Dubai is once again at the center of media innovation and dialogue, as it prepares to host the Arab Media Summit (AMS) 2025—a flagship event organized by the Dubai Press Club. Scheduled to take place from May 26 to May 28 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this three-day summit is expected to welcome over 6,000 delegates from across the Arab world, making it the largest media gathering in the region to date.
Held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the direction of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, the event reinforces Dubai’s vision to position itself as the capital of Arab media.
A Unified Vision for Regional Media Transformation
In a press statement, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed emphasized that the Arab Media Summit represents a pivotal moment in the strategic growth of Arab media. He stressed the summit’s role in empowering content creation, embracing digital transformation, and preparing for future media challenges. The event aims to serve as a dynamic think tank for content creators, government officials, influencers, academics, and tech experts, all working together to shape a unified and prosperous future for Arab media.
“Media is not just a communication tool—it is a catalyst for development, education, and cultural identity,” said Sheikh Ahmed. “We are building a media landscape that not only keeps up with global transformations but actively influences them.”
Summit Structure: A Three-Day Exploration of Innovation and Influence
The Arab Media Summit 2025 will unfold across three major events, each focusing on distinct dimensions of the evolving media ecosystem:
1. Arab Youth Media Forum (May 26)
This forum will spotlight young Arab creators, offering a platform for next-generation media voices. A highlight will be the Ibda’a – Arab Youth Media Award, celebrating excellence in emerging content creators. Key speakers will explore the synergy between youth, education, and the future of digital storytelling.
2. Arab Media Forum (May 27)
The centerpiece of AMS, this forum will feature the prestigious Arab Media Award and honor the Media Personality of the Year. Expect keynote speeches from leading figures such as:
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His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar
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HE Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon
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HE Asaad Al Shaibani, Syrian Foreign Minister
The forum will also include sessions with leading Arab Information Ministers and discussions on artificial intelligence, media innovation, and regional collaborations.
3. Arab Social Media Influencers Summit (May 28)
Focusing on the power of digital influence, ASMIS will feature global personalities including Piers Morgan and Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, alongside key regional leaders such as HE Dr. Anwar Gargash and HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Arab Social Media Influencers Award will also be presented here.
Launch of the Film and Gaming Forum
Recognizing the economic and cultural impact of the film and gaming sectors, the summit will debut the Film and Gaming Forum—a dedicated platform for industry professionals, investors, and creators to explore collaborative opportunities in these booming creative industries. This initiative solidifies Dubai’s ambition to become the regional hub for entertainment technology and storytelling.
Strategic Objectives: Innovation, Inclusion, and Industry Dialogue
HE Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson of the Dubai Media Council and Chairperson of the AMS Organizing Committee, highlighted that AMS 2025 will bridge regional priorities with global best practices. The summit will provide a forward-thinking agenda that includes:
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175+ Main Sessions
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35+ Expert Workshops
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Contributions from 300+ speakers
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Delegates from 26 countries
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Signing of five major Arab-international media agreements
“This year’s edition comes at a critical moment when artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, and evolving audience behaviors are reshaping the media industry,” she said.
Launch of Arab Media Outlook 2025
Another anticipated highlight is the unveiling of the Arab Media Outlook 2025, a comprehensive research initiative by the Dubai Press Club. This report will offer data-driven insights into key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the Arab media sector.
Global Expertise Meets Regional Excellence
From CNN to Reuters, and from academia to creative arts, the Summit will host:
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Caroline Faraj, CNN Arabic
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Maha El Dahan, Reuters Gulf Bureau Chief
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Faisal Abbas, Arab News Editor-in-Chief
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Michele Masneri, Italian journalist
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Japanese media scholars Maki Sugimoto and Kunitake Kanika
Additionally, sessions will spotlight literary and intellectual creativity, featuring names like:
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Saud Alsanousi, Kuwaiti novelist
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Dr. Yasar Jarrar, Leadership expert
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Saeb Eigner, Art historian
Elevating Academic Collaboration and Talent Development
With the United Arab Emirates University as the Academic Partner, the summit emphasizes the role of education and research in media innovation. Academic institutions will lead sessions, masterclasses, and workshops focusing on AI, immersive storytelling, digital ethics, and more.
Strategic Partners and Institutional Support
The summit is made possible through the collaborative efforts of:
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Dubai Media Incorporated
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IMI Group
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Arabian Radio Network
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Google, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Disney, and Blackmagic Design
The Dubai Press Club Platform will also see the graduation of the Economic Content Creators Programme, launched in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Economy as part of the Dubai Content Creators Programme.
A New Era for Arab Media Starts in Dubai
With its ambitious agenda and global outreach, the Arab Media Summit 2025 stands as a defining moment for the region’s media landscape. As it embraces emerging technologies, fosters cross-border dialogue, and amplifies creative voices, the summit is poised to shape a future where Arab media is more innovative, inclusive, and globally influential than ever before.
FAQs:
Q1: When and where is the Arab Media Summit 2025 being held?
A: The Summit will take place from May 26 to May 28, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Q2: Who are the key speakers at the Summit?
A: Notable speakers include HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, HE Mona Al Marri, Piers Morgan, Saif Ali Khan, Caroline Faraj, and leaders from Al-Azhar, Lebanon, Syria, and other Arab nations.
Q3: What are the major highlights of the event?
A: Key highlights include the Arab Media Forum, Arab Youth Media Forum, ASMIS, Film and Gaming Forum, and the launch of the Arab Media Outlook 2025.
Q4: What is the aim of the Arab Media Summit?
A: The Summit aims to bring together influential voices from across the Arab world to discuss innovations, trends, and strategic opportunities in media, content, and technology.
Q5: Is the Summit open to international participation?
A: Yes, delegates and speakers from 26 countries will attend, sharing global insights and forming cross-border partnerships.
