The show debuts on February 3rd, exclusively on Netflix

“When a woman gets divorced, a part of her dies, it’s true. But a whole other part is born. And I realized that I’m still alive,” - Ola Abdelsabour, from Finding Ola, Netflix’s latest Arabic series. 

The long awaited series Finding Ola will debut exclusively on Netflix on the third of February, bringing back beloved character Ola Abdelsabour, played by the talented Hend Sabry. Ola  embarks on a journey of self-discovery full of unexpected challenges but also eye-opening encounters and surprises that she stumbles upon along the way.  Throughout her journey, she will witness loss, pain and fear, leading to a path of self-awakening that will help her reconnect with her true self. Ola’s determination and passion will be her main drive along with the support of her family and friends.

Watch the Teaser HERE

Finding Ola is a dramedy tackling diverse themes such as mother-daughter relationships, friendships, second chances and self-discovery featuring a star studded cast including  Sawsan Badr, Hany Adel, Nada Moussa, Mahmoud El-Leithy, Latifa Fahmy, Dalia Shawky, Aisel Ramzy, Omar Sherif, and Yasmina El-Abd, all joined by a line-up of surprise guest appearances. The show will be available in 190 countries on Netflix, subbed in 32 languages, and dubbed to 4 languages.

The magnificent Hend Sabry will star as Ola but also serve as a first time Executive Producer on the show, through her company SALAM PROD., in cooperation with Partner Pro & Executive Producer Amin El Masri.  The series’ characters are inspired by the writer Ghada AbdelAal, scripted by Maha Alwazir and Ghada AbdelAal, and directed by Hadi El Bagoury.

With the start of the New Year, Cisco has revealed the technology trends that are expected to make a significant impact in 2022 and beyond.

Commenting on the trends and predictions, Osama Al-Zoubi, CTO, Cisco Middle East and Africa, said “Technology is always evolving and moving in exciting new directions. In a time of fast-paced digitization, we identified a range of trends and innovations our customers can expect to see over the next years.”

Prediction: Ethical, responsible, and explainable AI - from design and development to deployment - will become a top priority for organizations and governments worldwide if we are genuinely interested in an inclusive future for all

The extreme quantity of data being generated has already exceeded human scale but still needs to be processed "intelligently" and, in some cases, in near real-time. This scenario is where machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) will come into their own.  The challenge is that data has ownership, sovereignty, privacy, and compliance issues associated with it. And if the AI being used to produce instant insights has inherent biases built-in, then these insights are inherently flawed.

This leads to the need for ethical, responsible, and explainable AI. The AI needs to be transparent, so everyone using the system understands how the insights have been produced. Transparency must be present in all aspects of the AI lifecycle – its design, development, and deployment.

Prediction: Data deluge, data gravity, and the need for predictive insights will propel the Edge towards whole new application development and experience paradigms

Modern enterprises are defined by the business applications they create, connect to and use. In effect, applications, whether they are servicing end-users or are business-to-business focused or even machine-to-machine connections, will become the boundary of the enterprise.

The business interactions that happen across different types of applications will create an ever-expanding deluge of data. Every aspect of every interaction will generate additional data to provide predictive insights. With predictive insights, the data will likely gravitate to a central data store for some use cases. However, other use cases will require pre-processing of some data at the Edge, including machine learning and other capabilities.

Prediction: The future of innovation and business is tied to unlocking the power of data in an application-driven world

Beyond enabling contextual business insights to be generated from the data, teams will be able to better automate many complex actions, ultimately getting to automated self-healing. To achieve this future state, applications must be created with an automated, observable, and API (Application Programming Interface)-first mindset with seamless security embedded from development to run-time. Organizations will have the ability to identify, inspect, and manage APIs regardless of provider or source.

Prediction: Only through the delivery of predictive and seamless Internet access will the metaverse be realized, and access to technology and innovation become ubiquitous

There is no doubt that the trend for untethered connectivity and communications will continue. The sheer convenience of using devices wirelessly is obvious to everyone, whether nomadic or mobile.

This always-on internet connectivity will further help alleviate social and economic disparity through more equitable access to the modern economy, especially in non-metropolitan areas, helping create jobs for everyone. But this also means that if wireless connectivity is lost or interrupted, activities must not come to a grinding halt. The future needs ubiquitous, reliable, always-on internet connectivity at low price points.  A future that includes seamless internet services requires the heterogeneity of access – meaning AI-augmented and seamless connectivity between every cellular and Wi-Fi generation and the upcoming LEO satellite constellations and beyond.

