Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the 22nd edition of the Arab Media Forum (AMF) commenced today in Dubai. The prestigious gathering brought together media leaders, policymakers, and thought leaders from across the Arab world to explore the evolving role of media in shaping the region’s future.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, graced the event alongside key dignitaries, including His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, Prime Minister of Yemen, and His Excellency Jassem AlBudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
This year’s AMF was held as part of the second day of the Arab Media Summit 2024, which also featured the Arab Youth Media Forum, the 23rd Arab Media Award, and the fourth Arab Social Media Influencers Award.
Sheikh Ahmed extended a warm welcome to the guests, emphasizing Dubai’s steadfast commitment to supporting the media industry and fostering collaborations that strengthen its role in advancing Arab interests. He highlighted the significance of media in preserving cultural heritage and connecting new generations with their historical roots. “Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we remain dedicated to establishing Dubai as a key partner in empowering the media sector to fulfill its mission and social responsibility,” he stated.
The forum underscored the vital role media plays in promoting Arab unity and collaboration, serving as a bridge for regional cooperation in various fields. Sheikh Ahmed noted that the convergence of prominent Arab media figures in Dubai serves as a valuable platform to showcase the sector’s resilience and adaptability in an era of rapid transformation.
Among the prominent attendees were His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority; and His Excellency Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Kuwait’s Minister of Information and Culture.
The Future of Gulf Media
During the keynote address, His Excellency Jassem AlBudaiwi shed light on the evolving media landscape within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the necessity for a unified approach to navigate emerging opportunities and challenges. He commended Dubai and the AMF for fostering a dynamic environment for media dialogue and innovation.
AlBudaiwi stressed the importance of diversity and open discourse, recognizing the GCC as a hub of cultural convergence. He acknowledged the instrumental role Gulf media plays in the region’s progress, crediting its growth to the unwavering support of GCC leadership. This backing has translated into increased opportunities for youth and women to take on leadership roles within the media industry.
Highlighting the expanding influence of digital platforms, AlBudaiwi shared striking statistics: 96.55% of the GCC population, amounting to 58 million people, are active social media users. This includes over 49 million YouTube subscribers, nearly 47 million TikTok users above the age of 18, and 21.6 million active users on X (formerly Twitter).
Despite these advancements, he cautioned against the unchecked rise of misinformation and the exploitation of social media for illicit activities, such as drug promotion and extremist recruitment. He called for international cooperation to establish robust regulations ensuring responsible media practices, data privacy, and ethical AI integration.
Addressing media biases, AlBudaiwi pointed out the perils of unbalanced reporting, particularly in coverage of global conflicts. He cited discrepancies in how the Palestinian struggle and the war in Gaza are portrayed, underscoring the need for objective journalism that upholds truth and fairness.
Embracing Transformation for Media Sustainability
Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club, set the tone for an era of rapid media transformation. She underscored the urgency for media institutions to embrace innovation and adaptability to remain relevant in an ever-changing landscape.
Al Marri reinforced the media’s role in promoting progress, coexistence, and stability amidst shifting global dynamics. She reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian issue and stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced, hopeful, and constructive discourse.
Encouraging dialogue in challenging times, she highlighted the necessity of fostering rational and in-depth discussions that represent diverse perspectives. “Media must not only inform but also inspire, creating a space for inquiry and thoughtful engagement,” she asserted.
As the Arab Media Forum progresses, its discussions are expected to shape the future trajectory of regional media, ensuring it continues to serve as a pillar of truth, unity, and cultural preservation in the Arab world.