Latest news with #ArabMedia
The National
3 days ago
- General
- The National
Middle East media must set the tone for how the region is covered
Few regions consume media as enthusiastically as the Arab world. With growing internet penetration rates, a market for video-on-demand subscription services worth more than $1 billion and millions of young people getting their daily news and information on their smartphones, the Middle East is at the forefront of evolving media trends. It is little wonder then that this week's Arab Media Summit in Dubai has brought together more than 300 speakers and 6,000 participants, among them Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Dr Ahmed El Tayeb and British media personality Piers Morgan. They joined many other notable voices – from influencers to editors – across journalism, digital content creation and communications, all seeking to chart a future for the region's media. It is a future that is exciting and bright but also challenging. For many years, the Middle East been portrayed in a one-dimensional fashion. Outdated tropes about unending conflict and militancy have arisen time and again in news reports, TV series and feature films, often side-lining the voices of the region's people. Therefore, it has been welcome to see the many discussions and insights arising from the summit reflect the vibrancy of media producers in the Arab world, from traditional outlets such as newspaper titles and TV channels to social media platforms and film production. However, in challenging times this vibrancy must also be matched by responsibility, especially when it comes to news reporting. Speaking at the summit on Tuesday, Dr El Tayeb, who is also chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, said Arab media 'has the biggest role in disclosing and showing the injustices in Gaza and keeping the Palestinian cause at the front of nations' minds'. He is right to suggest that it is journalists from the Middle East who should be the ones setting the tone for how the region's stories – good and bad – are told. It is critical that media owners, journalists and content creators meet at events such as Dubai's Arab Media Summit to shape the conversation To drive moves towards more holistic coverage of the Middle East, it is important for media outlets to dig deeper and focus on life in the region as it is lived, not as it is reported on from outside. Beshara, a weekly online newsletter published by The National, works to fulfil this mission by focusing on solutions-oriented stories, and positive developments, highlighting the work being done in the UAE and other parts of the Middle East to tackle some of society's most pressing problems. In a wider sense, the media has a social role to play. Speaking before the first day of the summit, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and chairman of the Dubai Media Council, called the media "a vital partner in development and a key driver of social awareness'. Well-informed societies tend to make better choices, and in an age of misinformation and widespread social media use – in essence, humanity having a real-time conversation with itself – it is important that media owners, journalists and content creators meet at events such as the Arab Media Summit to shape the conversation.
Asharq Al-Awsat
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat Wins Arab Journalism Award for Investigative Reporting
Asharq Al-Awsat was honored with the Arab Journalism Award in the Investigative Reporting category at the 24th Arab Media Summit held in Dubai. The recognition was awarded for journalist Sameh Ellaboody's powerful investigative report, 'The Final Voyage of the Infamous 'Salt' Ship', which examined the tragic sinking of a deteriorating cargo vessel that claimed the lives of 14 sailors, leaving only one survivor. The report offered a gripping and meticulously detailed account of the disaster, shedding light on the shadowy trade of 'death boats'. It drew on exclusive interviews, most notably with the lone survivor Ahmed Barakat, as well as audio recordings and images capturing the final moments of the doomed voyage. The award reflects Asharq Al-Awsat's commitment to high-impact journalism and its role as a leading voice in Arab media, delivering bold and professional coverage of pressing regional issues. The summit also honored Fakhri Karim, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Iraq's Al-Mada Foundation, with the Media Personality of the Year Award for his decades-long contributions to Arab journalism. He received the award from Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the UAE National Olympic Committee. Meanwhile, Asharq Documentary received the Best Documentary Award for its film 'Under the Rubble,' which explores the human stories that emerged from the destruction in Gaza. The award was presented by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, to channel Director General Mohamed Al Youssi. The film was praised for its emotional depth and unflinching portrayal of life during conflict. 'This recognition highlights the power of documentary storytelling,' Al Youssi said. 'We dedicate it to all who lived through the devastation and to those who helped share their voices amid the silence.'
