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{{Short description|Egyptian-Lebanese-Canadian TV executive (born 1954)}}'''[https://digitalmagazine.7awi.com/books/omif/#p=1 Featured in September 2024 Inc. Arabia magazine.]'''{{Infobox person
{{AFC submission|d|bio|u=197.34.97.109|ns=118|decliner=Callmemirela|declinets=20150813021400|ts=20150805120107}} <!-- Do not remove this line! -->
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| name = Youssef El Deeb
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| image = Youssef SP.jpg


{{Infobox person
⚫
|name = Youssef El Deeb
⚫
|image =
|image_caption = Youssef El Deeb
⚫
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1954|11|14}}
⚫
|birth_place = [[Alexandria]], Egypt
|nationality = [[Egypt]]ian, [[Canadian]], [[Lebanese]]
}}


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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1954|11|14}}
'''Youssef El Deeb''' ({{lang-ar |يوسف الديب}}; born 14 November 1954) is an Egyptian-Lebanese Canadian TV executive and award-winning film writer, director and producer. He founded Takhayal Entertainment and its flagship channel Fatafeat TV, the first Arabic food network television channel, which was acquired by [[Discovery_Communications|Discovery Communications]] in 2013.
⚫
| birth_place = [[Alexandria]], Egypt
| nationality = [[Egypt]]ian, [[Canadian]]<ref>{{citation|url=https://elcinema.com/person/1100216/|title=يوسف الديب - انفوجرافيا|website=elcinema}}</ref>}}

'''Youssef El Deeb''' ({{lang-ar |يوسف الديب}}; born 14 November 1954) is an Egyptian-Canadian TV executive and award-winning film maker, book writer, director, producer, and childrenʼs book author. He founded Takhayal Entertainment and its flagship channel Fatafeat TV<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/magda-abufadil/fatafeat-all-you-can-eat_b_99246.html|title=Fatafeat: All-You-Can-Eat Arab TV Channel|work=The Huffington Post|date=29 April 2008}}</ref> the first Arabic food network television channel, which was acquired by [[Discovery Communications]] in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arabianindustry.com/broadcast/news/2013/apr/22/youssef-el-deeb-to-leave-takhayal-4282291/#.Vgfg2bSUBUQ|title=Youssef El Deeb to leave Takhayal|work=ArabianIndustry.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=224719497|title=Takhayal Entertainment FZ-LLC: Private Company Information - Businessweek|work=Businessweek.com}}</ref>
He is currently the Managing Director of Mediagates which operates 8 encrypted TV channels under the Alfa brand and available via [[OSN]], and is formerly the CEO of content creation company Picture Pond Media.
He is the Managing Director of Mediagates<ref>{{Cite web|title = Youssef El Deeb joins MediaGates as Managing Director|url = http://www.broadcastprome.com/news/youssef-el-deeb-joins-mediagates-as-md/#.VfQ4Z7SUBUQ|access-date = 2015-09-12}}</ref> which operates eight encrypted TV channels under the Alfa brand and available via [[OSN]]. El Deeb used to be the CEO of the content creation company and Dubai-based film Picture Pond Media.

⚫
==Early life and education==


⚫
Born in Alexandria, El Deeb grew up in Canada, where he studied Fine Arts at the [[University of Victoria]], and Film at [[Ryerson University]]. He is enrolled in the [[Berlin School of Creative Leadership]] EMBA program.<ref>{{cite web|title=Youssef El Deeb|url=http://www.berlin-school.com/people/participants/profile-of/youssef-el-deeb/|website=Berlin School of Creative Leadership}}</ref>
⚫
==Early life and Education==


El Deeb is also an alumnus of the [[Royal Canadian Sea Cadets]]. He served at HMCS Quadra on Vancouver Island, British Columbia from 1970 to 1973 reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
⚫
Born in Alexandria, El Deeb grew up in Canada, where he studied Fine Arts at the [[University of Victoria]], and Film at [[Ryerson University]]. He is currently enrolled in the [[Berlin School of Creative Leadership]] EMBA program..<ref>{{cite web|title=Youssef El Deeb|url=http://www.berlin-school.com/people/participants/profile-of/youssef-el-deeb/|website=Berlin School of Creative Leadership}}</ref>
==Career==
==Career==

