Latest news with #MonaAlMarri
Emirates 24/7
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Emirates 24/7
Mona Al Marri discusses role of youth in shaping media landscape
- Mona Al Marri discusses role of youth in shaping media landscape with members of the Arab Young Media Leaders Program 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, met with members of the Arab Young Media Leaders Program, organised by the Arab Youth Center. The inspiring session was moderated by Sadeq Jarrar, Executive Director of the Arab Youth Center. The meeting took place on the first day of the Arab Media Summit, which runs until 28 May in Dubai, as part of the Arab Youth Media Forum's activities. During the meeting, one of a series organised by the programme, Her Excellency Al Marri highlighted key aspects of the media landscape in the UAE and the region and shed light on experiences in supporting and empowering youth in this vital sector. In the presence of His Excellency Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to His Highness the UAE President, along with several leaders of local and regional media organisations, Her Excellency Al Marri shed light the pioneering role of the Dubai Press Club and its various initiatives, most notably the Arab Media Summit. She highlighted the Summit's main events, including the Arab Media Forum, the Arab Youth Media Forum, and the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit, in addition to the Arab Media Award, the Ibda'a – Arab Youth Media Award, and the Arab Social Media Influencers Award. Her Excellency emphasised that a significant part of these initiatives focuses on youth, underscoring their commitment to nurturing young media talent and providing a fertile environment for creativity through specialised awards and supportive training programmes. Her Excellency also spoke about the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in empowering youth and involving them in decision-making positions, giving them ample space to contribute to planning, ideation, and implementation, especially in areas related to shaping the future. Her Excellency Al Marri stressed the importance of youth possessing passion, perseverance, and patience, noting that opportunities are not waited for but created. She pointed out that thinking outside the box and the ability to read and analyse the media landscape are essential tools for creating opportunities today in a highly competitive environment. She also emphasised the importance of specialisation, particularly in cultural and historical content, linking it to the art of storytelling as one of the most important aspects of media influence. Her Excellency explained that it is essential for young people to have the skills necessary to keep pace with modern technologies and to master the art of storytelling in all its forms. In conclusion, Her Excellency stressed the importance of taking the initiative, saying: "Those who don't have a story to tell will become part of a story told by others. We must tell our stories in multiple languages and using modern tools that befit the talents and skills we possess.' Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Emirates 24/7
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Emirates 24/7
Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid honours winners of Ibda'a - Arab Youth Media Award
- Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid highlights the evolving role of media, not merely as a channel for news delivery, but as a powerful force in shaping minds, values, and public opinion - Award recognises exceptional student achievements across six categories Mona Al Marri: Ibda'a – Arab Youth Media Award reflects the Mohammed bin Rashid's vision to empower Arab youth and prepare them to lead the future of regional media Maryam Al Mulla: We are confident the future of media is being written with the ideas and limitless ambition of our youth As part of the opening day of the Arab Media Summit 2025, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum honoured the winners of the ninth edition of the 'Ibda'a – Arab Youth Media Award'. The award ceremony was organised by the Dubai Press Club, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. The Arab Media Summit is taking place from 26 to 28 May 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum congratulated the winners across the award's diverse categories, commending their outstanding and original creative contributions. The award ceremony, attended by Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club, recognised exceptional student achievements across six categories. Ahmed Samir Badwan from Al Ain University was honoured for excellence in the Photography category, while Abdullah Khaled Ali, from the Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai, received the award in the Multimedia category. Judy Mohamed Zaki, representing the American University in Cairo, was celebrated in the Short Video category. In E-Games, the award went to Amina Saleh Al-Tunaiji from the Higher Colleges of Technology in Ras Al Khaimah. A team from Yarmouk University in Jordan was recognised for their outstanding work in the News Reports category, and a team from King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia won top honours in the Podcast category. On the occasion, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum underscored the importance of celebrating young Arab talent in media, describing it as a vital step toward building a more conscious, informed, and influential Arab future. His Highness highlighted the evolving role of media, not merely as a channel for news delivery, but as a powerful force in shaping minds, values, and public opinion. His Highness also recognised the high quality of submissions this year, reaffirming Dubai's ongoing commitment to supporting Arab media and nurturing creative talent across the region. Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, said that the Ibda'a – Arab Youth Media Award, reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to empower Arab youth and prepare them to lead the future of regional media. She noted that under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the initiative has become a key platform for young Arab talent to showcase their creativity and contribute to shaping a more dynamic media landscape. Al Marri noted that honouring the ninth edition's winners at the Arab Media Summit 2025 represents a significant step in empowering emerging media voices. She commended the originality and strong social consciousness evident in this year's submissions, reaffirming Dubai's position as a driving force for media innovation and a steadfast partner for Arab media. The Ibda'a Award attracted 2,736 entries from across the Arab world, which were evaluated by a panel of media experts and specialists. The Dubai Press Club established clear criteria to ensure a fair and transparent judging process, guaranteeing equal opportunities for all participants. Each winning entry received a cash prize of $5,000. Submissions were required to be original, non-promotional, and submitted in either Arabic or English. Participants affirmed exclusive ownership of the intellectual property rights to their work, with the Organising Committee reserving the right to feature entries or excerpts for promotional use. Ahead of the award ceremony, Maryam Al Mulla, Acting Director of the Dubai Press Club delivered the welcome note at the Arab Youth Media Forum. Expressing Dubai's pride in hosting the event on the first day of the Arab Media Summit 2025, she said: 'We are pleased to come together once again in a city that has made a promise to be a partner in shaping the future, a future led by young people who are passionate about excellence and eager to make tomorrow better,' she said. Al Mulla affirmed the role of youth in shaping the future of the media sector, stating: 'Throughout every great era of progress, it was a young generation that carried the dream, believed in it, and pursued it with passion. As we gather today, we are confident the future of media is being written with the ideas and limitless ambition of our youth.' 'Our goal is to help shape a media landscape defined by a deep sense of identity and belonging, rooted in our values, culture and traditions, and empowered by technology that is redrawing the contours of the world around us.' Highlighting Dubai's long-term investment in building a globally competitive media environment, Al Mulla said: 'Driven by its belief in the power of media to effect positive change, Dubai laid the foundations decades ago — building one of the world's most advanced digital infrastructures. Today, the city is home to leading Arab and international media institutions.' She concluded her remarks with a message to young creators: 'Let us work together to create a media space where every idea can thrive, every story is told, and every hope takes root, led by the dedication of young people and their drive to push creative boundaries.' Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Arab News
5 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Future is for those who can imagine it, Arab News Editor says at AMF reception
DUBAI: As part of a series of initiatives marking its 50th anniversary, Arab News hosted a special reception and talk in collaboration with Google on the opening day of the Arab Media Forum, reflecting on five decades of events that shaped the Middle East and exploring the future of the region's media landscape. During the reception, held at the Dubai Future Foundation under the theme 'Reimagining the Future of Media,' Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, addressed the challenges facing the media industry and how emerging technologies are reshaping its future. 'The future does not wait, the future is already here, and we should remember that the future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it and execute it, as Dubai Ruler H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid always says,' said Abbas. 'As an industry, we have suffered far too long from paralysis by analysis,' he added. 'While artificial intelligence is evolving every day, we should simply just do it and remember that amateurs talk strategy, while professionals talk logistics, as the late World War II general, Omar Bradley, once said.' For her part, Mona Al-Marri, director-general of Dubai Media Office, Government of Dubai, welcomed the attendees and congratulated Arab News on its 50th anniversary in her opening remarks. 