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Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Films best medium to spread culture to other countries, says Bollywood actor Saif in Dubai
Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan highlighted the unifying and influential role of cinema, calling it a powerful form of soft power through which nations can share their identity with the world. Speaking at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai during a conversation with Anas Bukhash, host of ABtalks, Saif said cinema is a soft power and every country can export its traditions, cultures, beliefs, beauty, and art forms through cinema. He noted that films serve as a cultural bridge, enabling audiences around the world to experience lifestyles, customs, and values beyond their borders. 'Cinema is perhaps the best medium to spread the culture of the country or region that filmmakers hail from,' Saif added, pointing to the widespread influence of movies on everything from fashion to language and social behaviour. 'I was talking to somebody in Dubai, and they were saying that being Arab, they still had a kind of an Indian function at their wedding, and the bride would dress in a sari, and they would play music. That means we managed to export our culture through movies, in a way that that speaks a lot about how we are as a nation,' he said. 'The best way of judging a nation is probably by the art that they're producing, including the cinema. When you are watching Netflix, it's like tuning into another culture and to see how they might be at home. It's almost like travelling when you see a movie that's authentic.' Saif noted that Indian cinema has had a significant influence on filmmaking and storytelling across the GCC and wider MENA region, reflecting shared cultural narratives and common myths that connect audiences beyond borders. Saif emphasised that as the world becomes more interconnected, cinema plays an increasingly vital role in exporting a country's traditions, values, and artistic identity. He also pointed to the growing relevance of soft power in global discourse, particularly in light of current international dynamics. At the same time, he underscored the importance of authenticity and individuality in filmmaking, urging creators to preserve cultural integrity even as they engage with global audiences. 'The best thing you can do is to be authentic to your own culture. If a foreigner asks me to suggest a film to watch, I would not recommend a movie shot in New York or London, but a film set in the heartland of our own country.'
Arabian Business
26-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai 100: The names, trends, and sectors shaping the city's future
Every year, the Dubai 100 tells a story. It's not just a ranked list of influence – it's a map of where power sits in the UAE, where it's shifting, and who's about to reshape the future. Some names are expected, almost perennial. Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar, once again leads the ranking. His real estate empire still dominates the skyline – and the headlines. But what's just as telling as who's on top is who's new to the conversation. Two-thirds of this year's names didn't appear in 2024. That's not a shuffle. It's a tectonic shift. And if you read the list closely – if you look past the rankings and into the sectors, the trajectories, the job titles – it reveals a deeper narrative: Dubai's centre of gravity is moving. From finance to tech. From boardrooms to creator platforms. From established CEOs to public-sector visionaries. Power in Dubai isn't vanishing. It's multiplying – and migrating. A new set of power brokers Some of the new names carry legacy weight. Abdulla Al Futtaim, who helms one of the most powerful conglomerates in the region, debuts this year at #4. His family's reach spans retail, real estate, and automotive sectors foundational to the emirate's economy. Others represent a new kind of influence: cultural, digital, and public-facing. Balqees Fathi, an Emirati-Yemeni singer and businesswoman, enters the top 10. So does Anas Bukhash, the media entrepreneur and host of the hit interview show ABtalks. These aren't just personalities; they're builders – of audiences, of brand ecosystems, of soft power. The list also welcomes Tomaso Rodriguez, the CEO of Talabat, and Magnus Olsson, co-founder of Careem. Together, they represent the growing weight of platform-based businesses – companies that sit at the intersection of logistics, data, and urban life. And then there's Samia Bouazza, the force behind Multiply Group, which in many ways is emblematic of a rising investment class: diversified, data-driven, and not tied to a single sector. This isn't just about fresh names. It's about new archetypes of leadership. The sectors that are rising If you compare this year's list to 2024's, one sector stands