Prediction: Quantum computing, communications, and security will power a faster, more secure future

Quantum computing and security will interconnect very differently than classical communications networks, which stream bits and bytes to provide voice and data information. Quantum technology is fundamentally based on an unexplained phenomenon in quantum physics - the entanglement between particles that enables them to share states. In the case of quantum networking, this phenomenon can be used to share or transmit information. The prospect of joining sets of smaller quantum computers together to make a very large quantum computer is enticing.

Quantum networking could enable a new type of secure connection between digital devices, making them impenetrable to hacks. As this type of fool proof security becomes achievable with quantum networking, it could lead to better fraud protection for transactions. In addition, this higher quality of secure connectivity may also be able to protect voice and data communications from any interference or snooping. All of these possibilities would re-shape the internet we know and use today.

Whether it's cricket, football, rugby or the legendary UFC fights, STARZPLAY sweeps the board for all the live sports’ action.

The MENA region’s fastest growing subscription video on demand (SVOD) service, today announced yet another add-on channel for all the sports’ lovers in the MENA region. The streaming service has joined forces again with Discovery Inc., the global leader in real life entertainment, by offering GOLFTV to bring the wide world of golf closer to subscribers.

STARZPLAY has been building up its live sports catalogue for some of the most popular sports in the region like football and cricket and with golf and rugby, the platform is making access to the niche sports category easy and convenient for all the golf and rugby lovers in the region.

GOLFTV, part of Discovery Inc., will be available as a stand-alone channel on STARZPLAY for US$9.99 while all existing and potential STARZPLAY subscribers who have a STARZPLAY subscription can enjoy the new add-on free for one year. This further builds on sporting boards and leagues realising the power of streaming platforms that enable fans to connect with their favourite games anytime, anywhere and from any device.

Danny Bates, Chief Commercial Officer, STARZPLAY, said: “We have witnessed impressive success in launching and live streaming sporting events such as UFC, the epic football tournament AFC Asian Qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 2022, rugby and ICC T20 Cricket World Cup, and we are proud to expand our portfolio of live sporting events to include golf. The Discovery Inc. add-on GOLFTV on STARZPLAY will bring the incredible sport closer to millions of fans in the MENA region. Besides prestigious live tournaments like Arnold Palmer Invitational, The Players Championship, The Memorial Tournament, BMW Championship, Tour Championship and many others, our platform also offers previous championship games keeping our subscribers engaged and closer to their favourite players. We aim to strengthen our sports portfolio by offering more choices.”

Francesco Perta, Senior Business Development and Distribution Director, MEA, Turkey and Northeast Europe, Discovery: “We are happy to broaden our current discovery+ partnership with STARZPLAY by adding GOLFTV to their platform. Discovery Inc.’s GOLFTV offers an impressive catalogue featuring live content, highlights and on demand features for all tournaments. We are confident that our partnership will support in expanding the reach of golf in the region.”

Banijay, the world’s largest independent home to the best creative talent and IP,  announces a stellar line-up of programmes launching in early 2022; all available to international broadcasters for adaptation or acquisition.

Banijay’s Creative Networks is showcasing premium entertainment, quiz and dating with Starstruck, Limitless Win, The Language of Love and Pride and Prejudice: An Experiment in Romance; all premiering globally for the first time this year.

Meanwhile, Banijay Rights has a premium slate of scripted content for distribution with Peaky Blinders, SAS: Rogue Heroes, Screw, Chloe, Riches, The Good Karma Hospital and Grantchester, all among its 2022 highlights.

Elsewhere, other Banijay scripted titles coming up in 2022 include Playlist (Yellow Bird for Netflix), The Bride (Endemol Shine Italy and Rai for Rai1), The Rig (Wild Mercury for Amazon and Todo Por Lucy, a modern version of beloved comedy series I Love Lucy, licensed from ViacomCBS and developed and produced by Endemol Shine Boomdog and Elefantec Global for Amazon.

James Townley, Global Head of Content Development at Banijay,  says: “It’s wonderful to start the year knowing we have such a spectacular line-up of brand new formats making their international debuts. With a mixture of entertainment, fun and jeopardy at their heart, we hope to putting smiles on everyone’s face. Continuing their popularity with viewers around the world, we look forward to pitching this new generation of formats to buyers across the globe.”

Cathy Payne, CEO of Banijay Rights, says: “There is always an appetite for exceptional scripted programming and we are incredibly excited to once again be offering the market the very best content out there. These highly-anticipated series are produced by award-winning production companies, with visionary talent, both on and off-screen, ensuring these amazing dramas are rich in action and distinction.”