'Congratulations to the entire Arab News team,' she said, noting the newspaper's pivotal role in the regional media landscape and its long-standing contribution to the Arab Media Summit since its inception 23 years ago — 'whether through participation, contribution, or by organizing events like this.' Al-Marri praised the leadership of Abbas, saying that 'having a young editor-in-chief running such a major platform makes' a real difference. 'How can we transform such a platform into digital? Today's (event) actually marks the importance of having such collaboration, like with Google and the Dubai Future Foundation, where we feel this is the future of the Arab media. I hope that all media outlets in our region follow in the steps of Arab News, because this is when you set a good working model for the whole region.' 'Arab News is leading this transformation,' she added. In a region where over 50 percent of the population is young, 'we should all follow this model.' Speaking on the future of the industry in his keynote speech, Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, outlined seven key predictions for media over the next year. 'Let's all agree that how we create and consume media is changing dramatically,' he said during his address at the Dubai Future Foundation Auditorium in Emirates Towers. 'Look at the average attention span, which is eight seconds.' He noted how sports consumption has dramatically changed beyond live games and consequently the demand for content has exploded. 'For me, sport is all about pre-game, game, post-game interviews and conversations. And we need to adapt to that.' Belhoul emphasized that this shift is forcing a transformation of media business models. 'New media means new roles,' he said, listing predictions such as AI-generated news anchors, governments licensing content creators, and AI-powered productions by major streaming platforms. He also highlighted the rise of 'slow media' as a cultural counterbalance to viral, unchecked content. He said that the disruptive power of AI — from disinformation to audience mistrust — makes the 'human touch' more vital than ever. 'AI may be the hero of the next media chapter, but self-critique, adaptability and editorial responsibility will define its success,' he said. Now in its 24th edition, the three-day Arab Media Forum in Dubai brings together senior government officials, media executives, thought leaders, and influential content creators from the Arab region and beyond. It is now held under a bigger event called the Arab Media Summit, which includes various other forums and award ceremonies. The summit runs until May 28 and focuses on fostering collaboration among media platforms, senior officials, and governments to create a positive impact on shaping vital sectors of everyday life in the region. In light of this connection, the summit features an impressive lineup of prominent personalities including Nawaf Salam, the prime minister of Lebanon, and Asaad Al-Shaibani, Syria's foreign minister, among others. A panel discussion featuring information ministers from several Arab countries explores the future of public media and strategies to strengthen collaboration with the private sector. Ghassan Salameh, Lebanon's minister of culture, will share insights on the media's role in shaping a path toward regional stability, while prominent media figure Piers Morgan is set to address the summit audience in a key session. Addressing the pivotal role of AI in reshaping the media landscape, Anthony Nakache, managing director of Google MENA, highlighted Google's initiatives and products aimed at enhancing user experience and supporting content creation in an era of rapid digital transformation. He said: 'Since Google was founded, our mission has been to organize the world information, make it universally accessible and useful for everyone. 26 years later, that vision has not changed, and we are actually more committed to it than ever.' 'We considered exploring new initiatives such as the AI Launch Lab with FT Strategies and the Google News initiative and FT Strategies AI design sprint in collaboration with The Saudi Ministry of Media and the UAE Media Council.' He added: 'By (choosing) to invest in innovation, to uphold the highest standards of quality information, and by empowering journalists to use AI tools and digital solutions, we can all together forge a very dynamic and successful future for journalism in the region. A great example of that is what we are going to showcase tonight, which is our partnership with Arab News that is now exploring the latest of our AI tools to create new ways to engage with their audience.' Nakache said he was 'very excited' about the upcoming Arab News podcast series powered by Google's latest AI tool, NotebookLM 2, a smart note-taking solution that automatically generates podcasts. The tool was recently recognized as one of the most innovative AI solutions of 2024 by Time magazine. 'But the best (results come) when it is put in the hands of journalists, creating magic for users,' he added. Monday evening concluded with the announcement of Arab News' collaboration with Google for a special podcast series titled 'Recounting the Moments that Changed the Middle East.' The five-episode podcast series spans five decades, with each episode focusing on a pivotal decade in Middle East history — from 1975 to the present. Produced using NotebookLM, Google's AI-powered research tool, the project employed artificial hosts and AI-generated voices to narrate major events that shaped the region, highlighting how emerging technology can support storytelling, research and historical reflection in modern journalism. You can access the podcast by visiting
