Events
National Media Council and Sony to Conduct Photography Workshops

The National Media Council (NMC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sony Middle East and Africa (MEA) to organise a series of photography workshops for its photographers and other media professionals. This collaborative initiative is designed to support and nurture talent in the UAE by empowering photographers with technologically advanced cameras to enrich their expertise in photography.
The MoU was signed by H.H Dr Rashid Khalfan Al Nuaimi, Executive Director of the Support Services Department at the National Media Council; and Fumihiro Zaima, Head of Marketing, Sony Middle East and Africa, at the NMC’s Headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
The signing ceremony was attended by Omar Al Humaidi, Head of Training and Development of the Division Council; Ibrahim Al Rais, Head of Photography and Videography at WAM; Murat Gebeceli, Head of Digital Imaging; Mathew Mathai, General Manager – Marketing Communications; Rajnish Kautia, Senior Manager – Digital Imaging at Sony MEA, and other distinguished guests from both organisations.
The Executive Director of Support Services at the National Media Council, H.H Dr. Rashid Khalfan Al Nuaimi National Media Council, said: “The agreement is in line with the Council’s commitment to enhance the media landscape in the country. The training workshops will contribute to enhancing the experience of photographers in the sector and provide them with best practices in the field of digital photography, which has witnessed a great development during the past period.”
The National Media Council will host a total of four workshops; one every quarter, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2018 for media professionals and photographers at the Council. At the workshops, Sony MEA will provide product demonstrations and hands-on experience of the latest full frame mirrorless cameras.
Fumihiro Zaima, Head of Marketing, Sony Middle East and Africa, said: “Sony’s strategic partnership with the National Media Council reinforces our commitment to enhancing the overall ecosystem for photographers in the UAE. Currently, Sony continues to hold a leadership position in the camera category in the region – driven by a strong demand for our innovative products. Our goal is to work with NMC to share Sony’s breadth of expertise and depth of knowledge with photographers so that they are exposed to top-of-the-line products that can help them take high-quality pictures that tell powerful stories.”
The first photography workshop will be held on 25 April 2018 at NMC Headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

Events
HONOR Announces its Participation at MWC 2025

HONOR has announced its participation at MWC 2025 and is set to make a major announcement at this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, with a keynote presentation on Sunday, March 2, 2025. At the event, HONOR will introduce the “HONOR ALPHA PLAN”, the brand’s new strategic initiative, followed by the launch of its latest AI innovations and AI-enabled products.
The term “ALPHA” carries rich meanings across different domains. As a symbol, it represents the pioneering spirit that drives exploration into uncharted territories. In terms of achievement, it signifies peak performance and excellence at the highest level. From a structural perspective, it embodies core strength and fundamental driving force. In markets, while beta represents steady market-following returns, alpha symbolizes exceptional performance that surpasses benchmarks through active innovation and strategic foresight.
To HONOR, these multiple dimensions of “ALPHA” perfectly align with the brand’s vision and mission. As a trailblazer in the tech industry, HONOR drives innovation forward. Through the brand’s pursuit of innovation and technology, HONOR demonstrates its commitment to excellence. As a key player in the AI device ecosystem, HONOR channels the brand’s core strength into creating breakthrough solutions.
In this transformative era of AI, “HONOR ALPHA PLAN” positions HONOR at the forefront of technological advancement. HONOR aims to build an open-collaborative AI ecosystem with its global partners, creating unprecedented possibilities for the future of AI devices.
Events
Sony Announces INZONE Gaming Tournament

Sony Middle East and Africa has announced the upcoming INZONE Gaming Tournament, set to take place from February 11 to February 15, 2025, across UAE, KSA, Qatar, and Kuwait. Following the success of the recent INZONE tournament in Qatar, this latest edition expands opportunities for gamers across the region, welcoming over 1,000 participants to compete for a $10,000 prize pool across men’s and women’s divisions.
Participants will put their skills to the test in one of the region’s most competitive esports events, battling it out in Valorant, one of the most popular titles in the GCC gaming community. With separate men’s and women’s divisions, winners will claim their share of the $10,000 prize pool, with $5,000 awarded per tournament. Fans can also tune in live on February 14 and 15 to witness the action unfold in the tournament finals.
This initiative highlights Sony’s commitment to supporting the gaming community by delivering innovative platforms and top-tier esports experiences across the Middle East. Speaking on this, Jobin Joejoe, Managing Director of Sony Middle East and Africa, said, “The INZONE Gaming Tournament reflects our commitment to elevating the gaming experience in the region. With the booming esports expansion across the region, we are reinforcing our commitment to the growth of gaming communities and fostering talent across the GCC.”
Cool Stuff
NARUTO THE GALLERY Experience Makes its Middle East Debut in Dubai

Celebrating over 20 years of the global anime sensation NARUTO, fans in the Middle East will have a rare opportunity to experience the iconic world of their favourite ninja, as NARUTO THE GALLERY experience makes its debut outside of Japan, for the first time in Dubai. This unique experience, direct from Tokyo, will run from January 31 to April 6, 2025, at The Concourse Convention Center, near the Dubai Outlet Mall, marking the first time outside East Asia that the beloved anime’s legacy will be celebrated on this scale.
Created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the NARUTO anime’s debut in Japan, this immersive experience takes fans on a journey through the series’ iconic moments, themes, and characters. Featuring vivid life-size installations and exclusive artwork from the animation, NARUTO THE GALLERY offers an opportunity to step into Naruto Uzumaki’s world, including rare behind-the-scenes content from the series’ origins. From the vibrant landscapes of Konoha (Hidden Leaf Village) to unforgettable battles and intimate character portrayals, visitors can relive every pivotal moment of the beloved anime.
Experience Includes:
- Authentic Artifacts and Original Artwork: View never-before-seen concept art and materials used in creating the series, transported directly from Japan
- Interactive Displays: Fans can engage with iconic scenes and immerse themselves into the universe of NARUTO through dynamic video presentations on large screens and multiple monitors.
- Fans can engage with iconic scenes and participate in interactive exhibits that immerse them in the universe of NARUTO
- Exclusive Merchandise: Limited-edition NARUTO memorabilia and exclusive merchandise, making it a must-visit for any anime fan
As a landmark event for regional anime fans, NARUTO THE GALLERY reflects the global influence of Japanese anime and its cultural crossover appeal. With Dubai known as a bridge between East and West, this event reinforces the city’s position as a hub for innovative and world-class entertainment experiences.
This is a ticketed event, with tickets starting at AED 60 per person. Tickets can be purchased online through Platinumlist or at the venue itself. The exhibition will be held in The Concourse Convention Center, which is seamlessly connected to the Dubai Outlet Mall.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with NARUTO THE GALLERY Executive Committee to bring such an authentic and original experience to Dubai,” said Ahmad Khalifa, CEO, Akiba. “Al Ahli Group and Akiba are committed to growing the pop-culture scene in the region, spanning from West Asia to Africa, and introducing year-long, themed experiences and events, celebrating various iconic properties. And kicking off our series of events with NARUTO THE GALLERY, is extra special, as we celebrate NARUTO’s 20-year legacy by creating an incredible experience for anime fans in the region to connect with the series on a personal level.”
“We are truly honoured to bring NARUTO THE GALLERY to Dubai as its next destination. Through this exhibition, we hope to provide as many fans as possible with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history and legacy of NARUTO,” said the NARUTO THE GALLERY Executive Committee.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login