=== Americana Group ===
=== Beginnings in film ===
El Deeb's first job in film was as an Assistant Sound Editor with [[Gerald Durrell]] on the series entitled "[https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4f4b9980accf4 The Amateur Naturalist]{{dead link|date=October 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}"

In 1992, he joined [[Americana_Group|Americana Group]] (Kuwait Food Company) as the Director of Advertising. He has written and directed more than 150 TV commercials for major brands.<ref>{{cite web|last1=El Deeb|first1=Youssef|title=Who Are We?|url=http://picturepond.com/about/|website=Picture Pond}}</ref>
=== Advertising ===
In the 80s and 90s, El Deeb wrote, directed, and produced over 150 TV ads for major brands including: KFC, Baskin Robbins, TGI Fridays, Heinz Ketchup, Coca-Cola, Gillette, Sbarro, Hardee’s, Johnson & Johnson, BMW, Datsun and JVC.

=== Al-Ahram Weekly ===
In the early 90s, El Deeb wrote many feature articles for the Al-Ahram Weekly newspaper including one with the late [http://www.amaana.org/mata.htm Begum Agha Khan] in Aswan.

=== MBC ===
=== MBC ===

In 2002, Youssef joined [[Middle_East_Broadcasting_Center|The Middle East Broadcasting Center Group]] (MBC), the first private free-to-air satellite broadcasting company in the Arab World, as the Head of Production and Programming and Channel Manager of MBC1. He led the channel with its production facilities in London, Cairo, Beirut, Kuwait and Dubai.
In 2002, El Deeb joined [[Middle East Broadcasting Center|The Middle East Broadcasting Center Group]] (MBC), the first private free-to-air satellite broadcasting company in the Arab World, as the Head of Production and Programming and Channel Manager of MBC1.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Middle East net gets ready to cook|url = http://www.c21media.net/middle-east-net-gets-ready-to-cook/|website = C21Media|access-date = 2015-09-12}}</ref> He led the channel with its production facilities in London, Cairo, Beirut, Kuwait and Dubai.<ref>{{cite web|last1 = El Deeb|first1 = Youssef|title = Who Are We?|url = http://picturepond.com/about/|website = Picture Pond}}</ref>

