The Arab Media Summit 2025 kicks off today at the Dubai World Trade Center, marking a pivotal moment for the Arab media landscape. Over the course of three days, the summit will host discussions and strategic insights aimed at creating a sustainable and impactful Arab media narrative. This event serves as a strategic platform to shape the future of Arab media and enhance its role as a catalyst for development.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and with the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Press Club, the summit is organized by the Dubai Press Club from May 26 to 28. It brings together a distinguished group of political figures, intellectual leaders, prominent writers, and media executives from around the Arab world.
The summit encompasses various elements, including the “Arab Media Forum,” the “Youth Arab Media Forum,” and the “Arab Social Media Influencers Summit,” along with the “Arab Media Awards” and the “Creativity Award for Young Arab Media,” and the “Arab Social Media Influencers Award.”
Highlighting Influential Figures
The event gathers a diverse array of political, cultural, and media figures from across the Arab world and beyond, making it the largest professional gathering to revisit critical questions surrounding the role of media and its challenges. This edition of the Arab Media Summit aims to explore the current media landscape and its relationship with Arab societies in both impact and response.
Throughout the three days, there will be inspiring discussions and dialogues organized under three main initiatives: the “Youth Arab Media Forum,” the “Arab Media Forum,” and the “Arab Social Media Influencers Summit.”
The summit serves as an inclusive dialogue platform that contributes to envisioning a clear relationship between media and the vital sectors that impact Arab lives.
Continuing the tradition established 25 years ago, this edition will feature prominent officials, politicians, thinkers, and media leaders. The high level of participation reflects confidence in Dubai’s role as a driving force for the evolution of Arab media and as a hub for purposeful dialogue that strengthens media’s role in supporting the region’s journey towards a more stable and prosperous future.
The current summit sees participation from notable Arab figures. Key sessions will involve strategic conversations with prominent diplomatic personalities.
Media Ministers’ Discussions
Among the summit’s agenda is a high-level discussion that will convene several Arab media ministers to explore the future of official media and its integration with the private sector in crafting an impactful Arab media message.
Workshops and Sessions
The summit features a rich agenda with participation from more than 26 countries, 8,000 attendees, and over 175 sessions, alongside the involvement of more than 300 speakers and upwards of 35 specialized workshops conducted by global media companies and platforms.
More than 200 Arab media personalities will attend, with the event hosting leading thinkers and writers showcasing their latest influential works that have resonated within cultural and intellectual circles on both Arab and global levels.
In addition, over five agreements and partnerships with international media organizations will be signed, along with the launch of a global report discussing the future of media in the region and worldwide.
Participants will chart the future of Arab media, aiming to showcase inspiring experiences and present insights on media’s future, exchange expertise, ideas, and experiences contributing to anticipating the future of Arab media.
This will be achieved through a diverse range of workshops, discussions, and accompanying events that align with the main themes of the current summit, focusing on the future of media, the effects and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in the media sector, the reciprocal impact between politics and the economy on the media landscape, as well as future prospects for print journalism and the role of generative AI in enhancing the production of Arabic content.
Strategic Vision
The Arab Media Summit is convening at a crucial juncture, amid rapid geopolitical shifts and unprecedented advancements in media technologies, establishing itself as a major strategic platform for envisioning the future of Arab media and reinforcing its connection to vital sectors within societies.
In this context, the summit’s objectives align with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to elevate Arab media into an effective tool for supporting Arab individuals, raising awareness, and directing public opinion towards paths of development and stability.
Moreover, the timing of the summit adds exceptional significance, highlighting an urgent need for a unified Arab media capable of interpreting significant political, economic, and technological changes, transforming them into opportunities that contribute to building more aware and future-ready Arab communities.
Hence, the summit is not merely an media gathering; it is a think tank aimed at shaping a modern Arab media landscape characterized by innovation and equipped with effective tools for influencing both domestically and internationally.