out in its ascent: the public sector. In 2024, it was rare to find government officials on the Dubai 100. In 2025, you'll find them scattered across the top 50. Helal Al Marri (Director General, Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism). Mattar Al Tayer (Director General, RTA). Abdulla Al Karam (KHDA). These aren't bureaucrats in the conventional sense – they are policy entrepreneurs, steering some of the most ambitious transformations in urban planning, education, and economic diversification. Also rising: technology, media, and what might broadly be called the 'influence economy.' The inclusion of figures like fashion influencer Jessica Kahawaty and Rashed 'Money Kicks' Belhasa shows a growing acknowledgment of cultural capital as a form of economic power. But the big story isn't any single sector – it's the interplay. Dubai is doubling down on hybrid power: public-private collaborations, tech-retail fusions, creator-led brands. The barriers between sectors are softening, and the people atop this year's list are the ones moving between them most effectively. Who's rising – and still defining the moment Amid the remarkable turnover on this year's list, several figures stand out not just for their presence, but for their ascent. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, a long-standing titan of finance, has climbed sharply to the #2 position – a move that reflects renewed focus on financial stewardship and local investment. Shamsheer Vayalil, the healthcare magnate behind Burjeel Holdings, has also surged upward, symbolizing the increasing weight of health innovation and private sector medical infrastructure. Then there are the figures who continue to shape Dubai's narrative from positions of enduring influence: Mohamed Alabbar, whose Emaar developments remain architectural shorthand for the city itself; Hussain Sajwani of DAMAC; and Sir Tim Clark of Emirates, whose role in global aviation continues to anchor Dubai as a transit and trade hub. Their continued relevance – alongside the rise of new voices in tech, policy, and culture – is proof that influence here is earned and evolving. In Dubai, reinvention doesn't mean replacement. It means rising to meet the moment. The takeaway: Dubai's economy is telling a new story There's a temptation to read power lists as scoreboards. Who's up? Who's out? But the Dubai 100 works better as a temperature check – on what kinds of influence the city values, and on who's being given permission to lead. This year, the story is clear: power is diffusing. It's moving outward into culture, into public policy, into technology. And it's being claimed by a wider array of actors than ever before – some with family legacies, others with just a smartphone and a sharp sense of audience. Dubai has always been a city that bet on reinvention. The 2025 Dubai 100 shows us who it's betting on now. Global talent, local power One of Dubai's enduring superpowers is its ability to attract global talent. According to the Dubai Statistics Center and the World Population Review, more than 85 per cent of the city's population is expatriate – an environment that encourages cross-border entrepreneurship and international collaboration. The 2025 list reflects that magnetism: 54 of the individuals are Emiratis, while 46 are expatriates – representing a near-even split that speaks to the city's openness and multicultural leadership pipeline. These expatriates hail from across South Asia, the broader MENA region, Europe, and North America. This isn't just diversity for show; it's a foundational part of Dubai's economic engine, combining local stewardship with global fluency. The rise of next-gen leadership Generational change is another clear narrative in this year's list. At least a quarter of the 2025 Dubai 100 are under the age of 45, signalling a shift toward next-generation leadership. These rising stars are often at the intersection of disciplines – think Tomaso Rodriguez, who leads Talabat's digital logistics empire; Samia Bouazza, driving investment strategy through data at Multiply Group; and Farah Zafar, bridging law, innovation, and public policy. Their presence illustrates Dubai's appetite for boundary-crossing thinkers with both institutional fluency and entrepreneurial instinct. Big movers, bold momentum Some familiar names didn't just stay on the list – they climbed. