March 27, 2019
AMF 2019 Holds Series of Workshops and Interactive Events
Forum’s Sideline Activities Attract Huge Interest on the First Day
The first day of the 18th Arab Media Forum (AMF), which commenced today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the theme ‘Arab Media: From Now to the Future’, featured a series of workshops, events and side-activities.
The interactive activities and workshops attracted huge interest among visitors and media students attending the two-day event taking place from March 27 to 28.
Main Activities
For the first time at AMF, studios were set up for popular podcasters in the region to conduct their own live podcasts and engage in discussions on the various topics of this year’s AMF. Shows being podcast from the Forum include: Mstdfr Podcast; Lovin Dubai; Al Bayan Podcast; Thmanyah34; Finjan Podcast; Alkhaleej Newspaper Podcast; and Dubai Eye.
AMF will host a special panel discussion on the second day of the event titled ‘The Podcast Revolution’, which will explore new technologies shaping the future of media and journalism. Speakers participating in the session include prominent podcasters from the Arab region, who will discuss the rising popularity of podcasting in the Arab world and its impact on radio audiences.
Interactive Workshops
AMF features a number of workshops aimed at building the professional capabilities of attendees. Euronews hosted a workshop on the role of foreign media in highlighting positive developments in Arab countries and how this can contribute to building bridges between the region and the rest of the world. The session was led by Daleen Hassan, Bureau Chief of Euronews. LinkedIn also held a workshop titled “Best Practices for Media Professionals led by Marwan El Nemr, Director, Public Sector at LinkedIn. The workshop focused on how users can optimise their LinkedIn profile for career advancement. Additionally, Facebook conducted an interactive session about "Building Communities and Facebook Interaction" presented by Tarek Atia, founder and CEO of EMDP (Egypt Media Development Program). During the workshop, Atia shared top tips and tools that media professionals can use to reach readers, find sources and better connect with their audience.
Saudi photojournalist Ziyad Alarfaj of Arab News also held a workshop for young journalists and photographers attending the Forum on the art of taking portraits.
Announcements
At a press conference organised on the sidelines of the Forum, Al Ain News announced the launch of its new international offices in Washington, London, Dubai and Addis Ababa. The launch was announced through tweets posted by Al Ain News during the Arab Media Forum.
Proudly From Dubai
The Forum has dedicated a key section of the event to homegrown businesses, who are participating as vendors to showcase their products under the umbrella of the ‘Proudly from Dubai’ initiative. The initiative, which was launched by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, in collaboration with the Department of Economic Development, aims to highlight the success stories of innovative businesses born and initiated in Dubai by offering media and brand building opportunities at key platforms and networking opportunities at leading global events. ‘Proudly from Dubai’ also seeks to give businesses an opportunity to raise their visibility and forge strong partnerships at both local and international. The 10 vendors participating in the Forum include: Artocolate, Sip Dubai, Shibtna Ice Cream, Kemist, Stirilicious, Culinary Boutique, 16-Nov, Glitch Cafe, Yogurt Lab and Mango Mania.
50 Volunteers
A team of more than 50 volunteers is supporting the Forum in managing its various activities on the first day. The volunteers were chosen after interviewing hundreds of candidates who had registered through the Forum’s website. The Forum provided a platform for volunteers to network with media professionals and experts participating in the event.
Bringing together more than 3,000 high-profile regional and international media figures and thought leaders, the Middle East’s most prominent annual media event is featuring more than 75 speakers and 200 media figures from across the region and the world. The Arab Media Forum is an ideal platform for exchanging expertise, networking and learning about the latest issues in the media industry.