The convening of the summit at this critical time presents an opportunity to unify the Arab media perspective and enhance synergy between media organizations in the region, turning Arab media into a powerful force supporting developmental paths and a partner in future building, while also serving as a platform to unify the Arab media vision in the face of challenges, amid rapidly evolving technological developments, and the urgent need for an innovative and conscious media that aligns with the aspirations of the people.
Honoring Media Excellence
The summit will not only engage in dialogue but also celebrate creativity through the Arab Media Award, the Creativity Award for Young Arab Media, and the Arab Social Media Influencers Award, recognizing those who have made significant contributions to enriching the media landscape.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a special ceremony will be organized by the Dubai Press Club, representing the secretariat of the Arab Media Award, to honor the winners of the 24th cycle of this prestigious award.
This event will take place tomorrow at the Dubai World Trade Center, coinciding with the second day of the “Arab Media Summit,” alongside the commencement of the “Arab Media Forum,” in the presence of key media institution leaders, prominent writers, and editors-in-chief of local and Arab newspapers, along with representatives from various media outlets in the region.
Spearheaded by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, another ceremony honoring the winners of the “Creativity Award for Young Arab Media” will be held today, while the “Arab Social Media Influencers Award” ceremony is set for May 28.
These two awards—“Creativity” and “Arab Social Media Influencers”—are central to the Dubai Press Club’s strategy to establish Dubai as a nurturing ground for Arab media talent and a catalyst for excellence and positive impact in the media sphere.
Arab Media Forum
The “Arab Media Summit” has been instrumental in hosting a plethora of high-profile Arab officials, including prime ministers and ministers through its “Arab Media Forum,” which has provided an excellent platform for interaction between this influential political and intellectual class and those involved in the media sector within the Arab world.
Launched in 2001, the Arab Media Forum is one of the key initiatives of the Dubai Press Club, recognized as one of the most significant projects in the media sector across the Arab region.
This initiative has not floated as a fleeting idea but is part of an ambitious project that began with the establishment of the Dubai Press Club and continued with the launch of the forum, the Arab Journalism Award, the “Look at Arab Media” report, culminating in the establishment of a free media zone in Dubai.
Since its first session, the forum has provided an in-depth examination of the major changes and transformations occurring in the world from a media perspective, addressing issues such as the Arab discourse in the West and the importance of fostering genuine dialogue between Arab and Western media.
The discussions have covered topics like media during wars, the role of media in conveying the truth during crises, and ways to avoid bias and misinformation. The fourth session, in collaboration with the “Arab Thought Conference,” scrutinized coverage of truths and addressed the topic of “Political Islam” within media portrayals.
The forum also presented humanitarian crises and the role of media in serving humanity, along with the influence of digital media on traditional means and the type of news desired for the future, exploring various topics related to political and social challenges faced within the Arab world, while showcasing concepts of happiness, positivity, peace, and collaborations aimed at enhancing mutual Arab endeavors.
Pioneering Role
The forum is distinguished by its proactive stance in analyzing the Arab media landscape thoroughly and providing strategic recommendations for its development. Topics discussed include the dichotomy of modernity and conservatism in media, the importance of media training, media credibility, and the relationship of governmental media with the private sector.
The forum has also placed emphasis on women’s experiences in media and new phenomena, such as blogging, reality programs, and tabloid journalism.
It has not limited its role to mere analysis; it has practically supported the industry through its “Look at Arab Media” report, which showcased applied research results across Arab media organizations, and analyzed strengths, weaknesses, and pathways for enhancing media competencies and institutions.
Media and Technology
The forum has kept pace with the rapid technological evolution, addressing themes such as the integration of Arab media with technology, the role of artificial intelligence, the transformation of traditional media formats, and the exodus of media professionals. Discussions have focused on the influence of technology on audience engagement, as well as the roles of public and private sectors in bolstering the media industry.
