Ahmed bin Mohammed inspects Arab Media Summit and reviews its media initiatives
His Highness highlighted the importance of developing an integrated Arab media system that possesses the necessary tools and competencies to keep pace with global changes
Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, affirmed that the Arab Media Summit continues to consolidate its position as a leading regional platform that brings together the most prominent media minds and expertise, by supporting constructive dialogue about the future of the sector.
His Highness pointed out the importance of developing an integrated Arab media system that possesses the necessary tools and competencies to keep pace with global changes and take advantage of the opportunities offered by modern technology.
His Highness welcomed the delegations participating in the summit from the Arab region and the world, who are participating in the work of the largest edition in the history of the summit, which continues its work in Dubai until the seventeenth of this month.
His Highness said: “With the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, Dubai continues to provide the supportive environment for the development of an advanced media sector capable of making an impact. The broad participation in the summit confirms its position as a major meeting place for media leaders and expertise, and a platform for anticipating transformations and formulating new visions and ideas that contribute to advancing the future of Arab media.”
This came during a tour by His Highness the Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, at the headquarters of the Arab Media Summit 2026, which began its activities today, Tuesday, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with the participation of an elite group of media and intellectual leaders, decision-makers and experts from the region and the world.
The design of the headquarters took into account providing ample space for participants to meet, exchange ideas and visions and learn about more successful media experiences as an added value that increases the positive impact of the discussions of the sessions included in the summit’s agenda.
During the tour, His Highness listened to an explanation from Mariam Al Mulla, Director of the Dubai Press Club, and Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, about the summit's pavilions and events, its specialised platforms, and the innovative media and technological initiatives, projects, and experiences it offers that anticipate the future of the sector and contribute to enhancing its capabilities, thus strengthening the sector's readiness to keep pace with the rapid transformations taking place in the global media sector.
The explanation touched on the most prominent events and programs included in the agenda of the twenty-fourth session of the summit, the topics discussed by its eight specialised forums, and the wide space it provides for dialogue and the exchange of experiences and visions between media leaders, experts, specialists and content creators.
The Arab Media Summit was launched in Dubai in 2001 under the guidance and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai under the name ‘Arab Media Forum’. For nearly 25 years, the Summit has played a tangible role in developing Arab media and enhancing its output.
The Summit has kept pace with the rapid digital transformation and the resulting emergence of new media platforms, expanding its scope and increasing the space for dialogue. Today, it encompasses eight specialised forums and three major awards, maintaining its position as the largest media event in the Arab world.
The 24th edition of the summit, held under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, is the largest in its history. From September 15 to 17, 2026, it will host over 200 of the most prominent media and thought leaders from outside the UAE, and more than 400 speakers from leading global, Arab, and local media organisations. These participants will engage in over 175 panel discussions and dialogues, bringing together leading figures in Arab media, content creators, influencers, media technology experts, and academics from 23 countries.
The Summit encompasses several key events, including the Arab Media Forum, the Government Communication Forum (held for the first time as part of the summit), the Arab Youth Media Forum, the Film Forum, the Esports Forum, the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit, and the Dubai Podfest. It also features the Euronews Forum, being held for the first time outside of Europe, in partnership with global media organisations, as well as specialised training sessions and workshops in collaboration with leading media institutions in the region and the world. The summit also includes the Arab Media Award, the Arab Youth Media Award (Ibdaa), and the Arab Social Media Influencers Award.