Al-Futtaim Electronics , part of the Retail Division of the UAE-headquartered Al-Futtaim Group and one of the region ’ s major players in the consumer electronics distribution in the UAE and GCC . Through this partnership , Hisense intends to enhance its independent retail ( IR ) business across the UAE , focusing on TV distribution .

Hisense ME says it has achieved remarkable growth in the region and has grown into a multi-million-dollar business , and this partnership will enable Hisense to facilitate estimated growth of 50 % by 2022 in the UAE market . Al- Futtaim Electronics ’ unique capabilities and expertise in operating fully-fledged distribution , warehousing , and aftersales services , along with their comprehensive distribution network within the independent retail market makes Al-Futtaim Electronics an invaluable partner for Hisense ’ s TV IR distribution . It ’ s a milestone moment for both companies to expand their business footprints and solidify their market positions .

Jason Ou , managing director of Hisense Middle

East and North Africa , said that this cooperation is an integral part of Hisense ’ s core strategy to help consolidate and expand its TV business in the UAE . “ Our new partner Al-Futtaim Electronics has been successfully operating in UAE ’ s retail market with expertise and capabilities in distribution for decades ,” he added . “ This experience and expertise will help both the organisations to expand their business footprints and leverage each other ’ s strengths to consolidate the market .”

“ There is a huge potential for Hisense TVs in the UAE market , taking into account the market dynamics , competition landscape and Hisense product competitiveness . Hisense aims to develop its TV business by expanding its operations , increasing the channel expansion , and adopting an aggressive sales and marketing strategy across the relevant market verticals .”

“ I am certain this cooperation will play a key role in strengthening Hisense ’ s independent retail business by scaling up the coverage , optimising efficiency and expanding the market penetration across all the seven Emirates , enabling us to better serve our channel partner as well as enhance

product accessibility to the end consumer .”

The UAE market has a good growth potential due to consumer purchasing power , high product and technology awareness , as well as an increasing demand for innovative , smart and affordable televisions . Hisense sales have been growing recently in the Middle East with a 116 % growth rate in the first half of 2021 ; compared to 2020 . Sales growth in TV sets specifically has increased by over 94 %.

“ We are very pleased to embark on this journey with Hisense and sign this agreement as we work towards enjoying a mutually beneficial partnership and collaborate to grow the business ,” commented Sachin Wadhwa of Al-Futtaim Electronics . “ With Al-Futtaim Electronics priding itself as one of the region ’ s major players in the consumer electronics distribution in the UAE and GCC , I am positive that our expertise and network will bring with it more opportunities to grow and excel in this segment .”

“ Hisense is one of the fastest growing brands dedicated to innovation and cutting-edge technologies ,” stated Ismail Al Hurani , COO Hisense Middle East . “ And we constantly strive to exceed and enhance the expectations of the consumers with the goal to make their day-to-day lives easier .”

“ This business corporation will further strengthen Hisense ’ s efforts to leverage its growing brand awareness along with strong business fundamentals of Al-Futtaim to drive the business to greater heights ,” he concluded .

Report : Saudi is MENA ’ s key social media market

Saudi Arabia has seen social media usage “ sky-rocket ” according to a study from media agency Crowd and its Global media Insights report , using data from Euromonitor ’ s Digital Consumer trends . Because of the widespread use of smartphones , locals are using social apps more frequently , especially between 2020 and 2021 . Statistics show that social media usage increased by 8 per cent , with Twitter , YouTube and Facebook seeing the most significant increases . The country ’ s social media engagements are influenced by religious , political , and cultural factors . These factors impact Saudi citizens ’ use of social media platforms

in various situations , which enables them to communicate and connect more effectively and increase user participation , says the study . Young Saudis are beginning to showcase their hidden talents on all social media platforms as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia grows . According to Motivate Media Group ’ s case study Campaign Saudi Report June 2021 , Saudi Arabian influencers have one of the highest local follower fan bases among GCC countries , ranging from 50 % to 60 %. Local Saudis are incredibly proud of their homegrown talent , believing them to be the authentic voice of their country and themselves , says the report . One key element shows that the Saudi gaming market , for example , has one of the strongest growth rates in the world . “ With more than

21.2 million players across the country , the Kingdom is currently the world ’ s 19th largest gaming market , growing at a rate of 41.1 % annually ,” notes the study .

Emirates brings exclusive HBO Max content onboard

Emirates has partnered with streaming service HBO Max to bring the best premium content onboard the airline ’ s entertainment system , ice . Emirates is the first airline in the region to have partnered with HBO Max , which is WarnerMedia ’ s go-to streaming destination for all of its hit movies and shows . HBO Max is currently available only in the USA and Latin America . It is set to launch in Europe from October 26 and will be available onboard

Emirates from November 1 . With this latest HBO partnership , Emirates ’ customers in all classes of travel can look forward to immersing themselves in exclusive HBO Max hits on their personal in-seat screens . Initially launching with over 160 hours of content from 31 shows , Emirates and HBO Max will gradually expand the content on offer . Onboard , Emirates ’ customers can find and browse the latest HBO Max content in a dedicated folder on ice . Those who prefer to plan their entertainment choices in advance , can browse all ice content on the Emirates ’ website , and create a personalised playlist on the Emirates app , which can be synced with the ice system to immediately begin their movie or TV binge the moment they board the aircraft .

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