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair's ascent to #2 is a case in point, underpinned by Mashreq Bank's strong fintech orientation and his family's growing impact through the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education. Shamsheer Vayalil's rise reflects Burjeel Holdings' IPO success and regional healthcare expansion. Meanwhile, Kabir Mulchandani's repositioning of FIVE Hotels & Resorts into a lifestyle brand has drawn international attention, earning him a higher slot in 2025. Public-private fusion is the new normal Dubai has long talked about public-private partnerships – but in 2025, we're seeing full-blown integration. Leaders like Helal Al Marri are at the forefront of economic planning, tourism strategy, and private sector mobilisation. His leadership at the Department of Economy and Tourism has been pivotal to the city's post-pandemic recovery. The KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) under Abdulla Al Karam is working hand-in-hand with private education providers. Meanwhile, RTA's Mattar Al Tayer is helping enable smart mobility startups through regulatory sandboxes and public pilot programmes. These are not just public servants – they are ecosystem architects. Five takeaways from the 2025 Dubai 100 Power is Turning Over Rapidly. Sixty-six out of the 100 names are new to the list this year. That level of churn isn't cosmetic – it's structural. It shows how fluid and opportunity-rich Dubai's power ecosystem really is. Influence Is a Public-Private Construct. The rise of government leaders like Helal Al Marri and Mattar Al Tayer reflects the growing integration of public vision and private execution. Today's most impactful figures often operate at the intersection of both. Global Talent, Local Strength. With 54 Emiratis and 46 expatriates, the Dubai 100 is nearly a 50/50 split – proof that the city's model of global talent meets local ownership is not only alive but accelerating. Younger Voices Are Rising. At least 25 per cent of the list is under age 45. These are leaders fluent in digital, fluent in disruption, and increasingly central to the region's transformation. Industry Power is Broadening. Real estate and finance still feature prominently, but newer forces like tech, retail, media, and public policy are driving a wider distribution of influence. Leadership today isn't bound to legacy sectors – it's shaped by momentum across many of them. Taken together, these shifts reflect not just the new faces of Dubai, but the new forces shaping it. What to watch in 2026 Several undercurrents suggest what might define next year's Dubai 100. Green tech and ESG-focused investments are gaining traction as Dubai ramps up its climate commitments post-COP28. AI-powered platforms are being adopted across government and enterprise, hinting at a new crop of algorithm-age executives. And with the UAE's space ambitions accelerating – thanks to missions like the Emirates Mars Mission and the UAE Astronaut Programme – expect more representation from aerospace and advanced R&D. If 2025 was about convergence, 2026 may spotlight the vanguard.
Arabian Business
26-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai 100: From ABtalks to Multiply, the faces of influence are changing
The 2025 Dubai 100 has its familiar names. Mohamed Alabbar, still at #1. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, now at #2. Sir Tim Clark, holding his position as one of aviation's most important figures. But what makes this year's list different isn't who's stayed. It's who's joined. Anas Bukhash, media entrepreneur and host of ABtalks, is now a top-10 figure. That's not just a nod to audience size – it's a recognition of impact. Bukhash builds platforms that don't just inform – they shape how people across the region see identity, success, and ambition. His rise signals a broader truth: today, media presence is not secondary. It's central. Alongside him is Balqees Fathi, an Emirati-Yemeni artist, businesswoman, and cultural voice. Like Bukhash, her power doesn't sit neatly in a job title. It lives in her ability to engage millions, launch ventures, and move seamlessly between entertainment and entrepreneurship. Tech leaders are also taking up more space. Tomaso Rodriguez at Talabat and Magnus Olsson at Careem are part of a group that doesn't just run companies – they help shape how Dubai moves, orders, and connects. Their influence is embedded in the daily routines of the city. Then there's the public sector. Names like Helal Al Marri and Abdulla Al Karam now rank prominently not just because of their titles, but because of their execution. These leaders are driving reforms in tourism, education, and mobility – and doing it in partnership with private players. It's not symbolic collaboration. It's structural. The demographic story matters, too. Nearly half of the list is made up of expatriates. One in four are under 45. This isn't a footnote – it's a signal. Dubai's idea of leadership is widening to reflect its population: diverse, ambitious, and deeply international. What the Dubai 100 makes clear is that the old lines – between sectors, between roles, between public and private – are fading. What's emerging instead is a new set of builders. People who move across industries, shape audiences, and create momentum. This is what influence looks like in Dubai today – and it's already pointing to what 2026 may bring.
