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Al Etihad
6 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
AI risks and opportunity for news industry take centre stage at Arab Media Summit
28 May 2025 00:41 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (DUBAI)The transformative power of AI in the media landscape dominated the agenda at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai on Tuesday, with top regional officials and thought leaders urging media institutions to embrace emerging technologies or risk being left at one of the forum's headline panels, Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office, and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, stressed that adapting to emerging technologies and understanding how to deal with them determines the global competitiveness and relevance of media Hamed noted the global shift from traditional media to technology-driven platforms, emphasising the need for media entities to embrace this transformation.'Media platforms that fail to adapt to modern technologies will vanish,' Al Hamed said, adding the landscape continues to evolve rapidly. He called for the responsible and conscious use of modern Hamed stressed that the media must stay at the forefront of technological change to remain relevant and continue engaging younger against complacency amid rapid tech advancements, he added: 'If you don't learn it today, it will be hard to learn it tomorrow.'Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Noaimi, Minister of Information of Bahrain, highlighted the dual-edged nature of AI's rise in the industry. 'Arab media is at a critical stage due to the entry of AI,' he said. 'There is an opportunity for us to elevate our industry but also the potential to go backwards.'Al Noaimi stressed that successfully integrating AI would depend on more than just innovation, saying that institutional commitment and human adaptability were essential to ensure the proper and ethical utilisation of the technology. He called for comprehensive workforce transformation led by institutions embracing AI from the very top. 'The AI is there to help people, so we need to help them understand it and learn to use it — we need to bring people along.' Credibility amid Faster News Cycles With information cycles moving at a pace that's faster than ever, the media must also deal with the changing expectations of news consumers, said Abdulrahman Al Mutairi, Kuwait's Minister of Information and Culture.'Today, the speed of news is very important, but it must have credibility and accuracy,' Al Mutairi said. 'AI can help in that and should therefore be welcomed — although it needs to be implemented in the right way to ensure this.' Irreplaceable Human Element From a technological perspective, Dr. Marwan Alzarouni, CEO of Artificial Intelligence at Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, envisioned a future where AI lowers barriers to entry and fuels creativity. 'There will be one-person start-ups,' he predicted, highlighting how AI tools could democratise media creation and entrepreneurship. While he acknowledged the novelty and disruptive force of current AI advances, he reminded attendees that humans would remain central. 'Despite all of this advancement, the future will definitely still be human-based.' That human focus was further emphasised by Hamad Al Shirawi, Director of Projects at Dubai Future Foundation, who likened fears surrounding AI to early internet anxieties. 'When you talk about your concerns, it's only natural — just like when the internet came out,' Al Shirawi said. 'It is a wave that we will have to ride, and we will have to learn.' Once considered an optional edge, AI is now a core requirement for success, he added, calling on media professionals to see it as a change to up their game rather than a replacement for their talent. 'It used to be a secret weapon. Now it's a weapon that you must have,' said Al Shirawi. 'Don't be afraid of AI. Embrace it.'
Al Etihad
6 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Media competitiveness tied to tech adoption: Abdulla Al Hamed
27 May 2025 23:01 DUBAI (WAM) Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office, and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, stressed that adapting to emerging technologies and understanding how to deal with them determines the global competitiveness and relevance of media during a ministerial panel at the 23rd edition of the Arab Media Forum, held as part of the second day of the Arab Media Summit 2025 in Dubai, Al Hamed noted the global shift from traditional media to technology-driven platforms, emphasising the need for media entities to embrace this transformation or risk Hamed said, 'Media platforms that fail to adapt to modern technologies will vanish,' adding that we are still at the beginning of this transformation, which continues to evolve rapidly and daily. He called for a responsible and conscious use of modern session brought together several Arab media leaders, including Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Minister of Information and Culture of Kuwait; Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Noaimi, Minister of Information of Bahrain; Ahmed El-Meslemany, Head of Egypt's National Media Authority; and Paul Morcos, Minister of Information of Lebanon. It was moderated by media professional Hind Al Naqbi from Dubai Media stressed the role of Arab media institutions in coping with digital shifts, pointing out that around 70 percent of news consumption occurs through social media platforms. He emphasised the importance of speed, credibility and transparency in building trust with the Arab public and sustaining added that media credibility can be maintained through ethical codes and strategic coordination, ensuring that institutions deliver accurate and meaningful called for a renewed vision of Arab unity based on shared values and common principles rather than ideological agendas, aimed at fostering a more harmonious Arab Morcos emphasised the need for content sharing among Arab media outlets to ease the transition to tech-enabled said the Arab Media Summit offers an ideal platform to share expertise and develop a joint media cooperation vision, especially in response to challenges posed by artificial intelligence. He urged the formulation of media legislation that keeps pace with technological Ramzan Al Noaimi highlighted the importance of embracing technological progress, particularly AI, to produce influential Arabic content. He underscored the need to allocate resources and time for exploring these technologies, and to offer training programmes for media personnel. He warned against fearing modern technologies and instead recommended turning them into also called for harmonising media and telecommunications laws due to their interconnection, and stressed the pivotal role of youth in leading transformation and adapting to AI-driven added that media should be viewed not merely as entertainment, but as a mirror for national achievements and a partner in scientific and developmental progress. 'We must move forward scientifically and productively,' he this view, Al Hamed stressed the need for media institutions to adapt their approaches to reach individuals and communities in a digital-first era, by gaining trust and addressing the concerns of Arab that fail to align with this mission, he said, will lose their audience, noting that some major global outlets have lost up to 60 percent of their viewership, while individual voices have gained more warned that modern media platforms operate across borders without regard for national laws or cultural values. He called on media institutions to act swiftly in adopting new technologies, improving content, and regaining public trust and also underlined the need to equip school students with media literacy to distinguish between real and fake news and understand how to navigate the digital media concluded by underscoring the importance of drawing on institutional memory and past successes to guide media development strategies. He cited Kuwait's efforts to launch platforms aligned with technological changes while expressing Arab identity, stating, 'The more media aligns with societal awareness, the more sustainable and progressive it becomes.' He praised the Arab Media Summit for fostering a productive exchange of ideas that helps reshape Arab media institutions and bolster their readiness for the future.
