Enter most corporate HQs and you can usually find a wall displaying accolades and awards, a way of showing off to prospective visitors just what a successful company they’re encountering. At Netflix’s Tres Cantos facility just north of Madrid, there’s something different adorning one particular upright.
Displayed one next to another, from top to bottom, is a series of scripts for some of the streaming giant’s most successful local productions. Shows like Elite and La Casa de Papel (Money Heist), Spanish-language dramas that have fared especially well on the platform in the Middle East. The latter has an enduring cult following particularly in the Gulf, where, for example, in 2023, Lay's potato chips released a Money Heist-themed tie-in product exclusively in Saudi Arabia.
And the love between the Spanish-speaking world and Arabic-speaking world is increasingly mutual. Arabic productions are particularly popular in the Spanish-speaking world, with series such as Al Rawabi School for Girls and the Saudi film From the Ashes both hitting the streamer's top 10 list in Spain as well as across South and Central America.
For Netflix, the ability for its films and series to have such a global impact is perhaps its greatest strength. As the streamer displays its scripts on the wall in Tres Cantos, it shows that Netflix content can be created from the ground up, from the beginnings, in script form, to the end, when the final touches are put to the episodes or feature films in the edit suite.
Maybe everything is Netflix branded – even the cushions on the sofas and the tissue holders on the tables carry the now-famous red logo – but this “hub” is more than just for show. Fully integrated, it has everything from virtual soundstages to post-production sound facilities, with over 400 production companies across Europe, Middle East and Africa now collaborators on shows and films.
When the facility opened five years ago, there was talk of Madrid becoming the “Hollywood of Europe”, but the maxim here is “be authentic, be local”, as Diego Avalos, vice president of content for Spain, Portugal and the Nordics, puts it.
“Creators want to become global, and want to create global shows,” he says. “There’s no such thing as a global show.”
Take Money Heist, the hugely successful thriller from creator Alex Pina.
“If you told Alex Pina, create a global show, he would never have come up with Money Heist,” says Avalos. “Money Heist was first a success here, then it became global. I think that’s one of the biggest things we keep confirming time and time again.”
As I tour the facilities, it’s hard not to be impressed by the scale and scope of the productions either just wrapped or currently under way. With 10 soundstages available, it’s an enormous creative space, something that’s underlined when I step on the set of Respira (Breathless). This medical drama is the brainchild of Carlos Montero, the co-creator of the hugely popular Elite, which will be coming to an end when its eighth and final season drops later this year.
Respira’s enormous hospital set, spread across a 1,500 square metre space and spanning two floors, is a staggering achievement. It took six months to design and build this rabbit warren of waiting rooms, medic bays and laboratories. Unsurprisingly, Avalos calls the show “one of the biggest bets this year”, with confidence so high, Montero is already halfway through scripting season two. Another big bet is Kaos, a mythological dark comedy starring Jeff Goldblum which was entirely shot out of Spain.
It doesn’t take long before Netflix’s global reach – some 270 million households worldwide – is mentioned. But the Tres Cantos hub was made with Spain in mind initially says, Larry Tanz, vice president of content for EMEA.
“I feel like ‘hub’ might imply we’re trying to bring everything here, but we really conceived this for Spain,” says Tanz. “Because Spain is such a friendly environment from a business perspective, we have been able to bring some productions here.”
But five years into the project, especially with emerging technologies, the possibility of inviting productions from outside of Spain, including those from the Middle East, are an intriguing prospect for the streamer. Tanz even says that with the facility deploying cloud-based technology, footage shot can be shared remotely, which opens up interesting possibilities.
“Physically, producers could still work from their home country, but utilise virtual facilities here,” Tanz says.
Given Netflix’s growing influence in the Mena region, it begs the question of whether there could ever be a production from the Middle East brought to this facility. “We want to provide the best resources for our creative partners to do their best work,” says Tanz, cautiously. “So if it would make sense to bring production here, we would.”
If any Mena co-production is already in the works for Tres Cantos, Tanz would not say. But one thing is clear: if an Arabic-language production were in need of such a state-of-the-art sound stage, it would be in the EMEA hub.
According to Tanz, we’re unlikely to see a similar hub to Tres Cantos built in the Arabic-speaking world anytime soon. “We don’t have plans to build a hub in the region,” says Tanz. “You can’t just build the box. You have to have the people and the talent – called ‘below the line’ or ‘behind the scenes’ – who can make it all happen.”
He refers back to the facility’s Stage 7, the virtual stage which is currently playing host to El refugio atomico (The Fall Out Shelter), the new show by Money Heist’s Pina. The LED panels, spotlighting different CG-generated backdrops, take serious know-how. “Technical capabilities to use this high-end equipment is really, really important.”
If this suggests the Mena region needs more specialist and skilled workers to compete, Tanz is also uncertain about future cross-cultural collaborations. “For us its really about local authenticity of the storytelling,” he notes.
“So trying to tell a story that mixes four different cultures to appeal to four different audiences … we haven’t found that to be a recipe for success. If a creator had a great approach at it, sure. But our goal is really authentic storytelling from a point-of-view.”
