Zinc Media Group PLC (LSE:ZIN) shares climbed around 10%, to change hands at 46p, after it secured a $6 million commission to produce a major entertainment television series in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and, so it delivers the AIM-listed content group a material boost in one of its priority growth markets.
The company said the contract is expected to be recognised fully in the current financial year, while international distribution rights are expected to generate additional revenue over the longer term.
The series, now entering its 18th season, is one of the longest-running entertainment formats in the Arab world and follows inventors and entrepreneurs as they develop ideas with the potential to change lives.
Zinc has been brought in to lead a creative reset of the format, refreshing its storytelling and studio experience through the integration of AI technologies. The programme will be produced in both Arabic and English, with Zinc Distribution handling international sales and the group also overseeing the digital communications strategy.
Chief executive Mark Browning called it “a landmark commission for Zinc” and said the win was “a strong proof point” for the company’s Middle East growth strategy.
The commission builds on Zinc’s 20-year production track record through The Edge in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, alongside its expansion into long-form content and events, which drove 70% Middle East turnover growth in FY25.