Headlining the entertainment format slate is Starstruck from UK label Remarkable Television for ITV, which sees ordinary members of the public, teamed as trios, perform live as their favourite superstars; and from third-party producers Hello Dolly and Mitre Studios, Limitless Win, a prime-time quiz show with the world’s first-ever limitless jackpot,  launched this weekend on UK broadcaster ITV, ranking number one in its slot, across all demos.

Fresh and funny relationship reality format The Language of Love, from third-party producers 2LE Media, Motion Content Group, along with Banijay Iberia’s Zeppelin, launched on UK broadcaster Channel 4 last week, with a group of Brits and a group of Spaniards pairing up at a dreamy Spanish country estate to see if they can find romance… despite not speaking each other’s language. Also in the relationship genre is Pride and Prejudice: An Experiment in Romance, from Endemol Shine North America and Banijay UK label Shine TV, a new series for Peacock, where contestants are transported to Regency-style England, with a group of eligible suitors attempting to win the heart of a heroine and her court.

Banijay Rights is headlining with high-end scripted programming. BAFTA award-winning Peaky Blinders is returning for its sixth and final series this year. One of the BBC’s most successful dramas, the series has become a huge international phenomenon, thrilling millions of viewers worldwide with the story of Tommy Shelby and his notorious family’s rise to prominence and power, against the backdrop of working class, post-First World War Birmingham. Written by Steven Knight, the series from Caryn Mandabach Productions, is co-produced with Tiger Aspect Productions.

Produced by Kudos, a Banijay UK company, and Nebulastar for BBC One, SAS: Rogue Heroes is generating international broadcaster interest and has already been acquired by premium US network EPIX. Written by Steven Knight, the series is a dramatised account of how the world’s greatest Special Forces unit, the SAS, was formed under extraordinary circumstances in the darkest days of World War Two. Based on Ben Macintyre’s best-selling book of the same name, SAS: Rogue Heroes stars Connor Swindells (Sex Education, Vigil), Jack O’Connell (Skins, The North Water), Alfie Allen (Jojo Rabbit, Game Of Thrones), Sofia Boutella (Modern Love, Atomic Blonde) and Dominic West (The Wire, Appropriate Adult).

Meanwhile, Banijay Rights is representing prison drama Screw. Produced by STV Studios for Channel 4 and told through embattled and inspiring characters, this drama focusses on the officers at Long Marsh men’s prison. In charge of C-Wing is Leigh Henry (Nina Sosanya), a career officer who would do anything for her prisoners – but she has a secret that if discovered, could cost her the job – and even her liberty. Original psychological thriller Chloe, a mystery about obsession, deceit, identity and grief from Mam Tor Productions for BBC One and Amazon Studios, also features among Banijay Rights’ titles. From creator and writer Alice Seabright (director, Sex Education), Chloe stars some of the UK’s hottest young acting talent including Erin Doherty (The Crown), Billy Howle (The Serpent), Pippa Bennet-Warner (Gangs of London) and Jack Farthing (Poldark).

Other new scripted titles include Riches, a high-stakes family drama created and written by Abby Ajayi and produced by Greenacre Films for ITV and Amazon Studios, Tiger Aspect Productions hit drama The Good Karma Hospital also returns for a fourth season for ITV and Acorn TV, while Grantchester – the popular series from Kudos for Masterpiece PBS and ITV – will air its seventh season, with Robson Green returning as DI Geordie Keating and Tom Brittney as Reverend Will Davenport.

These new titles join Banijay’s 120,000-hour catalogue, which comprises flagship brands MasterChef, LEGO Masters, Big Brother, Survivor and Hunted alongside scripted finished tape hits Mr Bean, Home and Away and Archer. 

David Justus of AKQA is the Future Now Executive Jury President and Sasco Digital Assets Signs on as Sponsor

New York Festivals International Advertising Awards debuts for 2022 “The Future Now”, a new category group launched to shine the spotlight on creative work that uses technology to provide an innovative approach that leads to a more engaged consumer experience.

New categories within this future reaching group include Generative Creative, Altered Reality, Decentralized Tech, Best Innovation, and Crypto Product & Service Advertising. To view the complete category roster visit: HERE

“The pandemic accelerated a deep dive, mainstream awareness into the world of “bits” opening up new “real estate” for culture and business to capture or be captured by.  This category group is for interesting, meaningful bespoke use of technology that drives superior consumer experience on behalf of the brand,” said Scott Rose, Executive Director, New York Festivals Advertising Awards.