Netflix has already made significant inroads into the Middle Eastern market, working with local production teams. Among them, Kuwaiti show The Exchange and Saudi Arabian feature Alkhallat+. “We’re producing all over the region in Kuwait, in Saudi, in UAE, in Egypt, in Jordan,” Tanz says. “And it’s really about ‘Where’s the best point of view and place to tell that story?’ And starting from that point.”
But can these shows and others break out and become global hits like Money Heist?
“The hope is that they’ll be huge with our Arabic-speaking audience in the region,” says Tanz. “That’s the hope and the intention, I’d say. We try not to bet on hope!”
He cites the recent launch of season two of AlRawabi School For Girls. The drama series, made in Jordan, is “probably the most watched Arabic series in history ever by people all over the world”, he says, but “first and foremost our Arabic-speaking members in the region are the core audience who are watching it the most”.
Still, the hope must surely be that Netflix will one day need to build a new wall – displaying Arabic-language scripts that have become hits the world over.
Defending champions
World Series: South Africa
Women’s World Series: Australia
Gulf Men’s League: Dubai Exiles
Gulf Men’s Social: Mediclinic Barrelhouse Warriors
Gulf Vets: Jebel Ali Dragons Veterans
Gulf Women: Dubai Sports City Eagles
Gulf Under 19: British School Al Khubairat
Gulf Under 19 Girls: Dubai Exiles
UAE National Schools: Al Safa School
International Invitational: Speranza 22
International Vets: Joining Jack
Switching%20sides
%3Cp%3EMahika%20Gaur%20is%20the%20latest%20Dubai-raised%20athlete%20to%20attain%20top%20honours%20with%20another%20country.%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVelimir%20Stjepanovic%20(Serbia%2C%20swimming)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EBorn%20in%20Abu%20Dhabi%20and%20raised%20in%20Dubai%2C%20he%20finished%20sixth%20in%20the%20final%20of%20the%202012%20Olympic%20Games%20in%20London%20in%20the%20200m%20butterfly%20final.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EJonny%20Macdonald%20(Scotland%2C%20rugby%20union)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EBrought%20up%20in%20Abu%20Dhabi%20and%20represented%20the%20region%20in%20international%20rugby.%20When%20the%20Arabian%20Gulf%20team%20was%20broken%20up%20into%20its%20constituent%20nations%2C%20he%20opted%20to%20play%20for%20Scotland%20instead%2C%20and%20went%20to%20the%20Hong%20Kong%20Sevens.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESophie%20Shams%20(England%2C%20rugby%20union)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EThe%20daughter%20of%20an%20English%20mother%20and%20Emirati%20father%2C%20Shams%20excelled%20at%20rugby%20in%20Dubai%2C%20then%20after%20attending%20university%20in%20the%20UK%20played%20for%20England%20at%20sevens.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
- It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
- Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
- Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Barcelona v Liverpool, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE).
Second leg
Liverpool v Barcelona, Tuesday, May 7, 11pm
Games on BeIN Sports
MORE ON TURKEY'S SYRIA OFFENCE
COPA DEL REY
Semi-final, first leg
Barcelona 1 (Malcom 57')
Real Madrid (Vazquez 6')
Second leg, February 27
Match info:
Manchester City 2
Sterling (8'), Walker (52')
Newcastle United 1
Yedlin (30')
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
match info
Southampton 0
Arsenal 2 (Nketiah 20', Willock 87')
Red card: Jack Stephens (Southampton)
Man of the match: Rob Holding (Arsenal)
Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup – Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership
Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.
Zones
A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
PFA Premier League team of 2018-19
Allison (Liverpool)
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City)
Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Fernandinho (Manchester City)
Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Afghanistan fixtures
- v Australia, today
- v Sri Lanka, Tuesday
- v New Zealand, Saturday,
- v South Africa, June 15
- v England, June 18
- v India, June 22
- v Bangladesh, June 24
- v Pakistan, June 29
- v West Indies, July 4
Emirates exiles
Will Wilson is not the first player to have attained high-class representative honours after first learning to play rugby on the playing fields of UAE.
Jonny Macdonald
Abu Dhabi-born and raised, the current Jebel Ali Dragons assistant coach was selected to play for Scotland at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2011.
Jordan Onojaife
Having started rugby by chance when the Jumeirah College team were short of players, he later won the World Under 20 Championship with England.
Devante Onojaife
Followed older brother Jordan into England age-group rugby, as well as the pro game at Northampton Saints, but recently switched allegiance to Scotland.
Uefa Champions League last 16 draw
Juventus v Tottenham Hotspur
Basel v Manchester City
Sevilla v Manchester United
Porto v Liverpool
Real Madrid v Paris Saint-Germain
Shakhtar Donetsk v Roma
Chelsea v Barcelona
Bayern Munich v Besiktas
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More from Neighbourhood Watch
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EKelsey%20Mann%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A0Amy%20Poehler%2C%20Maya%20Hawke%2C%20Ayo%20Edebiri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Libya's Gold
UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves.
The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.
Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
More on animal trafficking
Brief scoreline:
Wales 1
James 5'
Slovakia 0
Man of the Match: Dan James (Wales)
