Youssef El Deeb
 |
Youssef El Deeb | |
|---|---|
 Youssef El Deeb in 2025 | |
| Born | November 14, 1954 Alexandria, Egypt |
| Nationality | Egyptian, Canadian |
| Education | University of Victoria (Fine Arts), Toronto Metropolitan University (Film) |
| Occupation(s) | Media executive, filmmaker, author |
| Known for | Founder of Takhayal Entertainment and Fatafeat TV |
Youssef El Deeb (Arabic: يوسف الديب; born 14 November 1954) is an Egyptian-Canadian media executive, filmmaker, and author. He founded Takhayal Entertainment and its Arabic food television channel Fatafeat TV.[1]
In 2013, Discovery Communications acquired Takhayal Entertainment, marking the first acquisition of an indigenous Arab television brand by a major global broadcaster.[2][3] El Deeb's career spans television production, filmmaking, and media management in the Middle East and North America. Before establishing Takhayal, he held executive positions at the Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC) and produced Arabic films that screened at international festivals.[4][5]
Early life and education
[edit]El Deeb was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and immigrated to Canada during his youth. He studied Fine Arts at the University of Victoria and Film at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). He later completed executive education programs at the Berlin School of Creative Leadership.[6]
Career
[edit]Film and advertising
[edit]El Deeb began his career producing and directing commercial content for international brands in the film and advertising industries.[7]
Middle East Broadcasting Center
[edit]In 2002, El Deeb joined the Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC), an Arabic-language broadcasting network based in Dubai. He was Head of Production and Programming and Channel Manager of MBC1.[8]
Takhayal Entertainment
[edit]El Deeb established Takhayal Entertainment in 2006, a film production and satellite broadcasting company in Dubai. The company launched Fatafeat TV, a television channel focused on Arabic culinary programming. The channel reached over 55 million households across 21 countries in the Middle East and North Africa.[9]
Discovery Communications acquired Takhayal Entertainment and its assets in 2013.[2] Following the acquisition, El Deeb departed the company and became Managing Director at Mediagates, a media consulting firm.[10] He subsequently founded Picture Pond Media, a content creation and production company based in Dubai.
Filmmaking
[edit]El Deeb has worked as a producer and director in Arabic cinema. He produced Uss Wa Lazk (Cut & Paste), which won the Best Film award at the 2006 Cairo International Film Festival.[5] He wrote and directed Love's Improvisations (Takaseem El Hob), which premiered at the Dubai International Film Festival in 2012 and was selected for the London International Film Festival.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ Szalai, Georg (28 November 2012). "Discovery Communications to Acquire Dubai-based Takhayal Entertainment". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ a b "Discovery To Acquire Takhayal Entertainment". Deadline. 27 November 2012.
- ^ "Youssef El Deeb exits Takhayal". BroadcastPro ME. 22 April 2013.
- ^ "Life Lessons: Youssef El Deeb". The National.
- ^ a b "Cut & Paste". Variety. 29 December 2006.
- ^ "Youssef El Deeb". Berlin School of Creative Leadership.
- ^ "Fatafeat: All-You-Can-Eat Arab TV Channel". HuffPost. 29 April 2008.
- ^ "Middle East net gets ready to cook". C21Media.
- ^ "Discovery buys Dubai broadcaster". Advanced Television. 28 November 2012.
- ^ "Youssef El Deeb joins MediaGates as Managing Director". BroadcastPro ME. 12 September 2015.
- ^ "Love's Improvisations". CairoScene.