Ahmed bin Mohammed participates in the opening of the Arab Youth Media Forum at the Arab Media Summit in the UAE.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, graced the opening of the Arab Media Summit 2024 organized by the Dubai Press Club. The summit kicked off today in Dubai with the second edition of the Arab Youth Media Forum, drawing in over 4,000 media professionals from across the region.

The event saw the presence of distinguished personalities such as His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, Kingdom of Bahrain; His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; and His Highness Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated. Additionally, the summit was attended by a number of ministers, dignitaries, senior officials, and over 1,000 young media professionals.

During the opening session, Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club (DPC), was also present. Dr. Maitha bint Essa Buhumaid, Director of the Dubai Press Club, delivered a welcome speech announcing the launch of Ibda’a – The Arab Youth Media Award. This initiative, originally launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2001 as the Ibda’a Media Student Awards, aims to nurture excellence and creativity among young media professionals.

Dr. Buhumaid emphasized the crucial role of youth in media transformation amidst rapid global changes. She highlighted the Arab Youth Media Forum’s mission to engage young individuals in shaping the future of the Arab media sector, bridging the gap between education and labor market needs, and fostering creative ideas inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The second edition of the Arab Youth Media Forum featured a keynote address by His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, UAE Minister of State for Youth, who underscored the UAE’s commitment to empowering youth in realizing the nation’s vision. Dr. Al Neyadi stressed the importance of youthful voices in the digital age, urging them to leverage their creative and technological skills to develop media content that reflects Arab culture and values.

He encouraged youth to be pioneers in digital media, driving positive and sustainable change while shaping trends and forging new pathways for development. Dr. Al Neyadi highlighted the Forum as an opportunity to invest in talented youth in the media, emphasizing the need for continuous training and development to enhance their skills and global competitiveness.

Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri praised Dubai’s leading role as a hub for media and creative professionals, emphasizing the UAE’s support for youth empowerment. She noted that the youth remain a significant asset in developing the media sector, guided by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The Arab Media Summit serves as a platform for thought leadership in the media industry, showcasing Dubai’s commitment to fostering excellence and innovation among young media professionals. With a focus on empowering youth and driving positive change, the summit sets the stage for a brighter future in the Arab media landscape.