=== Takhayal Entertainment ===
=== Takhayal Entertainment ===

El Deeb founded Takhayal Entertainment in 2006, a diversified film production and satellite broadcast entertainment company based in Dubai with an office in Heliopolis, Egypt.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Life Lessons: Youssef El Deeb {{!}} The National|url = http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/life-lessons-youssef-el-deeb|access-date = 2015-09-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Takhayal Entertainment - Fatafeat TV|url = https://www.linkedin.com/company/takhayal-entertainment---fatafeat-tv|access-date = 2015-09-12}}</ref> El Deeb served as the company's chairman for eight years before [[Discovery Communications]] acquired the company in 2013.<ref name=":0" />
⚫
Takhayal owns and operates [[Fatafeat|Fatafeat TV]], the Middle East's top food network in over 55 million households in 21 Arabic-speaking countries.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Fatafeat TV in need of new investors to remain on-air - Khaleej Times|url = http://www.khaleejtimes.com/article/20070814/ARTICLE/308149989/1036|website = www.khaleejtimes.com|access-date = 2015-09-12|first = Jose|last = Franco}}</ref> The network's library has over 700 hours of programming, also including a popular monthly magazine that is distributed across several MENA countries. Takhayal, which also has affiliates in Egypt, produces an additional 150 to 200 hours a year. Fatafeat airs both English and Arabic programs. Its English programs include [[Nigella Lawson]], [[Jamie Oliver]], [[Rachael Ray]], [[Giada De Laurentiis]], and [[Martha Stewart]] as well as [http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/ace-of-cakes.html Ace of Cakes] and [[Barefoot Contessa]] hosted by [[Ina Garten]]. Fatafeat's Arabic lineup of shows includes ''Teslam El Ayadi'', a family cooking show, ''Matbakhna El Arabi'' (Our Arabian Cuisine) hosted by award-winning chef Mohammad Orfali and ''Wala Bil Ahlam'' (Dream Desserts) from Egyptian award-winning chef Nermine Hanno<ref name=":0">{{cite news|last1=Szalai|first1=Georg|title=Discovery Communications to Acquire Dubai-based Takhayal Entertainment|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/discovery-communications-acquire-dubai-based-394448|access-date=5 August 2015}}</ref>
El Deeb founded Takhayal Entertainment in 2006, a diversified film production and satellite broadcast Entertainment Company in Cairo and Dubai. El Deeb served as the company’s chairman for eight years before Discovery Networks acquired the company in 2013.
⚫
Takhayal owns and operates [[Fatafeat|Fatafeat TV]], the Middle East’s top food network in over 55 million households in 21 Arabic-speaking countries. The network’s library has over 700 hours of programming, also including a popular monthly magazine that is distributed across several MENA countries. Takhayal, which also has affiliates in Egypt, produces an additional 150 to 200 hours a year. Fatafeat airs both English and Arabic programs. Its English programs include [[Nigella_Lawson|Nigella Lawson]], [[Jamie_Oliver|Jamie Oliver]], [[Rachel Ray]], [[Giada De Laurentiis]], and [[Martha Stewart]]. Fatafeat’s Arabic lineup of shows includes ''Teslam El Ayadi'', a family cooking show, ''Matbakhna El Arabi'' (Our Arabian Cuisine) hosted by award-winning chef Mohammad Orfali and ''Wala Bil Ahlam'' (Dream Desserts) from Egyptian award winning chef Nermine Hanno<ref>{{cite news|last1=Szalai|first1=Georg|title=Discovery Communications to Acquire Dubai-based Takhayal Entertainment|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/discovery-communications-acquire-dubai-based-394448|accessdate=5 August 2015}}</ref>
Takhayal also owns and publishes ''Martha Stewart Everyday Food'', ''Martha Stewart Weddings Middle East'', ''Burda Style Arabia'' and ''La Cucina Italiana Middle East''. Takhayal and El Deeb hosted Stewart for a two-day visit in Dubai to promote her Fatafeat television cookery shows and regional magazine titles in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hanif|first1=Nadim|title=Martha Stewart visits old Dubai|url=http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/martha-stewart-visits-old-dubai|agency=The National}}</ref>
Takhayal also owns and publishes ''Martha Stewart Everyday Food'', ''Martha Stewart Weddings Middle East'', ''Burda Style Arabia'' and ''La Cucina Italiana Middle East''. Takhayal and El Deeb hosted Stewart for a two-day visit in Dubai to promote her Fatafeat television cookery shows and regional magazine titles in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hanif|first1=Nadim|title=Martha Stewart visits old Dubai|url=http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/martha-stewart-visits-old-dubai|agency=The National}}</ref>


Takhayal Entertainment was sold to [[Discovery Networks]] in 2013, becoming the only indigenous Arab brand acquired by a global broadcaster.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Levine|first1=Daniel|title=Discovery buys Dubai-based Takhayal Entertainment|url=http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/2012/11/discovery-buys-dubai-based-takhayal-entertainment}}</ref> Mark Hollinger, CEO of Discovery Network International said, “Takhayal’s executives, such as Youssef El-Deeb are exceptionally smart and creative and we look forward to working with them to leverage Takhayal’s strong position in the Arab-speaking world.” <ref>{{cite news|title=Discovery Communications to Acquire Takhayal Entertainment And Its Flagship TV Network Serving the Middle East and North Africa|url=http://press.discovery.com/us/discovery-corporate/press-releases/2012/discovery-communications-acquire-takhayal-ent-2185/|agency=Press Release|publisher=Discovery Communications}}</ref>
Takhayal Entertainment was sold to [[Discovery Networks]] in 2013,<ref name="advanced-television.com">{{cite web|url=http://advanced-television.com/2012/11/28/discovery-buys-dubai-broadcaster/|title=Discovery buys Dubai broadcaster|work=advanced-television.com|date=28 November 2012 }}</ref> becoming the only indigenous Arab brand acquired by a global broadcaster.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Levine|first1=Daniel|title=Discovery buys Dubai-based Takhayal Entertainment|url=http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/2012/11/discovery-buys-dubai-based-takhayal-entertainment}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Discovery Communications announces resignation of Takhayal Entertainment founder Youssef El Deeb|url = http://www.mediavataarme.com/index.php/industry-news/television/item/1574-discovery-communications-announces-resignation-of-takhayal-entertainment-founder-youssef-el-deeb|website = www.mediavataarme.com|access-date = 2015-09-16|last = Mediavataarme.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = TV giant Discovery acquires Dubai media firm|url = http://www.arabianbusiness.com/tv-giant-discovery-acquires-dubai-media-firm-480992.html|access-date = 2015-09-16}}</ref> The move for Discovery meant further solidifying its reach in the Arabic-speaking world<ref name="advanced-television.com"/>- the growing Middle East and North Africa television market.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Discovery To Acquire Takhayal Entertainment|url = https://deadline.com/2012/11/discovery-to-acquire-takhayal-entertainment-377654/|access-date = 2015-09-16|first = Nancy|last = Tartaglione|date = 27 November 2012}}</ref> Mark Hollinger, CEO of Discovery Network International said, "Takhayal's executives, such as Youssef El-Deeb are exceptionally smart and creative and we look forward to working with them to leverage Takhayal's strong position in the Arab-speaking world."