Emirates 24/7
19-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Ahmed bin Mohammed chairs first meeting of newly formed Dubai Media Council; reviews progress of key strategic initiatives
His Highness : Under Mohammed bin Rashid's guidance, we are accelerating efforts to build a future-ready media sector that reflects Dubai's global aspirations : Under Mohammed bin Rashid's guidance, we are accelerating efforts to build a future-ready media sector that reflects Dubai's global aspirations Sheikh Ahmed reviews roadmap for strengthening Dubai's status as a global filmmaking hub, based on outcomes of recent industry retreat Mona Al Marri : From attracting international productions to helping local media talent break into global markets, our strategy is about unlocking new opportunities and positioning Dubai as a vital player in the global landscape : From attracting international productions to helping local media talent break into global markets, our strategy is about unlocking new opportunities and positioning Dubai as a vital player in the global landscape Nehal Badri: Our focus is on building an ecosystem that keeps pace with global innovation while remaining responsive to the evolving needs of the industry His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, chaired the first meeting of the newly formed council, following the issuance of Decree No. (24) of 2025 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. During the meeting, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed reviewed the progress of key initiatives shaping a new phase of growth across the emirate's media landscape. The meeting was attended by Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the council, Her Excellency Nehal Badri, Secretary General of the council, and other members, including His Excellency Malek Al Malek, Her Excellency Hala Badri, Her Excellency Aisha Miran, His Excellency Mohammed Ali Lootah, His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, His Excellency Issam Kazim, His Excellency Mohamed Al Mulla, Abdullah Belhoul, Younus Al Nasser, and Arif Amiri. During the session, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed assessed progress in implementing the outcomes of its recent film industry retreat, which set forward strategies to enhance Dubai's standing as a major filmmaking hub. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, said: 'Dubai's media sector is entering a new period of transformation, with a strategy focused on talent development, enhanced regulatory frameworks and the adoption of advanced technologies. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we are accelerating efforts to build a future-ready media sector that reflects Dubai's global aspirations.' 'Our goal is to establish an integrated ecosystem that provides an enabling environment for emerging media sectors and film production to flourish. The media industry is a vital contributor to Dubai's broader economic ambitions and a key pillar of our knowledge and innovation-driven future. The Dubai Media Council is committed to building a world-class media industry that supports the emirate's development journey and reinforces Dubai's position as a major global centre for the creative economy.' Outcomes of film industry retreat The council also reviewed the outcomes of the film industry retreat hosted recently by the newly established commission, Dubai Films and Games. The retreat, held in February, brought together global and local production companies, filmmakers, producers, and key public and private sector stakeholders to assess the current state of the UAE film industry and shape a unified strategy for its future growth. A comprehensive report presented at the meeting outlined the retreat's key findings, built around four strategic themes: enhancing production infrastructure, expanding marketing and distribution, nurturing talent, and advancing regulatory and policy frameworks. The discussions identified critical challenges and proposed actionable solutions to harness the industry's full potential. Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, said: 'Dubai's media landscape is gaining strong momentum, powered by the adoption of emerging technologies and a new generation of creative talent. Today, media serves not only as a driver of innovation and growth, but also as a platform for cultural storytelling and the expression of national identity. By transforming governance, investing in talent, and easing regulatory pathways, we are working to reinforce Dubai's emergence as a destination for industry excellence. From attracting international productions to helping local talent break into global markets, our strategy is about unlocking new opportunities and establishing Dubai as a vital player in the global landscape.' 