Abu Dhabi Media (adm)

What Abu Dhabi Media (adm) does

Abu Dhabi Media Network (ADMN, formerly Abu Dhabi Media Company) is a public joint stock company established in 1969 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and headquartered at Al Muroor District, Abu Dhabi. It is a state-owned multi-platform media conglomerate operating 21 owned media properties across seven strategic pillars: UAE affairs, children, news, entertainment, sports, and education/knowledge. Its portfolio comprises seven+ free-to-air television channels (Abu Dhabi TV, Al Emarat TV, Abu Dhabi Sports, Yas TV, Majid TV, Baynounah TV, National Geographic Abu Dhabi), eight radio stations (Quran Kareem, Emarat FM, Abu Dhabi FM, Star FM, Abu Dhabi Classic FM, KADAK FM, Radio 1, Radio 2), a multi-language unified news center (Al Ittihad in Arabic, English, and Hindi), and print publications including Zahrat Al Khaleej (women's lifestyle), Majid Magazine (children), and National Geographic Al Arabiya. Distribution is regional across the UAE and broader MENA via satellite, cable, and digital streaming; Arabic is the primary language with English and Hindi for select properties.

The company's technology stack is multi-platform broadcast infrastructure augmented by emerging AI capabilities. Core distribution runs through satellite/cable television, digital streaming via the ADtv/ADMN application (now operating as a dedicated section within the STARZPLAY platform following the November 2025 migration), and availability on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung and LG smart TVs, plus web. ADMN has productized AI in three notable deployments: Salem, a generative/multimodal AI virtual broadcaster introduced in Ramadan 2024; InstaBlock, an AI-powered anti-piracy system launched February 2025 that has blocked over 47,000 infringing websites as of Q1 2026; and recommendation engines plus NLP deployed for content personalization and at the Al-Ittihad newspaper. A wholly-owned subsidiary, Live, provides television production services to the network and external clients.

ADMN's revenue mechanics rely on an advertising-led, free-to-air consumer model supplemented by content and rights licensing. Audience reach (437M+ digital platform views during Ramadan 2024) and exclusive sports rights (DFB-Pokal German Cup 2025-2028, Arabian Gulf Cup 26) drive advertising sales across television, radio, digital, and print. Content distribution is increasingly intermediated through STARZPLAY (channel/partner), IMG (sports rights broker), and Apple/Android/smart TV app stores, while ad-supported free-to-air access remains the headline consumer offer. Target segments span the broad Arab general audience, sports fans across MENA GCC markets, children and families (Majid TV / Majid Magazine), and multilingual news consumers; commercial partners include government and institutional entities for events such as BRIDGE Summit 2025. Government ownership under Abu Dhabi law provides structural stability and preferential institutional access but also implies long-run dependence on state and advertiser cycles.

Name

Abu Dhabi Media (adm)

Legal name

Abu Dhabi Media Network

Website

https://admn.ae

Company type

Public

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Abu Dhabi Media Network (ADMN), founded 1969 and state-owned, operates 21 free-to-air television channels, radio stations, magazines, and digital streaming platforms producing Arabic-language content across news, entertainment, sports, children's, and education verticals for UAE and broader MENA audiences via owned distribution and STARZPLAY partnership.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Broadcast Media

NAICS

Television Broadcasting Stations (51612), Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations (5161), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (5162)

SIC

Television Broadcasting Stations (4833), Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)

akta.pro primary industry

International TV Broadcasters (Free-to-Air/Satellite/Cable) (MPABAEAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

International News & Current Affairs Broadcasters (MPABAEAD), Islamic Broadcasting (MPABALAG), International Thematic/Genre Broadcasters (Entertainment/Lifestyle/Documentary/Music) (MPABAEAL)

Keywords

• Public service broadcasting
• Arabic television channels
• Radio broadcasting network
• Digital media streaming
• Print media publications

Headquarters

HQ city

Abu Dhabi

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Broadcasting Rights: Acquisition and sale of sports broadcasting rights including Arabian Gulf Cup, DFB-Pokal (German Cup), and other international sporting events. Revenue generated through advertising during broadcasts and rights licensing.
2. Advertising Revenue: Traditional advertising across television, radio, and digital platforms. The network attracts high viewership particularly during Ramadan season with 437+ million views on digital platforms.
3. Content Distribution Partnership: Strategic partnership with STARZPLAY for content distribution. Abu Dhabi Media channels and content available on STARZPLAY platform, expanding audience reach and strengthening digital presence without direct subscription revenue from end consumers.
4. Content Licensing: Production and licensing of original Arabic content including dramas, programs, and documentaries across television, radio, print magazines, and digital platforms.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Abu Dhabi Media operates as the UAE's primary public service broadcaster, producing, distributing, and licensing Arabic-language media content across 21 platforms spanning television, radio, print, and digital streaming. The company holds exclusive broadcasting rights for major sporting events (DFB-Pokal, Arabian Gulf Cup) and distributes content free-to-air across MENA via owned channels and through the STARZPLAY partnership. Core activities include original Arabic drama production, news broadcasting, children's entertainment, sports coverage, and AI-powered digital services including the Salem virtual broadcaster and InstaBlock anti-piracy system.

