The session titled “A Look at Arab Media: A Future Vision” held during the Arab Media Summit 2025 discussed the crucial need for the advancement of the Arab media sector through a comprehensive strategy based on digital innovation, integration with modern technology, and intelligent audience engagement. Participants agreed that the Arab media stands on the verge of a historic opportunity to shift from traditional practices to a cohesive industry that can compete globally, provided that challenges are addressed and thoughtful future strategies are developed.
In this context, Majid Al Suwaidi, Director General of Dubai Media City, emphasized that the media sector has evolved beyond being just a transmitter of information; it has become a dynamic field closely intertwined with technology. He highlighted that the presence of media companies within an integrated environment alongside technology and content firms in Dubai Media City accelerates the digital transformation process. Al Suwaidi noted that the city offers specialized workshops aimed at enhancing media in various domains and is actively seeking to attract global media organizations to operate within an open and promising market, particularly in the rapidly expanding digital advertising sector.
Studies
Rashed Al Merri, Director of Research and Media Analysis at the Dubai Government Media Office, revealed insights from the upcoming Arab Media Report, set to be released tomorrow, which compiles applicable global studies and experiences tailored for the Arab context. He particularly emphasized the report’s focus on digital media and the gaming industry. Al Merri stressed the importance of enhancing the roles of official channels and highly reputable platforms in building trust with audiences. He advocated for investment in the development of Arabic-language gaming content that positively reflects the region’s identity and culture, pointing out that artificial intelligence could significantly enhance the quality and production speed of such content, making it more interactive and relevant to the local environment.
Additionally, Tarek Matar, a partner at Strategy&, reiterated that the goal of this media roadmap is to initiate a comprehensive transformation that enables Arab media to become globally competitive by overcoming challenges such as limited private sector funding and the imbalance in media skills across Arab nations. He noted that the future of traditional television still holds significance, especially if it evolves into an intelligent digital product that accurately targets specific demographics and provides content that aligns with shifting audience behaviors.