Western media companies are flocking to a city without freedom of speech

RICH Abu Dhabi wants to build a non-oil economy and create the kinds of jobs that well-off Emiratis are prepared to take. One way it aims to do this is by developing a media industry. Neighbouring Dubai was the first in the region to do so but Abu Dhabi is quickly catching up. Rupert Murdoch has said that his Fox International Channels will set up production and broadcast facilities in Abu Dhabi in partnership with twofour54, a government-owned rival to Dubai’s more established Media City zone. CNN has based one of its four international broadcasting hubs in twofour54. What is enticing media firms to a location that combines a high cost of living with strict press controls?

One advantage is that Abu Dhabi is well positioned for journalists to make quick forays into less comfortable places like Iran and Iraq. But reporting of news within Gulf countries is curtailed by vague but menacing laws that criminalise content deemed to undermine the economy, society or national unity. This is why Western media firms based in the region usually focus on business news or entertainment shows. CNN’s sister company, Turner, will launch a Cartoon Network animation academy in twofour54 in September, and production studios next year. …