Jeff Zucker: Abu Dhabi is an important centre for capital, AI and global media growth

Jeff Zucker, CEO of RedBird IMI, has highlighted Abu Dhabi’s growing role in shaping the future of global media, as IMI and Redbird IMI continue working together to build scaled, technology-driven content platforms.

In an interview with Hadley Gamble, Chief International Anchor at IMI, Zucker pointed to the merger of Banijay Entertainment and All3Media as a defining move to build the world’s largest independent content producer, bringing together more than 170 production labels across 25 countries and a combined catalogue exceeding 260,000 hours of content. The combined entity, which will operate under the Banijay name and be jointly owned by Banijay Group and RedBird IMI, is expected to generate over €4.4 billion in revenues, strengthening its ability to compete with global streaming platforms and distribution giants.

Zucker said the deal aligns with RedBird IMI’s long-term investment approach, focused on combining content, distribution, and technology to build durable media businesses. He added that while demand for content continues to grow, the real transformation lies in how audiences consume it, with AI expected to play a central role across production and distribution.

Highlighting the partnership with IMI, Zucker underscored Abu Dhabi’s strength as a base for long-term capital and strategic discipline, positioning it as an increasingly important centre connecting global media markets. This is already reflected in activity across the RedBird IMI portfolio, with companies actively developing and producing content in the UAE. Silverback Films, part of All3Media, recently participated in the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi with a screening of its Ocean with David Attenborough documentary, while other All3Media companies are developing content with a stronger regional focus. EverWonder Studio has also worked on producing sports-led experiences in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the UAE’s growing role as both a capital and content hub.

Zucker also pointed to the UAE’s focus on advanced technology, noting that AI will be a defining factor in how media companies operate and compete in the years ahead.

Watch the interview on 6 April at 7:00pm UAE time on IMI’s assets: The National, Sky News Arabia, CNN Business Arabic and Al Ain News.