Arab Media Leaders Gather as Sheik Ahmed Opens Summit 2025
Sheik Ahmed bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, opened the Arab Media Summit 2025. The region’s leading platform for media authority and policy dialog welcomed 8,000 media professionals. This prestigious gathering brings together prominent Arab thinkers, decision-makers, and industry experts who will help shape future narratives.
The summit features more than 300 speakers who will lead 175 main sessions and 35 specialized workshops. Topics cover artificial intelligence, transformative technologies, film, and gaming—key elements that drive modern media storytelling. The Arab Media Award received 2,956 submissions from the region, while the Arab Youth Media Award drew 2,736 entries from students and academic institutions. These numbers show strong participation from the Arab media community.
The 2025 edition marks the signing of five major Arab-international media agreements that will boost cross-border collaboration. Ministers, editors-in-chief, content creators, influencers, and academics from the UAE and beyond have come together at this vital platform. They will navigate global changes and enhance the Arab narrative in today’s fast-changing digital world.
Sheik Ahmed bin Mohammed inaugurates Arab Media Summit 2025
Image Source: Government of Dubai Media Office
“Media is a vital partner in development and a key driver of social awareness. We are committed to supporting its role as a catalyst for stability and progress.” — Sheik Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council
His Highness Sheik Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum led the official inauguration of the Arab Media Summit 2025 in Dubai. This event marked a milestone for regional media development. The prestigious ceremony welcomed regional and global leaders at the [Dubai World Trade Center](https://baytmagazine.com/dwtc-informa-unite-to-build-global-mice-giant-in-dubai/).
The high-profile opening featured an impressive lineup of dignitaries. His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and President of the Muslim Council of Elders attended alongside His Excellency Dr. Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon. His Highness Sheik Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee and Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority were also present.
Sheik Ahmed took a detailed tour of the summit venue. He praised the careful organization of the three-day event and its diverse program. The summit, running until May 28, demonstrates Dubai’s steadfast dedication to promoting a dynamic Arab media landscape that responds to global changes.
Sheik Ahmed stated: “The Arab Media Summit 2025 marks a new strategic milestone in Dubai’s integrated vision to build a dynamic Arab media landscape — one that is equipped to respond to global shifts and shape meaningful content that reflects the region’s identity and future aspirations”.
The summit’s agenda focuses on the future by addressing artificial intelligence, transformative technologies, film, and gaming. These elements now play a central role in shaping modern media narratives.
Sheik Ahmed also met with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam separately. Their discussion highlighted the deep cooperative ties between the UAE and Lebanon. His Highness emphasized UAE and Dubai’s interest in strengthening cooperation with Lebanon in various fields. Media collaboration received special attention, given Lebanon’s trailblazing history in the sector.
Keynote speakers outline vision for Arab media
Image Source: Government of Dubai Media Office
Arab leaders gave powerful speeches at the Arab Media Summit 2025. Their words painted a picture of where regional media is headed.
Grand Imam Prof. Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, Sheik of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, praised Dubai’s commitment to create this essential platform for intellectual and media discussions. He spoke about Arab media’s historic duty to show the truth about the Middle East crisis. His words highlighted Palestinian resilience and the importance of keeping their story alive in the world’s mind.
“Arab media should focus day and night on Gaza’s destruction and war and terrible violations that have been criticized by all people of the world for 19 months,” Dr. El-Tayeb stated. He noted that Gaza has lost over 200 journalists.
The Grand Imam cautioned about digital platforms that harm public morality. “This technological progress, particularly in artificial intelligence, must be governed by ethical responsibility and professional guidelines to prevent it from becoming a destructive force threatening all of humanity,” he remarked.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam highlighted media’s power to change society. “We meet today in extraordinary times, where media is no longer merely a conveyor of reality but a force that shapes it,” he observed. Salam pointed out that mobile devices are owned by 75% of people worldwide. The internet connects 67% of the population, and 58% get their news through social media.