Shortly after, Discovery Networks annouced Youssef El-Deeb's departure from Takhayal entertainment in May of 2014. </ref>
=== Picture Pond ===
=== Picture Pond ===

In 2013, El Deeb founded Picture Pond, a Dubai-based film and TV content creation company.<ref>{{cite web|last1=El Deeb|first1=Youssef|title=Who Are We?|url=http://picturepond.com/about/|website=Picture Pond}}</ref>
In 2013, El Deeb founded Picture Pond, a Dubai-based film and TV content creation company.<ref>{{cite web|last1=El Deeb|first1=Youssef|title=Who Are We?|url=http://picturepond.com/about/|website=Picture Pond}}</ref>
=== Mediagates ===
=== Mediagates ===

⚫
El Deeb joined Mediagates as Managing Director in early 2015. Mediagates, the former content wing of [[Orbit Communications Company]] now known as [[OSN]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Youssef El Deeb joins MediaGates as Managing Director|url=http://www.broadcastprome.com/news/youssef-el-deeb-joins-mediagates-as-md/#.VcHLyabufdk|website=Broadcast Pro Middle East}}</ref>
⚫
==Films & Books==
⚫
El Deeb joined Mediagates as Managing Director in early 2015. Mediagates, the former content wing of [[Orbit Communications Company]] now known as [[OSN]], is one of the biggest cable companies in in the Middle East and North Africa. OSN’s president and chairman [[Samir Abdulhadi]] called El Deeb joining MediaGates “a significant step in Alfa’s relaunch and growth plans.. to focus on developing a more successful bouquet across a range of Arab markets.”<ref>{{cite web|title=Youssef El Deeb joins MediaGates as Managing Director|url=http://www.broadcastprome.com/news/youssef-el-deeb-joins-mediagates-as-md/#.VcHLyabufdk|website=Broadcast Pro Middle East}}</ref>

⚫
Youssef El Deeb produced his first Arabic feature film '''Al Abaa' Al Sighar''' starring [[Duraid Lahham]] and [[Hanan Tork]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.masress.com/en/ahramweekly/13985|title=Masress : Voiceless children|work=Masress}}</ref> The film marked Lahham's return to cinema in the first family entertainment in the Arab world in the past 25 years.
⚫
==Films==
The following year, El Deeb produced '''Uss Wa Lazk''',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2006/film/box-office/cut-paste-1200511366/|title=Cut & Paste|author=Jay Weissberg|work=Variety|date=29 December 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://dubaifilmfest.com/en/films/63/cut__paste.html|title=Dubai International Film Festival - Films 2006 - QASS WE LAZAQ (CUT & PASTE )|work=Dubai International Film Festival}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/385788/Cut-and-Paste/details|title=Cut-and-Paste - Cast, Crew, Director and Awards - NYTimes.com|website=[[The New York Times]]|date=March 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307102716/http://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/385788/Cut-and-Paste/details|archive-date=2016-03-07}}</ref> which won the Best Film Award at the 2006 [[Cairo International Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.masress.com/en/ahramweekly/11425|title=Masress : Pack of cards|work=Masress}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.screendaily.com/beefed-up-cairo-gives-top-prize-to-the-road/4029905.article|title=Beefed-up Cairo gives top prize to The Road|work=screendaily.com}}</ref>
⚫
Youssef El Deeb produced his first Arabic feature film ‘''Al Abaa’ Al Sighar''' starring [[Duraid Lahham]] and [[Hanan Tork]]. The film marked Lahham’s return to cinema in the first family entertainment in the Arab world in the past 25 years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Al Abaa’ Al Sighar|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2152210/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1|website=IMDB}}</ref>

