26 August, 2024, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Aurora Media Worldwide, a multi-award-winning production house providing content services across live and non-live channels, has just announced its expansion to Saudi Arabia and the opening of its new office, facilitated by AstroLabs, the Gulf’s leading expansion platform.
Expanding from the UK to the Kingdom, this strategic move with AstroLabs underscores Aurora’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, high-end content across live, original, branded, and digital formats. This expansion aligns perfectly with the Kingdom’s ambitions for growth in the sports, entertainment, and major events sectors, projected to be worth $1.17 billion by 2030.
Aurora has already made significant strides in Saudi Arabia through various live and non-live productions, including host broadcasts for major events like Formula E, Extreme E, E1 Series, and Supertri, held in Riyadh, Jeddah, and NEOM, as well as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in AlUla.
Beyond live broadcasts, Aurora has been actively engaged in producing original, branded, and digital content for the region. This includes collaborations with the Royal Commission for AlUla on short-form originals and digital branded content during festival seasons, as well as programming for the Fursan and Camel Cup. Additionally, Aurora has produced digital content for Nike and created a short-form documentary for the Saudi Surfing Federation, which aired on Shahid.
The new Riyadh office will be led by James Pearce, who will serve as Managing Director, MENA. Pearce has played a pivotal role in driving Aurora’s expansion into the Middle East over the past few years.
Alex Nicholls, Director of Expansion at AstroLabs, expressed his excitement for this new venture: “We are thrilled to support Aurora Media Worldwide in its growth within the Saudi entertainment and sports content market. Aurora’s focus on delivering top-tier content will undoubtedly elevate the viewing experience for audiences across the Kingdom.”
James Pearce, MD MENA Aurora, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership: “I am honored to lead Aurora’s expansion in the Middle East. The region is brimming with talent and opportunity, and we are eager to contribute to its flourishing media landscape. AstroLabs has been instrumental in guiding us through the expansion process into the Kingdom.”
The rapid growth of Saudi Arabia’s sports and entertainment sectors is fueled by a digitally-savvy talent base, and this partnership with AstroLabs further reinforces both companies’ commitment to expanding their footprint in the Kingdom and across the wider region.
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For media inquiries, please contact
Lara Fakih, director of communications at AstroLabs (lara@astrolabs.com).
About AstroLabs
AstroLabs is the leading business expansion platform in the Gulf, propelling high-growth companies across strategic industries. With a decade of supporting economic development in emerging markets, AstroLabs is the partner of choice for over 1,500 companies that have expanded across the region, engaging a vibrant network of 10,000+ market leaders in the UAE and KSA. Bridging key gaps in fundamental industries in the Gulf, AstroLabs designs sector-focused and outcome-driven programs in partnership with government entities and the private sector. AstroLabs is committed to building the future of key sectors, driving market access, and contributing to regional visions like Saudi Vision 2030.
About Aurora Media Worldwide
Established in 2012, Aurora Media Worldwide is a multi-award-winning international production house specialising in the development and production of exhilarating content across sport, action and adventure. Headquartered in London, Aurora – part of the All3Media Group that is owned by Redbird IMI, a joint venture investment platform focused on global media, entertainment, sports and news content properties – works around the world with premium rights holders, broadcasters and brands, producing live and non-live formats from complex live host broadcasts through to original documentaries, digital and social content. Aurora’s clients include Formula E, Extreme E, E1, SailGP, Supertri, NitroCross, Olympic Channel, Jaguar, Nike, Royal Commission for AlUla. The company has a reputation for delivering innovation, style, and brand building and is the recipient of many industry awards including Best International Programme and Sustainability Champion of the Year at the Broadcast Sport Awards.