Published: Tuesday, 25 Nov 2008 | 11:45 AM ET

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London, 22 October 2008 - CNBC, First in Business Worldwide, today announced several initiatives as part of the network’s commitment to boosting coverage of the Middle East. These initiatives include participating as the exclusive broadcast media partner in a series of high-profile regional events and conferences, and launching a new Middle East focused TV segment.

Mick Buckley, President and CEO, EMEA, CNBC said: “The Middle East continues to become increasingly prominent in the international business arena – from its acquisitions in mature markets, the supply of its oil and gas to world energy markets to the growth of its strategic partnerships in Asia.

“The launch of our new weekly Middle East Briefing, our involvement in several flagship conferences in the Middle East, is evidence of our growing commitment to the region as a leading provider of business and financial news and analysis.”

CNBC has partnered with Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) for DIFC Week as  International Broadcast Partner. The prestigious annual programme of conferences organised by the DIFC and which takes place between 23-26 November 2008, will feature the world’s foremost financial and economic leaders. CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo, one of the most well known and popular US business journalists on TV today, will host a CNBC debate during the DIFC Week forum.

CNBC will also be the international broadcast media partner for the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) ‘Summit on the Global Agenda’ in Dubai, 7-9th November 2008.  The three day WEF Summit is a unique opportunity for the 700 invited influential thinkers and leaders of the world to consider and collaboratively develop solutions to address some of the most pressing issues on the global agenda.

CNBC will broadcast a special editorial programme during Qatar Week (20 – 24 October) with interviews and analysis from Doha’s business and political leaders.  Interviews will include: Mr David Proctor, CEO, Al Khaliji Bank; Mr. Ahmed Abdulla Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Board, Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority; Mr. R. Seetharaman, CEO, Doha Bank; Mr Faisal al-Suwaidi, CEO, Qatargas and Mr Nasser Marafih, CEO, Qatar Telecom.

CNBC has become the official media partner of the Arab Business Angels Network (ABAN).  CNBC will report on ABAN’s investor matchmaking events held every two months at which  young Arab entrepreneurs seek seed capital from one of two funds totalling US$14 million and meet potential investors.

ABAN, a subsidiary of Dubai International Capital, was conceived by its Executive Chairman and CEO, Sameer Al Ansari in conjunction with the Young Arab Leaders.  ABAN’s partnership with CNBC reinforces both organisations’ commitment to promote entrepreneurship in the Middle East. ABAN aims to fill the Equity gap that regional entrepreneurs are facing in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region

Separately CNBC also announced, as part of its ongoing editorial commitment to the region, the launch of a new weekly segment “Middle East Briefing”, featuring an interview with a leading CEO from the region.  The new segment will air on CNBC’s regional EMEA network and is part of the channel’s on-going coverage and interviews from CEOs in the Middle East.

In January 2009, CNBC will also participate in Dubai International Capital’s Arab-Americas Investment Conference with the participation of Erin Burnett, one of CNBC’s leading anchors, who will chair a televised debate featuring business leaders and investors from the Americas and the GCC.

In the Middle East, CNBC works closely with its Arabic language affiliate partner, CNBC Arabiya, the region’s leader of Arabic language business news.

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