As Executive Jury President of this newly unveiled category group, David Justice, Director of Technology and Business Development for AKQA will lead “The Future Now” Executive Jury. Together, David and the esteemed jury panel dedicated to innovation and creativity will collectively and passionately review the game-changing entries within this future-driven category group.

“I am excited and honored to be the Jury President for the Future Now category – it amazes me how quickly technology changes how we behave and interact – and I am thrilled to be able to help recognize those creatives and technologies who are blazing the path on creating the future now.”—David Justus, Director of Technology and Business Development, AKQA

David Justus brings years of industry expertise to “The Future Now” Executive Jury, his industry reputation as an award-winning technologist with a focus on the intersection of art, engineering and business provides an eye to the future and experience within this new arena of disruptive work.

As Executive Director of Technology for North America, David is responsible for ensuring AKQA delivers the best technology experiences, and solutions possible to its clients including Mayo Clinic, HSS, Nike, Verizon, American Express, IBM and other prominent brands.  Prior to joining AKQA, David was a founding partner of the innovation consultancy and studio Crossbeat NY where he built complex technical systems and developed digital campaigns for such clients as United Nations, Getty, DirectTV, Comcast and Spotify.

Sasco Digital Assets is the esteemed sponsor for “The Future Now” category group. Respected within the industry for empowering brands in this new era of digital ownership, Sasco’s deep knowledge of blockchain technology and reputation for providing hands-on Bitcoin and cryptocurrency consulting and education solutions, make them the perfect partner to celebrate the ground-breaking work emerging within the advertising sphere.

“All of us at New York Festivals Advertising Awards are thrilled that a highly regarded consultancy the caliber of Sasco will sponsor this newly minted category introduced for the head spinning adoption, education, and innovation being done in this new digital frontier,” said Rose.

“We’re proud to sponsor “The Future Now” category to honor work on the cutting edge of the exciting new frontier which is web3. In this new space, creative brands are well positioned to strengthen their connection with loyal customers and fans by utilizing digital assets like NFTs. Through our partnership with NYFA and the educational content we’re producing, Sasco is excited to help brands bring the future now.”—Omar Sabek, Founder and CEO, Sasco Digital Assets

David Sable, host of NYF’s Creativity from the Other Side recently interviewed “The Future Now” Executive Jury President David Justus, Executive Director of Technology at AKQA, view this exciting new episode: HERE. To view the Creativity from the Other Side interview with Sasco’s CEO and Founder, Omar Sabek, visit: HERE

The New York Festivals Advertising Awards competition receives entries from more than 60 countries and are judged by more than 400 members of NYF’s Executive Jury and Grand Jury, who collectively cast their votes to select the year’s trophy-winning work. The 2022 Executive Jury and Grand Jury panel selection process is in progress.

The deadline to enter the 2022 New York Festivals Advertising Awards is April 1st, 2022. For more information on categories, rules, and regulations or to review the 2022 entry guide visit: HERE.To enter your work, please visit: HERE.

In the interview below, Scott Rose, Executive Director for New York Festivals Advertising Awards discusses his thoughts on NYF’s stance on not awarding NGO work,  how this initiative came about and how NYF will continue to honor work that saves the world.

 Q - Why did you initiate NYF’s Advertising Awards (NYFA) controversial stance on not awarding NGO work?  

Scott Rose: We’re not tone deaf to the state of the world and are appreciative of, and often in awe of, the creative use of media to create awareness and catalyze positive action. We will celebrate that amazing work, we’re just not awarding it in our competition. We recognize that brand work constrains the creative team due to managing the client's brand image and appetite for bolder, more divisive ideas. This is why we've decided NYFA judges will only judge brand work that has to move people to move business.

 Q - This is a gutsy move, who stands to benefit most from this position and why?  

Scott Rose: I wouldn’t frame this as a case of “winner/loser” or finding an angle of “benefit” and “advantage” in the move for us or for any of our entrants. It’s about narrowing our focus. Every competition has its “voice” and goal of awarding as much great work, as possible. There’s a place for all of us, but to make things clear for our clients about who we are, we’ve decided to focus on the work creatives, agencies, and in-house agencies are creating for commerce under the confines of restrictions and limitation placed on them by the client.

I like going to Target or Walmart for the abundance of selection as much as anybody, but when I want handcrafted, elevated quality, I go into Manhattan and over to the specialty store where they do one specific thing with high care and craft. We organize competitions and build world class juries with high care and craft for work done to move business.  

