HONOR, a global technology company, announced a strategic partnership with Rotana Music Group during a tribute concert for Abdulrab Idrees at Riyadh Season on December 5. The collaboration saw HONOR serve as the exclusive photography and videography device provider, utilizing the Magic8 Pro to capture the event. This partnership highlights a growing trend of integrating advanced technology with cultural events in Saudi Arabia, and positions the Magic8 Pro as a leader in mobile imaging.
The concert, held at the Mohammed Abdo Arena, featured performances by prominent artists and provided a real-world test of the Magic8 Pro’s capabilities in a challenging low-light environment. HONOR and Rotana’s collaboration underscores a commitment to preserving and elevating Arab musical heritage through innovative technology.
HONOR Magic8 Pro Showcases AI Imaging Prowess
A key focus of the partnership was demonstrating the Magic8 Pro’s performance in low-light conditions, a feature increasingly sought after by smartphone users in the Middle East. Recent photography insights indicate that 41% of users prioritize improved night view and low-light performance in their smartphones, followed by natural landscapes, portraits, and sunrise/sunset images.
Overcoming Low-Light Challenges
During the concert, the Magic8 Pro’s Ultra Night Main and Telephoto Cameras successfully captured vibrant and detailed images despite the complex stage lighting. The device’s 200MP Ultra Night Telephoto lens, combined with 100x AI Zoom, enabled clear shots of performers from a distance. AI Adaptive Stabilization ensured stable video footage, while the AI Camera Large Model Matrix automatically reduced noise and enhanced detail.
Additionally, the Magic Color Engine maintained accurate skin tones and color representation, and Capture Sensing Motion AI froze fast-moving performers for sharp images. The integrated AI editing suite facilitated immediate content sharing. These features collectively address common challenges in low-light photography, such as unclear long-distance shots.
Strategic Alignment: HONOR and Rotana
Rotana Music Group, a leading Arabic music company, owns over 70% of regional superstar content and a catalogue of more than 20,000 songs. The company manages over 60 major artists and organizes more than 100 concerts annually across multiple regions.
According to Jerry Liao, General Manager of HONOR Saudi Arabia, the partnership reflects HONOR’s commitment to supporting cultural moments and empowering creators with advanced imaging tools. Habib Rahal, Executive Director of Marketing and Sponsorships at Rotana, stated that the Magic8 Pro delivered the exceptional imaging capability required to capture the artistic and emotional significance of the tribute night.
This collaboration is part of a broader trend of technology companies partnering with cultural institutions in Saudi Arabia, driven by the Kingdom’s growing entertainment sector and investment in technology. The Mohammed Abdu Arena, managed by Rotana, serves as a prominent venue for these events, hosting hundreds of concerts and performances annually.
The partnership positions the Magic8 Pro not just as a premium smartphone, but as a creative tool capable of documenting and enhancing cultural experiences. The successful demonstration of its low-light capabilities and AI-powered features reinforces its standing in the competitive smartphone market. The integration of AI technology is becoming increasingly important for mobile photography.
Looking ahead, HONOR and Rotana have not announced further collaborative events, but the success of this initial partnership suggests potential for continued cooperation. Future developments will likely focus on leveraging AI and advanced imaging technologies to further enhance the documentation and preservation of Arab musical heritage. The ongoing expansion of Riyadh Season and similar cultural initiatives will likely drive further demand for high-performance mobile imaging solutions.