Brand Dubai brings Emirati creativity and local businesses to Arab Media Summit 2026

Dubai: Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, is bringing a range of initiatives and experiences to the Arab Media Summit 2026, highlighting Emirati talent and local businesses as part of the event's largest edition to date. The programme will run throughout the summit, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 15 to 17 September, and will feature local food and beverage concepts, Emirati artists and musicians, interactive experiences and gifts inspired by the UAE's national identity. Showcasing local talent Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, said the Arab Media Summit provides an opportunity to introduce Dubai's creative community to a wider audience while giving talented Emiratis and local businesses a platform to showcase their work. She noted that major events in Dubai offer entrepreneurs and creatives valuable opportunities to share their stories, present their ideas and reach new audiences. Immersive art experience Brand Dubai will present an immersive visual installation featuring digital works by internationally acclaimed artist El Seed and Emirati artist and sculptor Mattar Bin Lahej. The artworks will be displayed on a large cylindrical screen at the heart of the summit. ‘Proudly from Dubai’ The programme includes 11 food and beverage businesses from Brand Dubai's "Proudly from Dubai" network. Participating cafés include: Fynd RX Cafe Around the Block Fiks Orto Cafe Participating restaurants include: Spaces Late Lounge Solenn Estakanah Chai Somewhere People The businesses will offer a range of food, desserts, coffee and beverages throughout the event. Ghaf-inspired gifts Guests and speakers attending the summit will receive a gift collection inspired by the Ghaf tree, the UAE's national tree. The collection includes: Ghaf Honey from Relam Project Dubai Ghafa Coffee, featuring notes of Ghaf honey, rose water, raspberry and black tea A Ghaf-inspired chocolate bar from Ganache Brand Dubai Store The Brand Dubai Store will showcase works by more than 10 Emirati artists, with gifts and souvenirs inspired by more than 30 artworks. Featured artists include: Reem Almarri Wdeema BinTouq Arwa Al Shamsi Maryam Alshamsi Moza Alfalasi Mariam Alobeidli Aisha Almadhaani Alia Alhammadi Hamda Alshamsi Rafia Al Nassar Salama Al Nuaimi Mohammed Fikri Visitors will also be able to purchase Ghaf-inspired products, including Ghaf Honey, Ghaf Chocolate and Ghafat Dubai Coffee. Live performances Brand Dubai will also present "Dubai Melody", featuring live performances that blend local identity with contemporary music. The programme includes performances by the Emirati women's musical group Awtar and qanun player Maryam Ali Al Shaloubi. AI photography experience In collaboration with Self-Space Studio, Brand Dubai will offer an AI-powered photography experience titled "Be the Star… Take the Cover." The experience will allow summit guests to create personalised Arab Media Summit magazine covers featuring their own photographs. The initiative forms part of Brand Dubai's wider participation in the Arab Media Summit 2026, which aims to connect visitors with local talent, creative experiences and home-grown businesses.