dhabi Media adopts the Abu Dhabi Media Network name

  The organization was rebranded Abu Dhabi Media Network on 19 September 2023.

  Leadership change
  Source
• 2019Abu Dhabi Media and UFC announced a multiyear broadcast partnership

  The agreement gave Abu Dhabi Media access to UFC events, beginning with UFC 236.

  Product launchOther
  Source
• 2019Abu Dhabi Media board restructured

  A resolution by the board of Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company restructured Abu Dhabi Media's board.

  Leadership change
  Source
• 2019Abu Dhabi Media and UFC announce a multi-year broadcast partnership

  The agreement gave Abu Dhabi Media access to UFC events, with the first event under the partnership being UFC 236.

  Product launchOther
  Source
• 2019Board of Abu Dhabi Media is restructured

  Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company announced a new board chaired by Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, with Noura Al Kaabi as deputy chair.

  Leadership change
  Source
• 2017Radio 1 and Radio 2 relaunched

  Abu Dhabi Media relaunched the two stations after the previous operator lost its license and suspended their operations.

  Product launchLeadership change
  Source
• 2017Radio 1 and Radio 2 relaunch under Abu Dhabi Media

  Abu Dhabi Media relaunched the two radio stations after the former operator lost its license and suspended their operations.

  Product launchRegulation
  Source
• 2011Imagenation changed its name to Image Nation

  The film initiative was renamed Image Nation and divided into Abu Dhabi and international subsidiaries.

  Other
  Source
• 2011Imagenation is renamed Image Nation

  The film and content investment subsidiary changed its name to Image Nation and established Abu Dhabi and international operating divisions.

  Leadership change
  Source
• 2008The National launched as Abu Dhabi's first English-language newspaper

  The network introduced The National as a major English-language publishing venture, following its announcement in 2007.

  Product launch
  Source
• 2008Abu Dhabi Media developed an international media-zone initiative

  The proposed Abu Dhabi Media Zone sought to attract international media companies and provide journalism and filmmaking training.

  Other
  Source
• 2008Imagenation announced international film and media partnerships

  Imagenation pursued production and financing agreements with Warner Bros., Participant Media, National Geographic Films and Hyde Park Entertainment.

  M&AOther
  Source
• 2008The National launches as Abu Dhabi's first English-language newspaper

  Abu Dhabi Media developed The National as a major English-language publishing venture; the newspaper began publication in April 2008 after its earlier announcement and preparation.

  Product launch
  Source
• 2008Abu Dhabi Media expands into international film financing

  Through Imagenation Abu Dhabi, the group announced partnerships and development arrangements with several international film and television companies.

  M&AProduct launch
  Source
• 2007Abu Dhabi Media established as a government-owned media company

  Abu Dhabi Law No. 13 of 2007 created a joint stock company from the assets of Emirates Media Incorporated.

  Other
  Source
• 2007Abu Dhabi creates a new media company from Emirates Media assets

  Law No. 13 of 2007 established the government-owned Abu Dhabi Media Company as a joint-stock company based on the assets of Emirates Media.

  Other
  Source

1. Abu Dhabi Media Network