At the Arab Youth Media Forum – UAE, Media Leaders Discuss Digital Media Trends, Innovations, and Challenges

The Arab Youth Media Forum, held in conjunction with the Arab Media Summit, provided a platform for young media professionals to gain insights, enhance their skills, and connect with industry leaders. The forum, attended by over 1,000 young media professionals, featured sessions focused on empowering youth to drive excellence and innovation in the industry.

One of the key sessions at the forum was titled ‘Storytelling Redefined’, where media and tech expert Mazen Hayek discussed the role of storytelling in shaping the future of media. Hayek highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the field of storytelling, emphasizing the need for unique skills and capabilities to stand out in a competitive digital media space.

Another session, ‘Platforms Driven by Youth’, presented successful experiences of founders of digital platforms, including Bader Almadaifa, Founder and CEO of 5osh Fikra platform. Almadaifa shared insights into the challenges digital platforms face and the importance of financial resources for their continuity and content delivery.

TV presenter and entrepreneur Lojain Omran discussed the adverse effects of social media, particularly in relation to bullying and prejudices, during a fireside chat titled ‘Influencer Survival Kit’. Omran highlighted the importance of disregarding negative comments and not letting them affect one’s self-esteem.

The session ‘From Influencer to Entrepreneur’ explored how social media has contributed to the success of businesses as content creators. Content creator Fouz Al Fahad and digital entrepreneur Karen Wazen discussed the impact of social media platforms on business growth and the value of using social media as analytical tools.

The session ‘Influencers to Podcasters’ highlighted the valuable learning opportunities provided by podcasts, such as offering deeper insights into topics and teaching the essential skill of listening. Additionally, the session ‘Future of Gaming in the Region’ explored the potential link between video games and violent behavior, emphasizing the positive aspects of gaming as an outlet for negative energy and teaching real-world skills.

Mohammed Saeed Harib, the creator and producer of the popular Emirati cartoon ‘Freej,’ led a session titled ‘Freej Journey’, where he shared behind-the-scenes details of the show and discussed the partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) involving sending a plush toy of one of Freej’s characters into space.

Overall, the Arab Youth Media Forum provided a valuable platform for young media professionals to learn from industry leaders, gain insights into digital media trends, and enhance their skills to drive excellence and innovation in the industry. The forum’s diverse array of sessions offered a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities facing the media sector, empowering youth to succeed in a competitive and rapidly evolving digital landscape.