Conde Nast International to launch Wired Middle East

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jan 31, 2019

Condé Nast International has inked a licensing agreement with Dubai-based media company Nervora to launch Wired Middle East. 

The Middle Eastern edition of the innovation and technology-focused magazine will be a “digital-first, bilingual proposition” in English and Arabic that will make its online debut in spring and roll out seasonal print special issues from autumn 2019.

The editorial team will be announced in due course, and the magazine will be published by Nervora, which is also in charge of Vogue Arabia, announced Condé Nast International in a statement on Thursday.

The deal will see the title, a well-known magazine focused on innovation, tech and ideas with a global audience of over 48 million people, expand its reach in the Middle East as the first Wired to be published under a license agreement.

Condé Nast said the Middle East is primed for a brand like Wired, as over half of its population is under the age of 30. Also, Middle Eastern governments are investing significantly in smart city projects, and IT spending in the MENA region was expected to hit $155bn last year.

Markus Grindel, managing director of global brand licensing at Condé Nast International, commented, "The Middle East region is one of the most vibrant markets in the world and home to upwards of 350 million people. Following the success of Vogue Arabia, we are delighted to be launching Wired in the market as well.”  

Shashi Menon, founder & CEO of Nervora, remarked: “With the pervasive impact of technology on society, business, culture, and the world of tomorrow, there has never been a more critical time for Wired to come to the market.”

Wired is also published in the US, UK, Italy and Japan.