Q - What does New York Festivals Advertising Awards hope to achieve with this initiative?  

Scott Rose:  There is no shortage of societal and global issues that need to be addressed and the people who have the megaphone and are steering the ship to tackle these issues are true heroes. But we're narrowing the competition's focus. With so much attention, rightfully, on societies’ issues, the ‘lift’ is even harder for brands, and we want to acknowledge that and make a fair lane for that work to compete. 

The NYFA jury will be looking for the insight and creative execution that does the unexpected in telling important stories to build damn good brands and move the product which keeps the client happy and the economy churning.  

Q: Will this initiative result in less entries and if so, how will the competition make up for the potential loss of income?

Scott Rose: We listen closely to our entrants and especially our Executive Jury Members about the state of the industry and we felt this was the right move for us and our entrants. Those same wonderful people have helped us carve out new lanes for the exciting, ever-changing landscape of advertising today. For 2022 we’ve launched The Future Now category group to shine the spotlight on work that uses technology to provide an innovative approach that leads to a more engaged consumer experience. New categories include Generative Creative, Altered Reality, Decentralized Tech, Best Innovation, and Crypto Product & Service Advertising. We’re also creating a separate lane for sub-50 person agencies to compete, as well as one that addresses the unique type of work for introducing a Start-up to the world. We’ll be continuing our partnership with the FQ/ANA for The See Her Lens Award and introducing a DE&I board which will be advising us as well as acting as a jury for three specialty awards, we’ll be announcing soon.

 Q - What about creative work for brands created to help the world? Is there a place for them? 

Scott Rose: Absolutely. Work that can move business and shine a light on a problem in society or effect change is in a league of its own, which is why we created a lane of its own in NYFA 2022, as well. The category group is called PUPOSE. I think that says it all.   

I mentioned earlier that we will still be “celebrating” NGO work, just not awarding it with our jury. This is where our continued partnership with the incredible, philanthropic organization the G100, and the G100 category group comes into play. And before anyone calls us hypocrites, all the G100 work will judged by three of that organizations “Geniuses”, and the entry fees will be donated to The Himalayan Cataract Project.  There will be a showcase of all of the G100 entries to celebrate the wonderful creativity being done in the NGO space. 

Q - What sort of feedback have you heard? 

Scott Rose: 2021’s Executive Jury President, Ralf Heuel, CCO &Partner, Grabarz & Partner, Germany commented: “What a great and bold initiative. I can't tell you how proud I am of the NYF. This is really a great signal to the industry. It will lead us to look at what we really are and what we are capable of doing. And to be proud of it.  And it's not going to continue to channel the energies of agencies into a parallel universe where there's anything to be won by whatever-it-is for this planet. And that's why it will make advertising better. More credible. More truthful. Because creative brands will take their cues from other creative brands again.”  

CES® 2022 concluded today, following a week filled with thousands of product debuts unveiling innovation that will better the world and solve global challenges.

More than 2300 exhibiting companies from around the world, including more than 800 startups, launched products featuring innovation across artificial intelligence, automotive technology, digital health, smart home and more. After nearly two years, CES returned ‘home’ to Las Vegas welcoming well over 40,000 attendees in person, including 1800 global media, across 11 indoor and outdoor venues. The show was truly a global event, with 30% of attendees traveling from outside the US – representing 119 countries.

“Innovation came to life this week at CES 2022 – with technologies that will reshape industries and provide solutions to pressing worldwide issues from healthcare to agriculture, sustainability and beyond,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM, owner and producer of CES. “The CES show floor buzzed with the joy of human interaction and a five-sense innovation experience with products that will redefine our future and change our world for the better.” 

“CES 2022 furthered global business this week, as our industry gathered – many for the first time in two years – to collaborate, forge partnerships, make deals and advance the economy,” said Karen Chupka, EVP, CES. “After two years of not being able to connect in person, we were thrilled to welcome our industry back together again face-to-face to experience the latest innovation at CES 2022.” 

KEY TRENDS AT CES 2022

CES 2022 featured transformative technologies that will spur business and shift markets, with major brands including Bosch, Canon, Hisense, HTC, LG Electronics, Nvidia, Samsung Electronics, Sony, Panasonic and Qualcomm. Key trends included:  

Automotive Technology 

Vehicle technology was front and center at the show, with more than 190 automotive companies exhibiting, with companies including BMW, Hyundai, Indy Autonomous Challenge, Stellantis and VinFast, Vietnam’s first automaker.  

