CABSAT 2025 continues to set stage for disruptive innovation

AI-driven breakthroughs and next-gen technologies poised to transform media and entertainment as disruptive innovations revealed on second day of CABSAT.
CABSAT 2025, the Middle East's premier broadcast, satellite and content event, has continued to lead the charge in technological disruption and innovation. On its second day, the event showcased a wave of AI-driven breakthroughs and next-generation technologies that are redefining the future of broadcasting, media production and entertainment.
Now in its 31st edition, CABSAT is taking place from May 13 to 15 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, drawing together more than 700 top-tier brands from around the world. The event serves as a showcase for cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence, automation, virtual reality and content marketing.
A standout feature of the show was the unveiling of more than 10 new AI and automation-powered products, ranging from fully automated audiovisual and broadcasting systems to advanced LED/LCD display screens, innovative studio camera setups, and state-of-the-art wireless transmission technologies.
Among the most talked-about reveals was Costanza AI by SI Media—a highly advanced broadcast automation system that incorporates speech-to-text conversion, facial recognition, and object identification capabilities. Explaining the product, Paolo Favaro, EMEA Sales Manager, said: 'We are proud to launch our cutting-edge 'Costanza AI' solution at CABSAT 2025. The technology marks a groundbreaking advancement in broadcast automation, as it can seamlessly automate speech-to-text, facial recognition and object identification, further enhancing the efficiency of media workflows.
'In an industry where precision and speed are paramount, our solution empowers broadcasters to lower operational costs and maximise their production capabilities. Through its diverse capabilities ranging from AI-powered metadata generation to live content analysis, 'Costanza AI' holds the potential to elevate benchmarks of excellence in smart broadcasting.'
AI-powered solutions took centre stage at CABSAT, with another reveal coming from Zheng Yanwei, Product Manager from Zooxer Tech, who launched a new fully automated studio camera equipment at the exhibition. Yanwei commented: 'We are thrilled to introduce the 'Gazelle' studio camera crane, an innovation designed to positively transform automated camera movement in the industry. The equipment leverages cutting-edge AI and neural network technology to ensure unparalleled precision in body capture, even in dynamic and crowded environments. As the premier media event in the region, CABSAT is the perfect platform to unveil this breakthrough, highlighting our commitment to revolutionising smart camera technology.'
While sports took place across the halls of CABSAT, discussions at the show's Content Congress conference turned to next-gen sports broadcasting. The MENA sports media rights market is on a rapid growth trajectory, projected to reach $6.5bn by 2027 at a 9.2% CAGR, driven by digital transformation and fan demand for immersive experiences. A dedicated session moderated by Vijaya Cherian (CPI Pro Media), featured Anurag Dahiya (International Cricket Council), Marc Segar (NEP Group) and Sunil Joy (evision by e&) shared groundbreaking insights on monetising next-gen sports broadcasting through emerging technologies and fan-centric innovations and explored how emerging technologies and streaming platforms are reshaping sports media, with a focus on the MENA region's evolving landscape.
Vijaya Cherian, Editorial Director, CPI Pro Media, stated: 'Streaming and emerging technologies are reshaping how fans, particularly Gen Z, connect with sports like cricket, creating more personalised, immersive, and inclusive experiences. With advancements in AI, AR, and machine learning driving rapid change, the real potential lies in purposeful execution, addressing challenges like piracy, and keeping pace with the shifting expectations of a global audience.'
Day two of the event also featured insights from other influential figures in the industry, including Heba Korayem, Founder of the CoProduction Salon; Manoj Mathew, Director of Dubai Studios at Dubai Media Inc; Shadi Nashwan, CEO and Co-Founder of PIXITOON; and Zbigniew Pruski, VP of Commercial Partnership for CEE & MENAT at BBC Studios. The Co-Production Salon itself boasted a 90% re-participation rate, underscoring its role in forging impactful industry collaborations and opening new avenues for content partnership.
Furthermore, CABSAT's on-site virtual production studio offers filmmakers and directors an avenue to create new worlds and explore their visions on the show floor. By combining practical sets and props with virtual backgrounds, the studio presents unlimited possibilities for artists to create freely by leveraging a highly adaptive and intelligent system.

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