Web Release
22-03-2025
- Business
- Web Release
BRIDGE Summit, National Media Office Showcases BRIDGE Summit at Annual Ramadan Gathering
His Excellency Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, on Wednesday showcased the UAE's newly announced BRIDGE Summit. Reaffirming the UAE's commitment, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to strengthening international cooperation in the media sector, HE Al Hamed said the nation recognises media as a key pillar of progress, a catalyst for positive change, and a driver of a more prosperous and sustainable future. These comments came during His Excellency's participation in a panel discussion titled 'How 'BRIDGE' is Shaping Media's Future?' The session was moderated by Anas Bukhash, Entrepreneur & Interviewer, Host of #ABtalks, as part of the annual Ramadan gathering organized by the National Media Office (NMO), held on Wednesday in Dubai. Speaking at the gathering, HE Al Hamed introduced the BRIDGE Summit to an audience of senior officials, media leaders, and industry experts. The summit, a long-term global initiative designed to connect East and West, enhance media integration, and keep pace with digital advancements, was launched by the NMO during a special ceremony in Washington DC on 10 March. HE Al Hamed said: 'Our gathering coincides with Zayed Humanitarian Day, a momentous occasion in the UAE's calendar. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan firmly believed that media is more than a communication tool—it is a humanitarian force that fosters goodwill and peace. His vision laid the foundation for a credible, respectful, and impactful media landscape. The BRIDGE Summit builds on this legacy, offering a global platform that leverages media for the greater good in line with our belief that media should unite, not divide.' Shaping the Future of Media HE Al Hamed said: 'Our goal is to establish the BRIDGE Summit as a global benchmark for anticipating the future of media, driving industry transformation, and strengthening its contribution to the global economy. The summit will facilitate knowledge exchange, explore emerging technologies, and build bridges between media institutions, academia, and businesses.' He also described how rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and digital technologies are reshaping the media landscape. In response to these trends, the BRIDGE Summit aims to provide a global forum for international collaboration, addressing industry challenges and ensuring sustainability through innovation, transparency, and credibility. He added: 'BRIDGE is not just an event—it is a movement; it is the UAE's invitation to the world to collaborate in uplifting media's role in society. By forging strategic partnerships with global media organisations, we aim to develop an international framework that ensures ethical and responsible media practices in the digital age.' The BRIDGE initiative is a year-round effort to foster engagement, develop solutions for evolving media challenges, and champion innovation. Furthermore, the summit reinforces the idea that media is a shared responsibility—advancing it requires collaboration, and a commitment to sound ethics, truth and transparency. HE Al Hamed also announced the launch of the BRIDGE Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering media professionals, promoting responsible journalism, and positioning media as a transformative force in development and positive change, in line with the UAE's commitment to investing in talent and ensuring a resilient, future-ready media sector. A Call for Global Engagement In closing, HE Al Hamed urged policymakers, media leaders, and decision-makers to engage with BRIDGE as a dynamic platform for dialogue and collaboration. HE Al Hamed said: 'Our success depends on open communication and a shared commitment to using media as a force for good. Let us work together to shape the future, build knowledge networks, and establish BRIDGE as a gateway to a more responsible and impactful media industry.' Following HE Al Hamed's address, His Excellency Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Director-General of the National Media Office, provided further insights into the BRIDGE Summit's key themes. He emphasised its role in driving international media collaboration, keeping pace with digital advancements, and fostering meaningful dialogue among media leaders and experts. Dr. Al Kaabi announced that Abu Dhabi will host the BRIDGE Summit from 8-10 December 2025, bringing together heads of state, CEOs, policymakers, and media professionals to shape the future of media. Emphasizing that BRIDGE is the UAE's 'gift to the world', Dr. Al Kaabi said the summit will also feature a media production exhibition showcasing cutting-edge innovations from leading national, regional, and global media companies. Dr. Al Kaabi said the BRIDGE Summit will also serve as a hub for media entrepreneurship, creating new opportunities for innovation and creativity. The event will provide a dynamic platform for media startups and innovators to present their ideas, connect with investors, and expand their presence in global markets. Panel discussions The NMO's annual Ramadan gathering hosted a panel discussion titled 'Legacy vs. Disruptors: How has the Media Evolved Through Eras of Change'. The session featured Rani R. Raad, CEO, IMI, President and Operating Partner of RedBird IMI and was moderated by Richard Attias, Founder & Chairman, Richard Attias & Associates. The event also included a panel titled 'From Newsrooms to Algorithms: Who Controls the Future of Media?' The discussion featured Arya Bolurfrushan, Founder & CEO, Applied AI, Julien Hawari, CEO of Million, Marwan Kai, CEO of Media International Services Gulf, and Aaina Pahwa, Digital Content Creator, and was moderated by Becky Anderson, Journalist & Anchor at CNN.