Digital Health 

The latest in telemedicine, connected health devices and improved health features on wearables were highlights, allowing consumers to take better control of their own health with exhibitors such as Abbott, Essence and Baracoda Daily Healthtech.  

Artificial Intelligence 

Prevalent throughout the show was artificial intelligence, making products and technologies smarter, more efficient and customizable, advancing nearly every major industry from agriculture to healthcare, automotive, manufacturing and entertainment. Companies included John Deere, featuring the first fully autonomous tractor, and Beyond Honeycomb, with an AI-enabled robot to prep and cook customizable meals. 

Startups 

More than 800 startups from 19 countries were featured in Eureka Park, the startup hub for CES 2022, including the SkyDrive air taxi; ScenTronix with its EveryHuman algorithmic perfumery and Orbisk, an AI-powered fully automated food waste monitoring system. The Venetian Expo also featured a first-time European Pavilion highlighting the latest tech advancements from Europe.

Keynotes

The CES keynote stage featured leaders across global industries. Top executives delivered addresses including J.H. Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of DX (Device eXperience) division at Samsung Electronics; Mary Barra, chair and CEO of General Motors and Robert B. Ford, president and CEO of Abbott, the first healthcare keynote in CES history. Emmy-award winning FOX Business anchor Liz Claman and owners of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), Erin and Faith Ozmen, spoke during the CES Leaders in Technology Dinner.

With more than 40,000 attendees, CES 2022 was able to successfully gather the industry together in person with praise from the US Travel Association on the show’s protocols. Health protocols were put in place for in-person attendance, including proof of vaccination, required masking indoors, testing and social distancing measures.  

“CES offers ScenTronix a platform to directly connect with end consumers, potential business partners and investors,” said Frederik Duerinck, founder and CEO of ScenTronix, a startup within Eureka Park. “It’s an enabler for our next step in rolling out the next phase of expansion into the US.”

The BBC has announced that Deborah Turness has been appointed as CEO, BBC News and Current Affairs.  Deborah will join the BBC from ITN, where she is CEO. 

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, says: “I’m delighted Deborah Turness is joining the BBC as our CEO for BBC News and Current Affairs. Deborah brings a wealth of experience, insight, first-class editorial judgement, and a strong track record of delivery. She is a passionate advocate for the power of impartial journalism and a great believer in the BBC and the role we play, in the UK and globally. She will do a brilliant job of leading our news and current affairs as we deliver on the BBC’s public service mission in the digital age.”

Deborah Turness says: “In the UK and around the world there has never been a greater need for the BBC’s powerful brand of impartial, trusted journalism. It is a great privilege to be asked to lead and grow BBC News at a time of accelerated digital growth and innovation, when its content is reaching more global consumers on more platforms than ever before.”

As CEO of BBC News, Deborah will have responsibility for a team of around 6,000 people, broadcasting to almost half a billion people across the world in more than 40 languages. The BBC is consistently rated the world’s most trusted international news provider, and record numbers of people have turned to BBC News during the coronavirus pandemic. The latest figures show that eight out of ten UK adults use BBC News every week. 

Her title of CEO reflects the BBC’s ambition to continue to build the BBC’s global news brand and continue to grow its news services, which are now reaching a record 456 million people worldwide. Deborah will also be nominated to join the BBC Board.

Her appointment follows a competitive recruitment process. She replaces Fran Unsworth, who is retiring and leaves the BBC at the end of January.

Notes to editors 

·         Deborah Turness will be paid a salary of £400k. Her start date will be confirmed in due course.

·         Deborah is currently CEO of ITN, where she has led the organisation’s post-Covid strategy for growth in its three major business areas - newsrooms, long-form production and commercial/branded content. 

·         Before this, Deborah became the first president of NBC News International, the global arm of American news network NBC News, in 2017, where she was responsible for overseeing its operations including editorial, production and commercial.

·         She joined NBC News in 2013, becoming the first woman in US history to be President of a network news division, where she led a team of over 3000 journalists and technicians. She was responsible for all editorial content and commercial revenues for NBC News, including major brands TODAY, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, Meet the Press and Dateline. During Deborah’s tenure the 3 news programmes regained their position as top ratings performers in the competitive US news market.

·         Prior to joining NBC News, Deborah was editor of ITV News where she was their first female editor and the youngest ever editor of ITV News. During her tenure, the organisation won an Emmy and three consecutive BAFTA awards, as well as several RTS Programme of the Year awards. She also completed a mini-MBA course at Ashridge Business School while in the role.