'Under the direction of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we continue to enhance our capabilities to contribute to strategic national priorities. We also aim to strengthen the council's role in accelerating the growth of the film and gaming sectors,' she added. Her Excellency Nehal Badri, Secretary General of the Dubai Media Council, said: 'As Dubai's media sector expands, so too must the systems that support it. Our focus is on building an ecosystem that keeps pace with innovation while remaining responsive to the changing needs of the industry. Following the recent film industry retreat, we are implementing recommendations to enhance regulatory frameworks and permit processes, and streamline procedures across government entities to support industry efficiency. The newly established entities Dubai Films and Games and the Dubai Media Regulatory Office are key enablers of the council's strategy to create a supportive ecosystem that reinforces Dubai's growth as a global media hub.' The session also reviewed preparations for the Arab Media Summit, scheduled for 26–28 May 2025, which will bring together regional and global media leaders for dialogue and knowledge exchange on vital industry issues. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Emirates 24/7
19-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai Press Club partners with IMI Group
- Dubai Press Club partners with IMI Group to empower media talent at Arab Media Summit 2025 -Leading global media group to host expert-led training workshops at the Summit, featuring professionals with hands-on industry experience Mona Al Marri: Our partnership with IMI and its Media Academy supports our goal to empower the next generation of content creators with the tools, insights and skills to elevate their impact Rani R. Raad: As a Strategic Media Partner, IMI is committed to shaping the future of our industry amid the rapid rise of AI and emerging technologies IMI, a leading global media group headquartered in the UAE, has announced its participation as a Strategic Media Partner in the Arab Media Summit 2025, to be held 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, organised by the Dubai Press Club, will take place from 26 to 28 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The partnership reflects IMI's commitment to supporting the development of the media sector and shaping its future. As part of its participation, IMI will host a series of expert-led sessions and workshops at the Summit venue, delivered by professionals from IMI Media Academy – IMI's = dedicated training and talent development arm – in collaboration with Dubai Press Club. The sessions aim to equip the next generation of media professionals across the region with skills aligned with the rapidly evolving digital media ecosystem. The workshops will offer participants valuable, newsroom-tested insights and highlight global best practices drawn from IMI's international media network. Topics will include harnessing artificial intelligence for compelling visual storytelling, mastering news editing during peak hours, and other emerging trends and future-focused discussions. Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Chairperson of the Summit's Organising Committee, said: 'The Arab Media Summit serves as a vital platform for shaping the future of the media sector through collaboration, innovation, and dialogue among leading voices in Arab media. Our partnership with IMI and its Media Academy supports our goal to empower the next generation of content creators with the tools, insights and skills to elevate their impact and drive progress across the Arab media landscape.' Rani Raad, CEO of IMI and President and Operating Partner of Redbird IMI, said: 'We are proud to join this important gathering hosted by the Dubai Press Club. As a Strategic Media Partner, IMI is committed to shaping the future of our industry amid the rapid rise of AI and emerging technologies. Through dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and specialised workshops by the IMI Media Academy, we aim to empower talent and help professionals navigate this critical moment of transformation.' IMI's workshops at the Summit will be led by prominent media professionals from across its portfolio, including Sky News Arabia, The National, Al-Ain News, and CNN Business Arabic. These sessions will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the tools, strategies and insights employed by leading journalists and content creators. Participating trainers include Abdallah Abudyak, Head of Development at Sky News Arabia; Fatima Al Mahmoud, Social Media Content Journalist at The National; Enas Refaei, Assistant Editor-in-Chief at The National; Chantal Saliba, News Presenter and Anchor at Sky News Arabia; Lenah Hassaballah, Editor at CNN Business Arabic; Faisal bin Huraiz, Director of IMI Media Academy; Firas Al Ali, Head of Programmes and Podcasts at Al-Ain News; Ahmed Qassem, Presenter and Reporter at Sky News Arabia; and Doaa Farid, Podcast Editor at The National. Together, they will offer deep insights into newsroom practices, content innovation, and emerging storytelling formats. The Arab Media Summit 2025 is expected to attract over 6,000 participants, including senior government officials, media executives, thought leaders, and influential content creators from across the Arab region and beyond. IMI is a leading privately-owned global media group headquartered in Abu Dhabi, operating in 15 countries worldwide. Its portfolio includes premier media brands such as Sky News Arabia – a joint venture with Sky UK – The National, Al-Ain News, and CNN Business Arabic; along with a minority stake in Euronews. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
