Blinx, a start-up that describes itself as the first digital native storytelling hub in the Middle East and North Africa, has launched in Dubai.
The platform aims to produce news and short-form storytelling content that will target Gen Z and millennials in the Middle East and beyond, blinx said in a statement.
Based in Dubai Media City, blinx, led by Arab journalist Nakhle Elhage, will adopt a "more story, less noise" approach in content generation by young people, delivering relatable content to its target audience.
“Our purpose is to inspire the youth through honest, genuine and spectacular storytelling. By providing news, entertainment and infotainment powered by the best tech and people available, we help build a better tomorrow,” Mr Elhage, blinx's general manager, said.
"Engaging the region's talented, bold and brave storytellers, our new digital hub aims to be the go-to destination for stories that connect young people in Mena to the world and like-minded communities.”
Blinx will be equipped with metaverse/extended reality studios and production facilities. Control rooms at the content creation hub are also equipped with the latest live production tools, including AI-enhanced tools that analyse videos and data, the company said.
“Blinx will harness the collective power of resources, tech and expertise, so that storytelling feels fresh, exciting and relevant to today’s youth,” Mr Elhage said.
Blinx will distribute content through social media platforms and its own online portal. The start-up also plans to launch digital apps to offer a live production experience to users on multiple smart devices and screens.
Its range of content includes entertainment and infotainment from news and current affairs to economy, business, technology, sports, lifestyle, music and climate change news in short format. It also plans to add gaming to the list.
“Blinx will contribute to discovering, fostering, and rewarding untapped local talent, with the aim to train and empower a new breed of content creators, media practitioners, and storytellers — thus supporting the ‘creator economy’ and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Mena,” the company said.
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Company profile
Name: Steppi
Founders: Joe Franklin and Milos Savic
Launched: February 2020
Size: 10,000 users by the end of July and a goal of 200,000 users by the end of the year
Employees: Five
Based: Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai
Financing stage: Two seed rounds – the first sourced from angel investors and the founders' personal savings
Second round raised Dh720,000 from silent investors in June this year
21 Lessons for the 21st Century
Yuval Noah Harari, Jonathan Cape
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Reputation
Taylor Swift
(Big Machine Records)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