·         Deborah first joined ITN as a freelancer while on a post-graduate journalism course in France in her early twenties. Over the following years, she worked across the foreign, home and planning desks before joining the North of England bureau. Deborah was ITN’s Washington Bureau producer during the Clinton White House years and spent time in Bosnia during the Balkans War. In 1997, she played a key role in launching 5 News before moving to Channel 4 as editor of its breakfast programme, RI:SE.

·         She was appointed as ITV News deputy editor in 2002 and then made editor in 2004.

YouGov’s 2021 most admired list reveals which public figures people look up to

Barack Obama retains his position as the world’s most admired man in YouGov’s international survey this year, having wrested the position from long-time incumbent Bill Gates last year.

Michelle Obama likewise holds on to her position as the world’s most admired woman for the third year running.

In fact, the top three spots for each sex are unchanged since last year, with business tycoon and philanthropist Bill Gates remaining second among men, followed by Chinese premier Xi Jinping. Actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie continues to be the world’s second-most admired woman, ahead of third placed British monarch Queen Elizabeth II.

This year’s study surveyed more than 42,000 people in 38 countries and territories to compile the list.

Pakistani human rights campaigner Malala Yousafzai and Indian actress Priyanka Chopra have risen farthest in the ranks this year, climbing five places to 9th and 10th respectively. In Chopra’s case, this represents her best performance in the series so far.

Among the men, Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has seen the greatest increase since last time, climbing four places from 11th to 7th – his highest rank to date. Despite this record placement, as well as his recent Ballon D’or win, Messi still lags behind Portuguese rival Cristiano Ronaldo in 4th place (also Ronaldo’s best showing to date).

Entertainers are more prominent in the female list, with 10 of the most admired women being actresses, singers or TV presenters (although some, like Emma Watson and Angelina Jolie, are also notable for their humanitarian work). By contrast, the list of most admired men contains more people from political, business and sporting backgrounds.

New additions to the top twenties this year include US president Joe Biden and his vice president Kamala Harris, Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, Thai rapper Lisa (of Blackpink fame), and New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern.

This year’s rankings also see the re-entry into the top twenties of investor Warren Buffett, Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, Indian actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Chinese actresses Liu Yifei and Yang Mi.

The results are calculated from the combination of responses to two questions – whether a respondent admires the figure at all and then whether they are the figure the respondent admires the most. Each nation's results in the global compilation are also weighted to represent the country's population size.

Methodology

During the spring this year YouGov gathered open-ended nominations from panellists across 38 countries and territories, asking them simply: “Thinking about people alive in the world today, which [man or woman] do you most admire?” These nominations were then used to compile a list of the 20 men and 20 women who received the most nominations and were nominated in at least four countries. An additional 5-10 popular local figures were added to the lists for individual countries.

In fieldwork conducted from over the summer and autumn we used these lists to poll each of the 38 areas asking two questions: “who do you truly admire?”, where respondents could make multiple selections, and “who do you MOST admire?”, where they could only pick one. These two numbers were combined into a percentage share of admiration, displayed to the right of each name in the graphic above and table below, which shows the full results for every country including local celebrities and public figures:

By asking respondents two questions, we can understand both the breadth (i.e. global reach) and the intensity of a person's support.

Altogether, we polled in countries that constitute more than seven-tenths of the world's population. However, some parts of the world were better represented than others, so we weighted up the impact certain countries had on the final scores and weighted down others so the global scores more accurately reflect the breakdown of sentiment in the world overall.

All of the surveys were conducted online, although in many of the countries the internet penetration is low to the point where the sample can only be said to be representative to the online population. The countries and territories where this applies include Colombia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, the Philippines and South Africa.

The ‘Saudi Cultural Show’ in the heart of Expo at Al Wasl Plaza will showcase state-of-the-art 3D projections, a live orchestra and dazzling fireworks

18 different events will run throughout the day highlighting the best of Saudi Arabia across innovation, giga-projects and culture with fashion shows, horse parades and stunning air shows with the Saudi Green Falcons

‘Saudi Music Night’ will see renowned Saudi singer Mohamed Abdo perform and pop sensation, Ayed

To celebrate Saudi Day, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, will host an array of cultural experiences, performances, and celebratory activities. The landmark event on January 7 will bring the spirit of Saudi Arabia and its award-winning Pavilion to multiple areas of Expo 2020. The planned program embodies the Kingdom’s opportunities, innovation, culture, and creativity – exploring its heritage, celebrating the present and looking ahead to its bright future as part of the country’s visionary transformation, Vision 2030.