Emirates 24/7
4 days ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai Press Club unveils ‘Arab Media Outlook - Future Vision' report at Arab Media Summit
The Dubai Press Club today unveiled the 'Arab Media Outlook - Future Vision', a flagship report offering a comprehensive analysis of the media industry across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The report was launched during the Arab Media Summit, taking place in Dubai from 26th to 28th May. Developed in partnership with Dubai Media City, the Knowledge Partner, and Strategy&, the Research Partner of the report, the publication serves as a vital resource for policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, and professionals shaping the future of the region's media landscape. The report underscores the profound transformation underway across the region's media sector, driven by rapid digital disruption, changing audience behaviours, and ambitious national strategies. Spanning five core subsegments—video, audio, publishing, advertising, and gaming—the report highlights the media industry's role as an important driver of economic diversification, job creation, and cultural influence in the region. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club, said, 'The Arab media industry is entering a new phase of its development, shaped by rapid technological change, evolving audience expectations, and new patterns of content consumption. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance the media's role as a partner in progress, we are working to build a globally competitive media ecosystem that plays a greater role in the region's development journey.' 'The 'Arab Media Outlook - Future Vision' report is part of our broader strategy to equip decision-makers with the foresight and insight needed to navigate this transformation. Through detailed analysis and actionable insights, the report outlines both the challenges that must be addressed and the significant opportunities emerging across the media landscape,' she said. 'This report reflects the Dubai Press Club's commitment to advancing a media environment that supports innovation, talent development, and investment, not only in Dubai and the UAE, but across the wider Arab world. Under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, we are pursuing a clear strategy to support media development by fostering creativity, raising professional standards, and enabling the sector to contribute meaningfully to long-term progress. As Dubai continues to grow as a global content production and creative economy hub, we remain focused on building the partnerships, capabilities and knowledge base that will shape the future of Arab media,' she added. Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Media City, Dubai Production City, and Dubai Studio City, part of TECOM Group PJSC, said, 'The UAE recognises the media sector as a vital pillar that shapes our strategic vision for sustainable development that benefits future generations, and Dubai Media City is proactively shaping its trajectory to inform and enlighten with homegrown storytelling that has global impact.' 'The media industry makes an invaluable contribution to the UAE's and Dubai's creative economy by driving innovation and knowledge creation for the benefit of the region and beyond. As Knowledge Partner of the 'Arab Media Outlook – Future Vision' report, we are reaffirming our commitment to nurturing a globally competitive media landscape that strengthens the vision of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy,' he added. Tarek Matar, Partner in Media and Entertainment at Strategy&, said, 'The Arab media sector is gaining strong momentum, supported by ambitious national visions, expanding digital infrastructure, and a new generation of creative talent. As the region continues to invest in content production, technology, and policy innovation, it is well-positioned to build a dynamic and globally competitive media industry. This report reflects our commitment to providing data-driven insights that enable governments, investors, and media leaders to navigate the evolving landscape and unlock the full potential of the sector.' According to the report, the MENA media market is projected to grow from $17 billion in 2024 to $20.6 billion by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9%. Advertising remains the largest subsegment, accounting for 38% of the market by 2028, followed by video, both of which are undergoing rapid digitalisation. Growth is being led by digital-first formats: internet advertising is expected to grow at 7.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), and gaming at 4.4% CAGR, while traditional media show a decline. Over-the-Top (OTT) video, and music streaming are scaling steadily, while podcasting and esports are emerging as new growth frontiers. The report identifies the video subsegment as the most culturally influential, with OTT adoption rising across all markets. Traditional broadcast models are shifting toward hybrid broadcast-digital models. In the audio space, music streaming accounts for over 80% of revenue, while podcasting, though nascent, is gaining traction, while radio retains strong reach in some countries. The publishing sector is evolving in response to shifting consumption habits, with new momentum seen in e-books, audiobooks, and digital journalism. Major book fairs in the region continue to drive footfall and visibility. Advertising is transitioning decisively to digital, with global platforms like Google, Meta, and TikTok commanding a significant share of spend. Gaming is the fastest-growing subsegment across the region, driven by rising consumer demand, expanded access to platforms, and growing interest in esports. From 2024 to 2028, all major MENA markets are expected to see consistent growth in gaming revenues. Cinema is undergoing a region-wide revival, led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with strong growth also projected in other MENA markets. Annual admissions across most markets in the region are expected to grow 5% to 6% between 2024 and 2028. The report identifies key enablers of sustained growth: modernised regulation; talent development; access to funding; world-class infrastructure; and innovation and research and development (R&D). Key economies in the region are advancing media sector growth through streamlined licensing, updated ownership laws, and clear content classification systems that boost transparency and investor confidence. Funding access is expanding in the region, with major markets offering production incentives, early-stage investments, and grants to support local and international media projects. Artificial intelligence is emerging as a game-changer across the media value chain—from content personalisation and automated news writing to immersive formats in gaming and advertising. While AI is opening new frontiers for monetisation and operational efficiency, the report also highlights regulatory and ethical challenges that must be addressed to ensure sustainable growth. The Arab Media Outlook 2025 also includes global case studies on OTT leadership from advanced markets across the world, offering insights into OTT growth strategies, audio innovation, and advanced advertising models, with practical takeaways for media stakeholders across the Arab world. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Emirates 24/7
4 days ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Ahmed bin Mohammed underscores importance of joint Arab efforts to enhance region's message to the world
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, emphasised the importance of enhancing joint efforts to unify the Arab voice and articulate the region's message to the world. This message, he affirmed, is rooted in a commitment to peace and in empowering people to build a future grounded in stability, progress, and prosperity. His Highness's remarks were made during a meeting with Arab information ministers participating in the Arab Media Summit, which is being held 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. During the meeting, attended by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, His Highness exchanged views with the ministers on the Arab media in the coming phase, particularly the need for intensified cooperation and coordination on critical issues concerning the region and its people. He underscored the pivotal role of the media in shaping narratives and steering outcomes that advance the wellbeing of the Arab region and its people. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed affirmed the UAE's support, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for media and media professionals. This commitment reflects a firm belief in the media's role as a key partner in sustainable development, with the power to drive positive social change, unlock potential, and accelerate progress. The Arab information ministers expressed their deep appreciation for the UAE's efforts and leading role in supporting Arab causes regionally and internationally. They commended the UAE's impactful contributions to advancing human progress through its various projects and initiatives aimed at serving the broader Arab interest. Among these initiatives, they highlighted the Arab Media Summit, organised in Dubai, which seeks to foster dialogue among Arab media leaders and key industry figures. The Summit aims to develop a clear vision for the future of the media sector, affirm its positive impact on creating an Arab renaissance, and mobilising efforts to shape a future of progress and prosperity for the region. The meeting was also attended by His Excellency Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office, and Chairman of the UAE Media Council; Dr. Ramzan bin Abdulla Al Noaimi, Minister of Information of Bahrain; His Excellency Paul Morcos, Minister of Information of Lebanon; and Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, President of the Dubai Press Club, and Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Arab Media Summit. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
The National
4 days ago
- General
- The National
'Show the injustices': Grand Imam of Al Azhar calls on Arab media to rally behind Gaza
The Grand Imam of Al Azhar has called on Arab journalists to focus on the war in Gaza and establish a joint media strategy to protect the truth and Arab identity. Dr Ahmed El Tayeb, who is also chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, said Arab media had a role to play in showing the injustices in Gaza and how its people were being treated. 'Arab media should focus day and night on Gaza's destruction and war and terrible violations that have been criticised by all people of the world for 19 months,' Dr El Tayeb said in keynote speech at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai on Tuesday. 'Arab media has the biggest role in disclosing and showing the injustices in Gaza and keeping the Palestinian cause at the front of nations' minds.' He recalled tragedy of hundreds of Palestinian journalists who were either killed or injured. 'Over 200 journalists in Gaza are martyred and more are injured or have lost their homes and families. This deliberate targeting of journalists aims to silence the truth and to stop the reality of the horrific aggression in Gaza,' he said. Dr El Tayeb said there was a change of stance on the Palestinian cause by many European countries, who were now standing up over what Gaza is facing. He thanked Arab governments for their efforts to provide aid to Gazans. 'I also salute the free people of the world who consider what is happening as humanitarian crime that should stop immediately,' he said. Dr El Tayeb underscored the vital role of media in addressing global challenges, promoting dialogue and supporting societal values. 'Arabs and Muslims have suffered from media damage in the West after being accused of terrorism and being unfair to women,' he said. 'We are still waiting for intensive media efforts to stand against Islamophobia.' Dr El Tayeb said he had held discussions with the late Pope Francis and the Vatican to create a document about the ethics of artificial intelligence, to protect the interests of the public. 'The rapid development of AI should be regulated and surrounded with morality and ethical considerations, in order not to turn into a monster threatening humanity,' he said. 'The document was almost finalised and was about to announce but the Pope passed before we had finished. We are in communicant with Vatican to finish the project.'
