ViacomCBS & DCT Abu Dhabi Pact for VidCon

ViacomCBS Networks International and the Department of Culture and Tourism—Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have partnered to bring VidCon, the world’s largest celebration of online video, to the UAE for the first time.

The inaugural edition of VidCon Abu Dhabi will be held at ADNEC from March 25 to 28, 2020. VidCon is the world’s largest immersive experience for fans, content creators, executives and brands who build, celebrate and belong to online communities. The event serves as a meeting point for brands and executives who are passionate about digital creators, online video and social-first content. VidCon offers an opportunity for fans and industry leaders to meet local and international content creators while experiencing the future of video consumption and online storytelling.

Raffaele Annecchino, president of ViacomCBS Networks Southern and Western Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “We are excited to take VidCon to Abu Dhabi, expanding our collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism—Abu Dhabi, with whom we recently held the first-ever Kids’ Choice Awards Abu Dhabi. Bringing VidCon to Abu Dhabi is a further testament to our continued commitment to investing in this key market, creating unforgettable experiences for our audience, fans and partners. The Middle East is a vibrant hub for content creators, with millions of young people turning to online video to connect with others, creating compelling content, building audiences and finding entertainment. The Middle East is the second biggest region for online video after the U.S., so we are excited for VidCon to highlight the impact of creators, the digital community and the industry.

Jim Louderback, general manager of VidCon, said: “As we continue to develop our international presence and celebrate the universality of the online video experience, we are excited to bring our event to Abu Dhabi in 2020. There are millions of young people in the Middle East who turn to online video to connect with others and find entertainment, comfort, and acceptance in social content and community-first content creators. At VidCon Abu Dhabi, we want to bridge their online and offline worlds to create an unforgettable experience for fans and spotlight and celebrate the talented creators throughout the Middle East.”