The celebrations across 18 events and 10 different locations across the Expo site including Al Wasl Plaza, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion, Al Forsan Park, Al Ghaf Avenue, the Business Connect Center, Jubilee Park, Sun Stage, Sea Stage, Earth Stage and the main entrance of the Mobility District.

Commenting on the day’s celebrations, Hussain Hanbazazah, Commissioner General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion, said: “It is an honor to welcome His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud, the Kingdom’s Culture Minister to Expo 2020 Dubai to oversee an exhilarating program of events that will take visitors on an unforgettable journey that celebrates the Kingdom’s ancient past, the present, and our bright future. Saudi day allows us to showcase and celebrate with the world the best of the Kingdom and its people - our vision, culture and heritage and history.”

Broadcast live on the world’s largest LED screen, visitors can watch the ‘Saudi Cultural Show’ hosted at Al Wasl Plaza - showcasing Saudi Arabia’s exciting future, envisaged through a powerful, visually rich story with state-of-the-art 3D projections displayed across a 360-degree laser projection surface. The event will be attended by VIPs, government officials and business leaders who will witness a special live orchestral performance with 90 musicians, an opera singer, and the Royal Ardah (Sword dance) in a tribute to Saudi’s traditional culture. The performance will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display that will light up the skies above Expo 2020 Dubai.

High-profile dignitaries and business leaders will be present in the ‘Business Connect Center’ to join the  ‘Saudi Business Briefing’, where representatives from the Saudi Ministry of Investment share updates on investment opportunities and programs in the Kingdom - including giga projects such as the futuristic city of NEOM, the Red Sea Development Company, Diriyah Gate Development Authority, and ROSHN, Saudi’s largest real estate developer.

At the Saudi Pavilion, the Open Square will feature a live stream of the ‘Saudi Cultural Show’ at Al Wasl Plaza as well as other Saudi Day events and events taking place throughout the site of Expo 2020 Dubai. The Open Square will host cultural performances by the ‘Flower Men of Asir’ – and a musical show by a military band performing traditional folkloric dances. The Saudi Pavilion will also be screening the film ‘Kingdom of Opportunities’, which explores the role of Saudi Arabia in supporting and empowering aspiring Saudi entrepreneurs as they grow their businesses.

An unforgettable night of musical extravaganza is also in store. As part of the ‘Amjad, The Saudi Music Night’, fans of Saudi singing sensation, Mohamed Abdo, are in for a treat as the musical maestro will take to the stage at the Jubilee Park for an exclusive 90-minute performance accompanied by an orchestra. Saudi pop star sensation Ayed will also join the celebrations with a performance. Music lovers can also tap their feet to special Saudi DJ performances underneath the stars, set to entertain audiences with up-beat Saudi tunes at the Sea, Sun and Earth stages.

The ‘Saudi Experience Festival’ takes over Al Forsan Park with a wide array of experiences, performances and activities for people of all ages. A ‘Saudi Fashion Show’ will set the runway alight with contemporary pieces and collections designed by the next generation of Saudi talent. The show will feature collections by Saudi designers ‘Reem Al Kanhal’, ‘KafbyKaf’, ‘R9designs’ and ‘1886’.

Visitors can also participate in Sadu weaving, one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest traditional forms of weaving, while children can enjoy a world of fun across a range of activities. Those looking to simulate the experience of visiting Saudi Arabia are invited to explore the immersive 360° panoramic backdrops of Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO heritage sites such as At-Turaif District in Diriyah, the Hegra Archaeological Site in AlUla, Historic Jeddah, among other picturesque locations.

At Al Ghaf Avenue, visitors can enjoy watching the ‘Saudi Cultural Parade’, led by 80 military band members featuring trumpets and drums, a unique fashion show that will showcase traditional and contemporary trends in the Kingdom, and a procession of horses that celebrates the historic significance of these majestic animals within Saudi Arabia’s rich culture. The ‘Saudi Green Falcons’ will put on a stunning aerial show, filling the skies above Expo 2020 Dubai. 

Saudi Arabia’s Pavilion is among the most popular attractions at Expo 2020 Dubai. It recently announced reaching two million visitors in 86 days, nearly 30 percent of the total visitors to Expo since it opened in October. As the largest guest nation structure at Expo, the Pavilion is a ‘window’ to the world, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s past, present and future, and showcases its 13 regions through immersive and interactive exhibits.