Regional business summary: Middle East

As a result of the economic upturn during the first half of 2006, it proved possible to match the circulation figures and ad revenues achieved in 2005.

The first changeover of a newspaper from broadsheet to tabloid was carried out at the beginning of the year. According to the publisher, the general reaction was positive.

Nearly all newspapers were compelled to reduce their circulation and page count during the war in July, due to a shortage of newsprint. Securing supplies of raw materials was very difficult.

Despite this, two new newspapers were launched during the war: a weekly newspaper in the tabloid format and a daily newspaper in the Berlin format (the only one in this format).

Since the war, advertising income has dropped dramatically and there are no indications of an end to this development.

In the remainder of the region (Saudi-Arabia, United Arabic Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, etc.), as a consequence of the economic upturn, there is a growing demand for more colour advertising. This has led to a number of new investments, either in completely new presses or extending existing ones.

Furthermore, in Kuwait alone, licenses have been granted for seven new newspapers and two new titles are being launched in Qatar. The major demand for colour advertising has also caused page counts to rise.

Several new investments are planned in 2007 and the trend seems set to continue.

Page first published: 16.11.2006