Salam emphasized the need for responsible journalism: “We need media that places truth above all else” and acts as a “partner in rebuilding trust—professional, honest, and committed to integrity”.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Dubai Media Council’s Vice Chairperson, spoke about today’s faster evolving media world. “Much has changed since we last met. Tools have evolved, roles have shifted, and the questions we face have grown more complex,” she noted. She raised critical questions about tech disruption: “Who protects the truth? Who rebuilds trust between the public and the media?”.
The speakers agreed on the need for a detailed Arab media strategy. This strategy should protect cultural identity while embracing new technology.
Summit agenda showcases innovation and collaboration
Image Source: Government of Dubai Media Office
“We also place strong emphasis on empowering Arab youth and creating meaningful opportunities that enable them to contribute to content creation rooted in regional identity and driven by a vision for a more prosperous and stable future.” — Sheik Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council
The complete three-day Arab Media Summit 2025 program features events that advance regional media through innovation and teamwork.
The Arab Youth Media Forum opens the summit on May 26. Young talent takes center stage at the Ibda’a – Arab Youth Media Award ceremony, which drew 2,736 entries from students in the Arab world. The Arab Media Forum follows on May 27 with its prestigious Arab Media Award ceremony. The ceremony received more than 2,900 submissions from the region.
British broadcaster Piers Morgan and Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan lead the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit on May 28. They will discuss algorithmic influence, platform dynamics, and strategic communication.
The most important addition this year is the first-ever Film and Gaming Forum. The Dubai Films and Games Commission hosts this initiative that aligns with Dubai’s vision to become a global content creation hub. Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri said: “The launch of the Film and Gaming Forum represents a significant expansion of the Arab Media Summit’s agenda, reflecting our commitment to embracing the full spectrum of today’s media industry”.
The Dubai Press Club platform features exclusive masterclasses through partnerships with global technology giants. Google, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, Disney, Blackmagic Design, and the Arabian Radio Network give participants hands-on experience with advanced tools and techniques.
The Arab Media Outlook 2025 report reveals exciting projections. The MENA media market will grow from AED 62.42 billion in 2024 to AED 75.64 billion by 2028. This analysis covers video, audio, publishing, advertising, and gaming sectors. It helps stakeholders shape the region’s media future.
The summit will also see five Arab-international media agreements signed, strengthening partnerships in this faster evolving digital world.
Conclusion
A Blueprint for Arab Media’s Digital Future
Sheik Ahmed’s vision for the Arab Media Summit 2025 represents a defining moment for regional media development. The summit’s complete agenda covers traditional journalism, digital innovation, and emerging content formats. Dubai has established itself as a crucial hub for media expertise across the Arab world.
The event brought together 8,000 media professionals, 300+ speakers, and representatives from a variety of media sectors. This massive gathering definitely shows its importance as an unmatched platform for collaboration. Participants learned valuable insights about pressing challenges. Grand Imam Prof. Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb’s keynote address stressed the ethical governance of technological advancements.
Youth engagement became the life-blood of the summit’s strategy. The Arab Youth Media Award received 2,736 entries that showed strong participation from future content creators. Sheik Ahmed stressed the importance of “empowering Arab youth and creating meaningful opportunities” throughout the event.
Economic projections in the Arab Media Outlook 2025 report revealed positive growth. The market is expected to grow from AED 62.42 billion in 2024 to AED 75.64 billion by 2028. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reminded attendees that responsible journalism must remain the priority despite financial considerations.
Dubai’s strategic shift toward becoming a global content creation powerhouse was marked by the first Film and Gaming Forum. This expansion shows a deep understanding of modern storytelling that exceeds traditional media boundaries.
Five Arab-international media agreements signed during the summit will strengthen cross-border cooperation. These promote a more united approach to content development across the region. Mutually beneficial alliances and specialized workshops from global technology giants gave participants practical tools to navigate the faster evolving media landscape.
Arab Media Summit 2025 stands as a celebration of achievements and a roadmap for development. The event balanced cultural preservation with technological advancement. This established a framework where Arab media can thrive amid global changes while keeping its authentic voice and regional identity.
