The deal will expand Turner’s footprint to cover the Middle East via du Broadcast Services

Proving its status as a top service provider in the UAE, du today demonstrated its might in the broadcasting arena with the signing of a partnership agreement with prominent broadcaster (operator of popular channels like CNN and Cartoon Network), Turner Broadcasting System Ltd (TBS), for providing a one-stop-shop for its broadcast needs in the Middle East.

“We are proud of this partnership with Turner and believe that their selection of our services demonstrates our position as a top provider in the region. We are committed to providing Turner with world-class broadcasting services and will utilise our award-winning facilities and talent to help the reputable network in reaching its clients in the region,” commented Mohamed Al Shahi, Senior Director, Broadcasting, du.

Turner Distribution also announced the launch of Cartoon Network Arabia, along with its partnership with du Broadcast Services. The tie-up will provide the company with broadcast services that will extend Turner Broadcasting System’s reach to the Middle East on two different satellite platforms, Nilesat and Arabsat Badr 6 Satellites. Broadcast content will be received from London via two different submarine cable systems, and du will uplink the Cartoon Network Arabia content through its teleport facility in the UAE.

“We selected du Broadcast Services for its proven record of award-winning facilities and world-class services. We believe that this partnership is a key factor in Turner’s successful strategy in approaching the MENA area and effectively establishing a relationship with the viewers in this region,” commented Alan Musa, Vice-President and General Manager, Africa, Middle East and Pan Region

The deal will expand Turner’s footprint to cover the Middle East via du Broadcast Services as well as including Cartoon Network Arabic on the du IPTV platform in the UAE. Moreover, du provides the very latest broadcast solutions with the highest-quality services in the Middle East. du Broadcast Services is the leading regional operator of satellite support services and currently serves more than 170 television stations throughout the Middle East and Asia. The teleport facility comprises satellite antennae that produce a wide global coverage out of Dubai, providing broadcasting services clients with an extensive household viewership footprint.

About du

du, the integrated telecom service provider in the UAE, launched mobile telecommunication services in February 2007 across the UAE, in addition to internet and pay TV services that du provides in some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, du’s nationwide fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007. By the end of 2008, over 3 million people in the UAE chose to become du customers.

Among du’s many firsts is its historic Number Booking Campaign for both individuals and business, Pay by the Second billing system, Mobile TV, Mobile Payments, first of its kind ‘WoW’ recharge card (which offers customers the choice between ‘more credit’, ‘more time’ and now the ‘more international’ recharge option with additional credit on international calls) and Self Care.

For business customers, du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations. du Broadcast Services division brings scalable media technology platforms and telecommunication solutions to the broadcast community through its world-class teleport (Samacom) and Master Control Room (MCR) facilities.

du products and services for consumers and business are available through du’s retail network, currently numbering 34 du shops located in strategic locations across the UAE, including the recently opened flagship store located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. In addition, customers can access du products and services at more than 3000 authorised dealers or through the du e-shop, accessible at http://www.du.ae/en/where-to-buy/eshop.html. du shops are a one-stop-shop for mobile service, carrier select and the payment of service bills.

du is 39.5 per cent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 19.75 per cent by Mubadala Development Company, 19.5 per cent by Emirates Communications & Technology Company LLC and the remaining stake by public shareholders. It is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name du.

Awards to date

• du selected as a UAE Superbrand at the Superbrands awards gala 2010.
• du presented with an award for Best Middle Eastern Local Currency Deal 2008 by UK’s EuroWeek
• du won two prestigious awards at UAE Web Awards 2008. du e-shop portal won the best strategic online portal award in the e-commerce category and du media club website won the bronze award in the media and press category.
• du corporate brand launch campaign awarded a Cristal MENA award in 2008.
• du declared ‘Best Brand’ at Telecoms World Awards Middle East 2007 for innovative branding and outstanding brand success.
• Second place in the New Brand Launch category at the GMR Effectiveness in Marketing Awards 2007.
• Silver Award for the best website in the ICT category at the UAE Web Awards 2007.
• du WoW TV Commercial awarded amongst the best 50 TV commercials in mobile telecom category in the world for 2007.

For further information, please contact:

Saugat Chatterjee
Public Relations Manager
Brand & Communications
du
Mobile: +971 55 9367045
Email: saugat.chatterjee@du.ae

Or

Gregory Henderson
Manning, Selvage & Lee
Tel: +971 4 3676 324
Mobile: +971 55 495 6487
Fax: +971 4 367 2615
Email: gregory.henderson@dubai.mslpr.com