The 22nd edition of the Arab Media Forum kicked off today in Dubai under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The event was attended by prominent figures including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, as well as His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, Prime Minister of the Republic of Yemen, and His Excellency Jassem AlBudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The forum, held on Day 2 of the Arab Media Summit 2024, featured various activities such as the Arab Youth Media Forum, the 23rd Arab Media Award, and the fourth Arab Social Media Influencers Award. HH Sheikh Ahmed emphasized Dubai’s commitment to supporting the media sector and fostering partnerships to accelerate media development and promote sustainable growth.
During the opening session, His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and other senior media personalities and thought leaders from the Arab world were also present. The forum provided a platform for discussions on the future of GCC media, with His Excellency Jassem AlBudaiwi highlighting key developments in the GCC media sector and the importance of a unified response to upcoming challenges.
AlBudaiwi praised Dubai and the Arab Media Forum for promoting thought leadership and supporting the development of Arab media. He emphasized the GCC’s belief in diversity and dialogue, acknowledging the pivotal role of Gulf media in the region’s progress. He also discussed the growing use of social media platforms in the GCC, emphasizing the need for clear regulations to ensure fairness, freedom, and privacy in the age of AI.
Furthermore, AlBudaiwi raised concerns about unbalanced reporting driven by vested interests, citing examples of media double standards in conflicts such as the Palestinian cause and the ongoing war in Gaza. The forum also addressed the need for media outlets to adapt to risks and embrace change to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, highlighted the push for accelerated media growth and the importance of agile responses to transformation. She emphasized the role of media in advancing development, coexistence, and stability in the Arab world, particularly in addressing the Palestinian issue and promoting rationality, hope, and positivity.
Overall, the Arab Media Forum provided a platform for meaningful discussions on the future of media in the Arab world, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and adaptability in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.