A Platform for Dialogue
One of the forum’s notable achievements is its ability to transform the media dialogue from a battleground into responsible professional meetings, where over 3,000 journalists and experts gather annually from around the globe, creating a genuine platform for experience exchange and opening channels for dialogue between East and West, fostering understanding on various contentious issues.
The forum is distinguished by its ability to renew and innovate its components, maintaining its status as an interactive platform that merges deep analysis with professional practice, strategic vision with practical application.
This forum is a tangible embodiment of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision for media and development. Its contributions have extended beyond annual discussions; it has become a true mirror of the Arab media landscape, a tool for anticipating its future, and a lever for cultural and intellectual development across the Arab world.
In the past years, summit sessions and discussions have been marked by a spirit of collaboration, openness, and rich ideas, actively engaging university students and media colleges in the country in various workshops, alongside numerous volunteer youth from Emirati colleges and universities.
The interactive sessions and discussions have shed light on the challenges facing Arab media amidst digital transformation, where participants continually emphasize the importance of transitioning towards smart media capable of adapting to changes while upholding ethical and professional standards.
Additionally, discussions surrounding future media financing, audience behavior changes, and the significance of training new media professionals have underscored the growing impact of influencers and content creators as new voices possessing significant influence, prompting a discussion on the need to redefine what it means to be a “journalist” in the digital age.
Sustainability
Organizers have ensured the forum’s sustainability, developing its programs and ensuring its ongoing impact in both the Arab and global media landscapes. Over the last two decades, the Arab Media Forum has proven to be a unique platform that merges thought with practice, vision with strategy, and research with development.
By addressing major media issues, nurturing competencies, and engaging with technological and political changes, the forum has solidified its position as the leading media gathering in the Arab region.
This media project’s success is not coincidental but rather the result of anticipatory vision and informed leadership that recognized early on that media is a foundational pillar in achieving comprehensive Arab renaissance, with dialogue being the most effective avenue towards a more enlightened future. In 2024, the forum will be incorporated into the Arab Media Summit’s activities.
Arab Media Award
The Arab Journalism Award stands as one of the most significant media initiatives in the Arab world, launched in 1999 at the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum aimed at fostering the advancement of Arab journalism, honoring creative journalists, and motivating them to excel in serving their communities and conveying the Arab voice globally.
His Highness entrusted the Dubai Press Club with the management and organization of the award to ensure integrity and transparency, involving media figures and Arab experts in an independent board of directors.
Development Milestones
The award has undergone several significant developmental phases, notably its ninth edition in 2009, which brought comprehensive changes, including a new logo, and renaming it from “Arab Written Journalism Award” to “Arab Journalism Award” to encompass online journalism. The investigative journalism section was added, and a “Young Arab Journalism” category was introduced to encourage emerging journalists below the age of 30.
Further updates took place in 2012 with an overhaul of judging criteria and methods, including a shift to electronic judging, as well as the formation of a specialized filtering committee to ensure quality works meet criteria.
A “Humanitarian Journalism” category was added to recognize impactful works addressing humanitarian crises. From 2013 to 2014, a “Smart Journalism” category was introduced for the best use of modern digital techniques in journalism to foster content ingenuity and attract younger audiences.
In 2016, a book was published documenting award-winning works, serving as a reference for researchers and students. In 2017, modifications included the elimination of the specialized journalism category, merging it with investigative journalism, and updating the definition of “journalistic opinion,” with emphasis on language quality as a fundamental criterion for participation without being listed among the judging criteria.
In 2019, the committee adopted a new sorting mechanism based on best global practices to improve evaluation quality. Subsequently, in 2021, the award transitioned to the “Arab Media Award” to include visual and digital media along with journalism, following directives from UAE leadership.
In its 24th cycle in 2024, the award saw new updates, including a renaming of the investigative journalism section, abolishing the child journalism category, and transforming the digital media award into the “Arab Social Media Influencers Award” to honor outstanding digital content creators.