Product overview

Abu Dhabi Media (established 1969) is a public joint stock media company operating 21 diverse digital, television, radio, and print platforms across the UAE and Arab world. The core portfolio includes: Abu Dhabi TV, Al Emarat TV, Abu Dhabi Sports, Baynounah TV, Yas TV, Majid TV, and National Geographic Abu Dhabi (television channels); Quran Kareem, Emarat FM, Abu Dhabi FM, Star FM, KADAK FM, Radio 1, and Radio 2 (radio stations); Al Ittihad news platform; Zahrat Al Khaleej, Majid Magazine, and National Geographic Al Arabiya (publications); the ADtv/ADMN digital streaming platform distributed via STARZPLAY; LIVE production subsidiary; and AI-powered services including the InstaBlock anti-piracy system and Salem virtual broadcaster. The company focuses on six strategic pillars: UAE affairs, children, news, entertainment, sports, and education/knowledge.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Abu Dhabi TV: Primary television channel featuring drama, entertainment, and cultural programming
• Al Emarat TV
• Abu Dhabi Sports
• Yas TV
• Majid TV
• National Geographic Abu Dhabi
• Baynounah TV
• Al Ittihad
• Zahrat Al Khaleej
• Majid Magazine
• National Geographic Al Arabiya Magazine
• Quran Kareem Radio
• Emarat FM
• Abu Dhabi FM
• Star FM
• Abu Dhabi Classic FM
• KADAK FM
• Radio 1
• Radio 2
• ADtv App
• Live

Products and services

• Abu Dhabi TV Primary television channel featuring Emirati, Khaliji, and Arab drama productions, talk shows, documentaries, and entertainment programming for general Arab audiences across UAE and MENA.
• Al Emarat TV (قناة الإمارات) Television channel offering Khaliji heritage dramas, Bedouin series, and entertainment programs targeting Emirati and regional Arab audiences.
• Abu Dhabi Sports (أبوظبي الرياضية) Sports broadcasting channel covering exclusive rights for DFB-Pokal (German Cup), Arabian Gulf Cup, and other major sporting events across MENA region.
• Baynounah TV (قناة بينونة) General entertainment television channel featuring drama series and exclusive content for Arabic-speaking audiences.
• Yas TV (ياس) Sports and entertainment television channel offering live sports coverage and related programming.
• Majid TV (قناة ماجد) Children's entertainment and edutainment channel featuring animated content for young Arabic-speaking audiences.
• National Geographic Abu Dhabi Documentary and factual entertainment channel covering science, exploration, and cultural heritage topics as part of the National Geographic worldwide network.
• ADMN on STARZPLAY Platform Digital streaming platform distributing all Abu Dhabi Media channels and on-demand content free of charge via the STARZPLAY application across iOS, Android, smart TVs, and web.
• Al Ittihad (الاتحاد) Unified news center providing local and global news content in multiple languages (Arabic, English, Hindi), the first UAE newspaper to use AI technology for content enhancement.
• Quran Kareem Radio (إذاعة القرآن الكريم) Islamic religious radio station broadcasting Quran recitations, ranked as the most listened-to station in the UAE during Ramadan 2024.
• Emarat FM (إمارات أف أم) Entertainment radio station ranked number one among Emiratis during Ramadan 2024 with programs including 'Sabah Ramadan'.
• Abu Dhabi FM (إذاعة أبوظبي)

Quantifiable outcome

• 437+ million digital views during Ramadan 2024, representing 228% growth
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

