October 04, 2022
Ahmed bin Mohammed attends opening session of the 20th edition of the Arab Media Forum
- Opening session titled ‘Arab Media: Transformation and Impact’ explores various dimensions of the regional media landscape and key drivers of its development
- Speakers highlight the importance of creating a unified media strategy in the region
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, today attended the official opening of the milestone 20th edition of the Arab Media Forum (AMF), taking place at Madinat Jumeirah from 4-5 October. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), and His Highness Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated, also attended the opening.
His Highness attended a session titled ‘Arab Media: Transformation and Impact’ featuring His Excellency Dr. Ramzan Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Information Affairs, Bahrain and Karam Gabr, President of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, Egypt. The session explored various dimensions of the regional media landscape and key drivers of its development.
During the session, moderated by Asharq News anchor Zeina Yazigi, panelists discussed the impact of technological developments on media and the importance of enhancing constructive partnerships between the media and other sectors. The session also touched on growth opportunities emerging from the metaverse and other Artificial Intelligence technologies.
His Excellency Dr. Ramzan Abdullah Al Nuaimi highlighted the importance of having a unified media strategy that encompasses three key elements - providing a robust infrastructure that supports the latest media technologies, creating a conducive environment for the development of talent and professional standards, and preserving and promoting national cultural identities.
Dr. Al Nuaimi stressed the need for media institutions in the Arab world to work together to develop a unified strategy to face challenges and leverage opportunities. He expressed optimism that media in the region will have a bright future, especially with its wealth of young talent. The Minister also stressed that Arab media should adopt a discourse that promotes unity and cooperation instead of division.
Echoing these views, Karam Gabr said a unified media strategy will help the Arab world combat social media content that goes against the ethical values of people in the region. This is particularly critical since the region has a few unregulated platforms that significantly impact public opinion, he said. The President of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation in Egypt said content must be able to keep pace with the speed of technological development without compromising on national values.
Earlier during the opening session, Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, President of Dubai Press Club and Chairperson of AMF’s Organising Committee, delivered the event’s welcome note.
Al Marri said that since its inception in 2001 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Arab Media Forum continues to provide a platform to discuss the impact of major regional and global trends and transformations. The Forum has supported Arab media in keeping pace with the rapidly evolving global media landscape and addressing opportunities and challenges impacting the sector.
The President of DPC said the 20th edition of the event “celebrates the vision of His Highness, a great leader who was always keen to recognise excellence in the media by establishing a platform for discussing ideas and exchanging expertise.”
Her Excellency highlighted the impact of global ‘storms of change’ that have had an impact on the region. “Amid political, economic and social changes, these challenges have greatly affected growth opportunities across the world and our region,” she said.
Al Marri noted that the region still lacks a clear media strategy for combating challenges facing the sector. “Arab media also lacks a plan to develop young media talent who can lead the transition from traditional to new media.”
Al Marri invited all AMF 2022 participants to work together to accelerate the sector’s development and create content that reflects the values and aspirations of the region’s people, in order to regain their trust.
Launched by the DPC over 20 years ago, AMF is one of the major events in DPC’s annual calendar of events. The Arab world’s largest media gathering, AMF has emerged as the most comprehensive platform for knowledge exchange in the Arab media community. The annual platform, which attracts thousands of prominent thought leaders, has steadily evolved in scope and reach to encompass a broad international outlook.
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