DMS wins exclusive media representation across MENA for leading online video streaming player Viu

PCCW (SEHK:0008) -– Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional OTT video streaming service, and Choueiri Group jointly announce the appointment of Digital Media Services (DMS), the digital arm of Choueiri Group, as Viu’s Exclusive Media Representative across the MENA region.

The collaboration, which became effective on October 1, 2021, will witness DMS working towards supporting Viu’s freemium digital video platform, and promoting its ongoing evolution as a highly beneficial advertising medium for brands and advertisers across the MENA region.

Elaborating on the full scope and potential of the collaboration, Mr. Rohit D’silva, Chief Business Officer of Middle East & South Africa, Viu, said, “ Viu’s growth stems from its strong content offering combined with its leading expertise related to online video curation as shown by its deeply rooted presence across MENA’s digital ecosystem. During H1 of 2021, Viu’s revenue increased by 47 per cent YOY with 49.4 million MAU, and over 7 million paid subscribers across all markets. We are delighted to collaborate with Choueiri Group and the DMS team to accelerate the advertising video on demand (AVOD) aspect of the Viu flywheel in the region. Working closely with DMS, we believe that we can contribute significantly towards making ‘Curated, Brand Safe, Digital Video’ a substantial and meaningful part of the conversation around digital advertising budgets in the region.”

Mr. Ziad Khammar, Chief Operating Officer of DMS, said,  “DMS has been a leader in investing and leading in video advertising for the past decade. Viu’s addition to our portfolio is sure to elevate video advertising in the region and we are excited about this development as the platform holds a strong footing in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE. We are confident that advertisers will welcome Viu’s robust commercial proposition for their Premium Curated Video on Demand services in the MENA region. Our aim is to continuously grow our commercial opportunities and strengthen our video offerings for advertisers, especially during seasonal opportunities like Ramadan.”

Viu has created a large and rapidly growing base of users across the Middle East through its diverse content offering which includes various genres and well-known Arab and Asian content. Viu is the only one of two OTT players in MENA to have a freemium offering, complimented by a compelling catalogue of original content, making it the perfect platform for advertisers to reach a growing and heavily engaged pool of audiences.

About Digital Media Services (DMS)

Digital Media Services (DMS) was incorporated in 2010 as the official digital media arm of Choueiri Group. Today, the Company extends a premium portfolio of online / mobile offerings, which reach 104 million Unique Browsers, generate 1.2 billion Page Views, and serve over 3.8 billion ad impressions per month. Aligned with Choueiri Group’s commitment to and focus on digital, DMS received a brand makeover in April 2017, which expresses its unique strength as the true voice of independent publishers. DMS is headquartered in Dubai, with presence in key regional markets.

About Viu  

Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service, is available in 16 markets across Asia, the Middle East and South Africa with 49.4 million monthly active users (MAU) as of June 2021.

The Viu service is available to consumers through a dual model with an ad-supported free tier and a premium subscription tier. Viu offers fresh premium TV series, movies and lifestyle programming in local and regional languages and subtitles in different genres from top content providers, as well as premium original productions under the brand "Viu Original".

Viu also offers users streaming and download features, and localized user interfaces across a myriad of connected devices. Viu can provide the best viewing experience regardless of device or network conditions.

The service can be accessed via Viu app (available for free on App Store and Google Play) on connected devices, e.g. smartphones and tablets, select smart TVs, as well as on the web by logging into www.viu.com.

In addition, Viu International Limited, through its subsidiary Moov (Hong Kong) Limited, also operates MOOV, a popular digital music streaming and live music concerts service in Hong Kong.

About PCCW Limited

PCCW Limited (SEHK: 0008) is a global company headquartered in Hong Kong which holds interests in telecommunications, media, IT solutions, property development and investment, and other businesses.

The Company holds a majority stake in the HKT Trust and HKT Limited, Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications service provider and leading operator of fixed-line, broadband, mobile communication and media entertainment services. HKT delivers end-to-end integrated solutions employing emerging technologies to assist enterprises in transforming their businesses. HKT has also built a digital ecosystem integrating its loyalty program, e-commerce, travel, insurance, FinTech and HealthTech services to deepen its relationship with customers.

PCCW owns a fully integrated multimedia and entertainment group in Hong Kong engaged in the provision of OTT video service locally and in other places in the region.

Through HK Television Entertainment Company Limited, PCCW also operates a domestic free TV service in Hong Kong.

Also wholly-owned by the Group, PCCW Solutions is a leading IT and business process outsourcing provider in Hong Kong, mainland China and Southeast Asia. In addition, PCCW holds a stake in Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited and other overseas investments.

To learn more about PCCW, please visit www.pccw.com.

Jointly issued by PCCW Limited and Digital Media Services.