AI capability8 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• Creative Media Authority (CMA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026Partnership through Creative Lab initiative for youth talent development. Creative Lab (CMA's youth arm) organized media workshops engaging 38 students aged 9-12 from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. Workshops covered storytelling, scriptwriting, and digital content creation delivered in collaboration with Majid TV and Animotion Media Group.
• Majid TVcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026Abu Dhabi Media's children's channel collaborated with Creative Lab (CMA) and Animotion Media Group for youth storytelling workshops. Majid TV team member Manal Al Falouji served as mentor teaching scriptwriting fundamentals. Channel distributes children's content including Animotion MENA animation titles.
• BRIDGE Summit 2025coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 11 December 2025Official media partner for BRIDGE Summit 2025, world's largest debut media event held December 8-10 in Abu Dhabi at ADNEC. Abu Dhabi Media provides extensive coverage through special programming, in-depth reports, exclusive interviews with global leaders, and live broadcasting across all television, radio, and digital platforms. Summit attracts 60,000+ participants from 132 countries.
• Animotion MENAflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 December 2025Content partnership for children's entertainment. Abu Dhabi Media secured Animotion MENA's animation titles for broadcast and digital distribution including The Fixies, Dinocity, Tina & Tony, Babyriki, and Detective Finnick. Content available across Majid TV and digital platforms. Partnership includes expansion of The Fixies franchise with Fixilab, a new live-action interactive edutainment series.
• STARZPLAYcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 November 2025Strategic partnership for content distribution. ADtv content migrated to dedicated ADMN section within STARZPLAY platform starting November 4, 2025. All Abu Dhabi Media channels and radio stations available for live streaming and on-demand viewing. Previous ADtv application ceased operations November 30, 2025. Partnership provides free high-quality viewing experience with modern technical features including personalization, parental controls, and smart recommendations.
• DFB (German Football Association)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 16 October 2025Three-season media rights agreement for DFB-Pokal (German Cup) across MENA region. Starting October 2025, Abu Dhabi Sports broadcasts live matches including Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and all leading German clubs. Matches available free-to-air on Abu Dhabi Sports channels 1 & 2 with full competition and exclusive content via ADtv/STARZPLAY app.
• IMG (International Sports Media and Marketing)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 13 November 2024Commercial agency partnership for broadcasting rights acquisition. IMG brokered Abu Dhabi Media's rights to broadcast Arabian Gulf Cup 26 (Khaleeji Zain 26) across MENA region. IMG holds long-term commercial partnership with Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) to market media rights through 2031.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• OSN (Orbit Showtime Network): Long-standing MENA pay-TV operator (now pivoting to streaming) with premium Western and Arabic content bundles. Comparable to ADM in targeting Arabic-speaking households with curated entertainment, sports, and movie content via satellite/IPTV/streaming.
• Rotana Group: Saudi-owned Arabic content conglomerate operating Rotana TV channels, Rotana Cinema, Rotana Music, and a major library of Arabic films and series. Comparable to ADM as a vertically integrated Arabic content producer/distributor with overlapping rights and production strategies.

Direct peers

• MBC Group: Largest Arabic commercial broadcaster in MENA, operating free-to-air channels (MBC1, MBC4, MBC Drama), radio (MBC FM), and the Shahid SVOD platform. Directly comparable to ADM as a multi-platform Arabic content company competing for the same audiences and ad budgets across UAE and the broader Arab world.
• beIN Media Group: Qatar-based broadcaster holding premier sports rights in MENA (La Liga, Ligue 1, FIFA, AFC competitions) plus entertainment channels (beIN Movies, beIN Series). Direct competitor to Abu Dhabi Sports for both rights acquisitions and sports viewership across the same Arabic-speaking footprint.
• Al Jazeera Media Network: Qatar-headquartered pan-Arab news and documentary broadcaster (Al Jazeera Arabic, Al Jazeera English, AJ+ digital, Mubasher). Closest comparator to ADM's Al Ittihad news and documentary platforms, with the same pan-Arab mandate and audience, supported by state ownership.
• Dubai Media Incorporated: UAE federal-government-owned broadcaster operating Dubai TV, Dubai One, Dubai Sports, Sama Dubai, Noor Dubai, and Dubai Radio. Operates in the same country, language, regulatory and audience set as ADM, competing directly for UAE viewers, advertisers, and government-side mandates.
• Sky News Arabia: Abu Dhabi-based 24/7 Arabic news channel co-owned with Comcast/NBCUniversal. Direct competitor to Al Ittihad news operations, operating in the same Emirate, language, and target market with international funding and global content-sharing infrastructure.
• Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA): Saudi state-owned broadcaster operating Saudi Channel 1, Saudi TV, Saudi Sports, and several radio stations. Comparable as another Gulf public-service broadcaster investing heavily in domestic production, sports rights, and Arabic-language content targeting overlapping audiences.

Emerging players

• STARZPLAY Arabia: MENA SVOD platform and ADM's distribution partner since November 2025. Functions as an enabler and partial competitor, hosting the ADMN section inside its app while also licensing competing international series and exclusives that compete for the same viewer hours.
• Shahid (MBC Group): MENA's leading Arabic-language SVOD platform, investing heavily in original scripted content and exclusive sports (Saudi Pro League, Asian events). Competes with ADM's ADMN section inside STARZPLAY for the same streaming subscribers and original Arabic content budgets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ADmn_MENA
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ADmn_MENA
• Facebookfacebook.com/adtvmena
• Instagraminstagram.com/ADmn_MENA
• TikToktiktok.com/@admn_mena

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Abu Dhabi Media (adm)