El Deeb wrote and directed 'Love's Improvisations' (''Takaseem El Hob''),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/article/20121126/ARTICLE/311269983/1057|title=The Arab lense - Khaleej Times|work=khaleejtimes.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timeoutabudhabi.com/films/features/37274-dubai-international-film-festival-2012-schedule|title=Dubai International Film Festival 2012 schedule - Film Features - TimeOutAbuDhabi.com|work=timeoutabudhabi.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cairoscene.com/ArtsAndCulture/Love's-Improvisations|title=Love's Improvisations|work=Cairo Scene}}</ref> an experimental Arabic feature film that premiered at the [[Dubai International Film Festival]] 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=Love's Improvisations|url=http://dubaifilmfest.com/en/films/19423/love_s_improvisations.html|website=Dubai International Film Festival}}</ref> It was screened at the St. Tropez<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.almazmix.com/news/Nicolas-Mouawad-Won-The-Best-Lead-Actor-In-London-Festival|title=:: Nicolas Mouawad Won The Best Lead Actor In London Festival ::|work=almazmix.com}}</ref> and Madrid film festivals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.mehrnews.com/news/55846/The-Sinners-nominated-for-best-film-award-at-Madrid-festival|title="The Sinners" nominated for best film award at Madrid festival|date=7 July 2013|work=Mehr News Agency}}</ref> The film also won its lead talent 'Best Actor' at the [[London International Film Festival]].
The following year, El Deeb produced ‘''Ass Wa Lazk''', which won the Best Film Award at the 2006 [[Cairo International Film Festival]].

In 2019 El Deeb published ''FEARLESS ME!'' A picture book for his toddler grandchildren and in 2020 launched Giddou.com<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.giddou.com/|title=GIDDOU|website=GIDDOU}}</ref> a free children's education resource.


== Appearances ==
El Deeb wrote and directed 'Love's Improvisations’ (''Takaseem El Hob''), an experimental Arabic feature film that premiered at the [[Dubai International Film Festival]] 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=Love's Improvisations|url=http://dubaifilmfest.com/en/films/19423/love_s_improvisations.html|website=Dubai International Film Festival}}</ref> It was screened at the St. Tropez and Madrid film festivals. The film also won its lead talent ‘Best Actor’ at the [[London International Film Festival]]. <ref>{{cite web|title=Takaseem El Hob|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2358869/?ref_=nm_flmg_prd_1|website=IMDB|accessdate=5 August 2015}}</ref>
On the 21st of October 2020, El Deeb made a guest appearance on [https://thelighthouse.ae/podcast/life-is-beautiful-has-become-a-personal-philosophy-for-me-fatafeat-founder-youssef-el-deeb/ The Lighthouse Podcast], in a series of conversations aimed at introducing its audience to the Middle Eastern entrepreneurial landscape. During the interview, he was asked about his life journey, inspirations, successes and failures, and everything in-between. On the 13th of June 2022, El Deeb made another appearance on the [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/what-i-did-next/id1549640242?i=1000566199396 What I Did Next] Podcast during which he unpacked the peaks and troughs of his life and discussed the pivots that have shaped his journey.


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
*
*
*
*


==External Links==
==External links==
* {{IMDb name|5001330}}
* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5001330/ Youssef El Deeb] at [[Internet Movie Database]]
* [http://picturepond.com Picture Pond Website]
* [http://picturepond.com Picture Pond Website]
* [http://www.fatafeat.com Fatafeat Official Website]
* [http://www.fatafeat.com Fatafeat Official Website]
* [http://Giddou.com Giddou Website]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Deeb, Youssef}}
[[Category:1954 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Egyptian producers]]
[[Category:Television executives]]
[[Category:Canadian television executives]]
[[Category:Canadian people of Egyptian descent]]
[[Category:University of Victoria alumni]]
[[Category:Toronto Metropolitan University alumni]]

Latest revision as of 12:23, 12 September 2024

Featured in September 2024 Inc. Arabia magazine.

Youssef El Deeb
Born (1954-11-14) 14 November 1954 (age 69)
Alexandria, Egypt
NationalityEgyptian, Canadian[1]

Youssef El Deeb (Arabic: يوسف الديب; born 14 November 1954) is an Egyptian-Canadian TV executive and award-winning film maker, book writer, director, producer, and childrenʼs book author. He founded Takhayal Entertainment and its flagship channel Fatafeat TV[2] the first Arabic food network television channel, which was acquired by Discovery Communications in 2013.[3][4]

He is the Managing Director of Mediagates[5] which operates eight encrypted TV channels under the Alfa brand and available via OSN. El Deeb used to be the CEO of the content creation company and Dubai-based film Picture Pond Media.