Campaign ME
21-03-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
UAE Media Council spotlights BRIDGE initiative to spur media ethics in the AI age
The UAE National Media Office (NMO) hosted its annual Ramadan gathering in Dubai on Wednesday, where it showcased the UAE's newly announced BRIDGE Summit – a long-term global initiative designed to enhance media integration, keep pace with digital advancements, enhance media ethics and accountability in the age of AI, train young cohorts within the next generation of media professionals, and more. His Excellency Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, reaffirmed the UAE's commitment, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to strengthen international cooperation in the media sector. The BRIDGE initiative is a year-round effort to foster engagement, develop solutions for evolving media challenges, and champion innovation. Furthermore, the summit reinforces the idea that media is a shared responsibility — advancing it requires collaboration, and a commitment to sound ethics, truth and transparency. HE Al Hamed also announced the launch of the BRIDGE Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering media professionals, promoting responsible journalism, and positioning media as a transformative force in development and positive change, in line with the UAE's commitment to investing in talent and ensuring a resilient, future-ready media sector. Campaign Middle East was present at the event where HE Al Hamed said the UAE recognises the media as a key pillar of progress, a catalyst for positive change and a driver of a more prosperous and sustainable future. During a panel discussion titled 'How Is 'BRIDGE' Shaping the Media's Future?' moderated by entrepreneur and host of #ABtalks Anas Bukhash, the Chairman of the NMO, HE Al Hamed said, 'Our gathering coincides with Zayed Humanitarian Day, a momentous occasion in the UAE's calendar. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan firmly believed that media is more than a communication tool — it is a humanitarian force that fosters goodwill and peace. His vision laid the foundation for a credible, respectful, and impactful media landscape.' 'The BRIDGE Summit builds on this legacy, offering a global platform that leverages media for the greater good in line with our belief that media should unite, not divide.' 'The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan firmly believed that media is more than a communication tool — it is a humanitarian force that fosters goodwill and peace. His vision laid the foundation for a credible, respectful, and impactful media landscape.' Shaping the future of media through the BRIDGE initiative HE Al Hamed also described how rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and digital technologies are reshaping the media landscape. In response to these trends, the BRIDGE Summit aims to provide a global forum for international collaboration, addressing industry challenges and ensuring sustainability through innovation, transparency and credibility. HE Al Hamed said, 'Our goal is to establish the BRIDGE Summit as a global benchmark for anticipating the future of media, driving industry transformation and strengthening its contribution to the global economy. The summit will facilitate knowledge exchange, explore emerging technologies and build bridges between media institutions, academia, and businesses.' He added, 'BRIDGE is not just an event—it is a movement; it is the UAE's invitation to the world to collaborate in uplifting media's role in society. By forging strategic partnerships with global media organisations, we aim to develop an international framework that ensures ethical and responsible media practices in the digital age.' In closing, HE Al Hamed urged policymakers, media leaders and decision-makers to engage with BRIDGE as a dynamic platform for dialogue and collaboration. HE Al Hamed said, 'Our success depends on open communication and a shared commitment to using media as a force for good. Let us work together to shape the future, build knowledge networks, and establish BRIDGE as a gateway to a more responsible and impactful media industry.' Following HE Al Hamed's address, His Excellency Dr Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Director-General of the National Media Office, provided further insights into the BRIDGE Summit's key themes. He emphasised its role in driving international media collaboration, keeping pace with digital advancements, and fostering meaningful dialogue among media leaders and experts. Dr. Al Kaabi announced that Abu Dhabi will host the BRIDGE Summit from 8-10 December 2025, bringing together heads of state, CEOs, policymakers, and media professionals to shape the future of media. Emphasising that BRIDGE is the UAE's 'gift to the world', Dr. Al Kaabi said the summit will also feature a media production exhibition showcasing cutting-edge innovations from leading national, regional, and global media companies. Dr. Al Kaabi said the BRIDGE Summit will also serve as a hub for media entrepreneurship, creating new opportunities for innovation and creativity. The event will provide a dynamic platform for media startups and innovators to present their ideas, connect with investors, and expand their presence in global markets. The NMO's annual Ramadan gathering also featuerd a fireside chat and a panel discussion titled 'Legacy vs. Disruptors: How has the Media Evolved Through Eras of Change'. The fireside chat welcomed Rani R. Raad, CEO, IMI, President and Operating Partner of RedBird IMI on stage and was moderated by Richard Attias, Founder and Chairman, Richard Attias & Associates. The event also included a panel titled 'From Newsrooms to Algorithms: Who Controls the Future of Media?' The discussion featured Arya Bolurfrushan, Founder & CEO, Applied AI; Julien Hawari, CEO of Million; Marwan Kai, CEO of Media International Services Gulf; and Aaina Pahwa, Digital Content Creator, and was moderated by Becky Anderson, Journalist and Anchor at CNN.
