Riyadh: In a major step to strengthen Al Jazeera Network's position in Saudi Arabia's advertising market — the largest in the Arab world — Qatar Media Services (Q.Media) has opened three offices in Saudi Arabia.
Q.Media, the sole media representative of Al Jazeera Network, had earlier chosen Al Wataniya Advertising as its sole advertising agent in 12 Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia.
Marwan Deemas, director general of Al Wataniya Advertising Publishing & Media, said that his company's has targeted advertisement revenues of more than $500 million over the next five years.
Deemas added that the Al Jazeera Network was able to maintain robust growth despite the global financial crisis.
"Even though the Arab advertisement market was affected heavily, the network managed to score excellent results, thanks to the smart strategy and wise steps being pursued by Q-Media."
Telecast rights
Replying to queries regarding the positive impact of Al Jazeera Sports securing telecast rights for the Fifa World Cup 2010 and Africa Cup, Deemas said that this would further consolidate the sound advertising position of Al Jazeera Network.
"Securing telecast rights for the World Cup, no doubt, would help earn about 80 per cent of sports advertisement revenues from the Arab world."
Al Wataniya's leading clients are Saudi Telecom, Mobily and Zain Saudi Arabia, in addition to soft drinks and juice companies.
