CNN to expand Middle East production facilities

CNN International is to start broadcasting live daily news programming from a brand new broadcast facility in Abu Dhabi. The development is part of ongoing plans for CNN's new broadcast and production centre set to open in Abu Dhabi's newly launched media zone in early 2009. In addition to a daily local-primetime newscast, the new production centre in Abu Dhabi will provide the infrastructure for expanded newsgathering activities in the region. It will enhance CNN's existing representation in the region, which currently comprises news operations in Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Dubai and Jerusalem.

NoozzVIEW; Abu Dhabi sets cultural and sporting pace

Such is the pace with which Abu Dhabi has been upping its international cultural and sporting profile that it came as little surprise when the British media carried serious speculation that the emirate – one of seven making up the UAE after securing their independence from Britain – might be willing to make a rescue bid for The Independent and Independent on Sunday, two leading UK papers facing a £10 million hole in their finances. Already Abu Dhabi has defied the jeremiahs by parenting a new daily English language paper of its own, and seen its printing extend from six to seven days a week. Its standards win plaudits from newsmen around the world.

Al-Jazeera TV chairman confirms plans for bureau in Saudi capital

Shaykh Hamad Bin-Thamir Al Thani, chairman of Al-Jazeera network board, has confirmed a news report that the network was ready to open a bureau in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Shaykh Hamad added that a bureau chief would be selected soon, "stressing that the technical measures with the Saudi Information Ministry are about to be completed," the report added.