Early life and education

[edit]

Born in Alexandria, El Deeb grew up in Canada, where he studied Fine Arts at the University of Victoria, and Film at Ryerson University. He is enrolled in the Berlin School of Creative Leadership EMBA program.[6]

El Deeb is also an alumnus of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. He served at HMCS Quadra on Vancouver Island, British Columbia from 1970 to 1973 reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

Career

[edit]

Beginnings in film

[edit]

El Deeb's first job in film was as an Assistant Sound Editor with Gerald Durrell on the series entitled "The Amateur Naturalist[dead link]"

Werbung

[edit]

In the 80s and 90s, El Deeb wrote, directed, and produced over 150 TV ads for major brands including: KFC, Baskin Robbins, TGI Fridays, Heinz Ketchup, Coca-Cola, Gillette, Sbarro, Hardee’s, Johnson & Johnson, BMW, Datsun and JVC.

Al-Ahram Weekly

[edit]

In the early 90s, El Deeb wrote many feature articles for the Al-Ahram Weekly newspaper including one with the late Begum Agha Khan in Aswan.

MBC

[edit]

In 2002, El Deeb joined The Middle East Broadcasting Center Group (MBC), the first private free-to-air satellite broadcasting company in the Arab World, as the Head of Production and Programming and Channel Manager of MBC1.[7] He led the channel with its production facilities in London, Cairo, Beirut, Kuwait and Dubai.[8]

Takhayal Entertainment

[edit]

El Deeb founded Takhayal Entertainment in 2006, a diversified film production and satellite broadcast entertainment company based in Dubai with an office in Heliopolis, Egypt.[9][10] El Deeb served as the company's chairman for eight years before Discovery Communications acquired the company in 2013.[11]

Takhayal owns and operates Fatafeat TV, the Middle East's top food network in over 55 million households in 21 Arabic-speaking countries.[12] The network's library has over 700 hours of programming, also including a popular monthly magazine that is distributed across several MENA countries. Takhayal, which also has affiliates in Egypt, produces an additional 150 to 200 hours a year. Fatafeat airs both English and Arabic programs. Its English programs include Nigella Lawson, Jamie Oliver, Rachael Ray, Giada De Laurentiis, and Martha Stewart as well as Ace of Cakes and Barefoot Contessa hosted by Ina Garten. Fatafeat's Arabic lineup of shows includes Teslam El Ayadi, a family cooking show, Matbakhna El Arabi (Our Arabian Cuisine) hosted by award-winning chef Mohammad Orfali and Wala Bil Ahlam (Dream Desserts) from Egyptian award-winning chef Nermine Hanno[11]

Takhayal also owns and publishes Martha Stewart Everyday Food, Martha Stewart Weddings Middle East, Burda Style Arabia and La Cucina Italiana Middle East. Takhayal and El Deeb hosted Stewart for a two-day visit in Dubai to promote her Fatafeat television cookery shows and regional magazine titles in 2011.[13]

Takhayal Entertainment was sold to Discovery Networks in 2013,[14] becoming the only indigenous Arab brand acquired by a global broadcaster.[15][16][17] The move for Discovery meant further solidifying its reach in the Arabic-speaking world[14]- the growing Middle East and North Africa television market.[18] Mark Hollinger, CEO of Discovery Network International said, "Takhayal's executives, such as Youssef El-Deeb are exceptionally smart and creative and we look forward to working with them to leverage Takhayal's strong position in the Arab-speaking world."

Picture Pond

[edit]

In 2013, El Deeb founded Picture Pond, a Dubai-based film and TV content creation company.[19]

Mediagates

[edit]

El Deeb joined Mediagates as Managing Director in early 2015. Mediagates, the former content wing of Orbit Communications Company now known as OSN[20]

Films & Books

[edit]

Youssef El Deeb produced his first Arabic feature film Al Abaa' Al Sighar starring Duraid Lahham and Hanan Tork.[21] The film marked Lahham's return to cinema in the first family entertainment in the Arab world in the past 25 years.

The following year, El Deeb produced Uss Wa Lazk,[22][23][24] which won the Best Film Award at the 2006 Cairo International Film Festival.[25][26]

El Deeb wrote and directed 'Love's Improvisations' (Takaseem El Hob),[27][28][29] an experimental Arabic feature film that premiered at the Dubai International Film Festival 2012.[30] It was screened at the St. Tropez[31] and Madrid film festivals.[32] The film also won its lead talent 'Best Actor' at the London International Film Festival.

In 2019 El Deeb published FEARLESS ME! A picture book for his toddler grandchildren and in 2020 launched Giddou.com[33] a free children's education resource.

Appearances

[edit]

On the 21st of October 2020, El Deeb made a guest appearance on The Lighthouse Podcast, in a series of conversations aimed at introducing its audience to the Middle Eastern entrepreneurial landscape. During the interview, he was asked about his life journey, inspirations, successes and failures, and everything in-between. On the 13th of June 2022, El Deeb made another appearance on the What I Did Next Podcast during which he unpacked the peaks and troughs of his life and discussed the pivots that have shaped his journey.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "يوسف الديب - انفوجرافيا", elcinema
  2. ^ "Fatafeat: All-You-Can-Eat Arab TV Channel". The Huffington Post. 29 April 2008.
  3. ^ "Youssef El Deeb to leave Takhayal". ArabianIndustry.com.
  4. ^ "Takhayal Entertainment FZ-LLC: Private Company Information - Businessweek". Businessweek.com.
  5. ^ "Youssef El Deeb joins MediaGates as Managing Director". Retrieved 2015-09-12.
  6. ^ "Youssef El Deeb". Berlin School of Creative Leadership.
  7. ^ "Middle East net gets ready to cook". C21Media. Retrieved 2015-09-12.
  8. ^ El Deeb, Youssef. "Who Are We?". Picture Pond.
  9. ^ "Life Lessons: Youssef El Deeb | The National". Retrieved 2015-09-12.
  10. ^ "Takhayal Entertainment - Fatafeat TV". Retrieved 2015-09-12.
  11. ^ a b Szalai, Georg. "Discovery Communications to Acquire Dubai-based Takhayal Entertainment". Retrieved 5 August 2015.
  12. ^ Franco, Jose. "Fatafeat TV in need of new investors to remain on-air - Khaleej Times". www.khaleejtimes.com. Retrieved 2015-09-12.
  13. ^ Hanif, Nadim. "Martha Stewart visits old Dubai". The National.
  14. ^ a b "Discovery buys Dubai broadcaster". advanced-television.com. 28 November 2012.
  15. ^ Levine, Daniel. "Discovery buys Dubai-based Takhayal Entertainment".
  16. ^ Mediavataarme.com. "Discovery Communications announces resignation of Takhayal Entertainment founder Youssef El Deeb". www.mediavataarme.com. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  17. ^ "TV giant Discovery acquires Dubai media firm". Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  18. ^ Tartaglione, Nancy (27 November 2012). "Discovery To Acquire Takhayal Entertainment". Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  19. ^ El Deeb, Youssef. "Who Are We?". Picture Pond.
  20. ^ "Youssef El Deeb joins MediaGates as Managing Director". Broadcast Pro Middle East.
  21. ^ "Masress : Voiceless children". Masress.
  22. ^ Jay Weissberg (29 December 2006). "Cut & Paste". Variety.
  23. ^ "Dubai International Film Festival - Films 2006 - QASS WE LAZAQ (CUT & PASTE )". Dubai International Film Festival.
  24. ^ "Cut-and-Paste - Cast, Crew, Director and Awards - NYTimes.com". The New York Times. March 7, 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-03-07.
  25. ^ "Masress : Pack of cards". Masress.
  26. ^ "Beefed-up Cairo gives top prize to The Road". screendaily.com.
  27. ^ "The Arab lense - Khaleej Times". khaleejtimes.com.
  28. ^ "Dubai International Film Festival 2012 schedule - Film Features - TimeOutAbuDhabi.com". timeoutabudhabi.com.
  29. ^ "Love's Improvisations". Cairo Scene.
  30. ^ "Love's Improvisations". Dubai International Film Festival.
  31. ^ ":: Nicolas Mouawad Won The Best Lead Actor In London Festival ::". almazmix.com.
  32. ^ ""The Sinners" nominated for best film award at Madrid festival". Mehr News Agency. 7 July 2013.
  33. ^ "GIDDOU". GIDDOU.
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