Al Etihad
23-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
National Media Office organises key roundtable for upcoming 'Bridge Summit'
24 May 2025 00:34 NEW YORK (WAM) As a significant step in preparing for the "Bridge Summit", the National Media Office (NMO) convened a high-profile roundtable during the 2025 INMA World Congress of News Media in New York. The event saw the attendance of Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of both the NMO and the UAE Media pivotal roundtable discussion brought together influential leaders spanning journalism, technology, entertainment, public affairs, and culture. Through a series of interactive sessions and workshops, participants delved into pressing media challenges and identified avenues for robust cross-sector NMO Chairman outlined the Bridge Summit's ambitious goal: to redefine the media landscape through enhanced international cooperation and integrated efforts. This initiative, he stated, aims to strengthen the media's societal role and foster a more sustainable and humane world. He emphasised that building responsible and creative media hinges on robust, cross-border highlighted the roundtable as a significant step in global preparations for the Bridge Summit. The summit seeks to forge a shared media vision grounded in sectoral integration, cross-disciplinary synergy, and cultural interaction, all while anticipating media's future amidst rapid digital roundtable commenced with an opening session led by Richard Attias, Executive Chairman of Richard Attias & Associates, a global strategic communications and events firm. This was followed by an introductory speech from Maryam BinFahad, NMO Advisor, who detailed the Bridge initiative's objectives and its role in building trust and addressing challenges within the media a session titled "Entertainment and Cultural Power: When Attention Becomes Currency", attended by the NMO Chairman and a select of media professionals and thought leaders, participants stressed the responsibility of cultural content creators regarding the quality of their messages and their impact on shaping societal the sessions, Al Hamed argued that true influence transcends mere view counts or engagement rates. It is measured, instead, by the power of authentic, purposeful content that fosters more aware and cohesive communities, and reintroduces human values into a digital sphere often swamped by speed and further noted that the paramount challenge in the age of digital platforms lies in safeguarding authenticity and credibility amidst the din of advertisements and the pervasive influence of algorithms. These algorithms, he explained, frequently prioritise fleeting, easily digestible content over that which is profound and impactful. He urged the creation of content rooted in meaning and message, contributing to a cultural discourse that elevates public taste and strengthens social another session titled "Who Shapes the Narrative Today?", a group of journalists and content creators discussed the increasing impact of digital factors on shaping public a session titled "Charitable Institutions: The Price of Editorial Independence" explored alternative funding models that protect creative and media session, "Academic Institutions: Teaching Truth When Trust is Lost," examined how to prepare media leaders capable of maintaining integrity in a decentralised digital session titled "The Media Future: Voices Beyond Borders" explored the technical, ethical, and creative challenges that could reshape the media final roundtable session, "Media and Innovation: Transformation, Truth, and Authenticity," addressed the impact of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality on media narratives and credibility. Additionally, the event featured a workshop titled "Journalism and Education in the Face of the Trust Crisis", delivered by a group of media professionals and academics. It focused on the challenges faced by the media sector in light of declining youth trust in it.
Al Etihad
23-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abdulla Al Hamed meets with media leaders in preparation for "Bridge Summit" in New York
23 May 2025 18:40 NEW YORK (WAM)Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office, and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, held a series of bilateral meetings in New York with several media and academic institutions, companies, and meetings come in the context of preparations for the 'Bridge Summit', scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi this December, and aim to strengthen international partnerships and expand cooperation with global institutions, enriching the summit's content and reinforcing its role as a premier platform for media discussions included fruitful exchanges on forming an ambitious vision to enhance the professional sustainability of media institutions in the era of artificial intelligence. They also touched on the creation of innovative media work models aligned with evolving audience Al Hamed emphasised that the UAE's media vision stems from a deep belief in the media's role as a key partner in sustainable development and as a tool for building bridges between cultures. He stressed the importance of establishing strategic partnerships that support the development of an advanced media model in line with global added: 'We believe that media is a soft power that shapes awareness and builds bridges between peoples and cultures. From this perspective, we are committed to forging partnerships with global media, technology, and educational institutions to transfer knowledge and localise best practices, enhancing our media's readiness for a fast-paced and complex future.'Al Hamed reaffirmed the continued effort to establish an advanced media model through the Bridge Summit, one built on innovation, cross-sector integration, and the empowerment of young talent. This approach will position Bridge as a pioneering platform for exchanging ideas and successful experiences in creating a positive Meetings Included: Earl Wilkinson, CEO of the International News Media Association (INMA)Charles Forelle, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Wall Street JournalJoanna McCarthy, Executive News Editor at The Wall Street JournalSarah Meron, Chief Communications Officer at IBMSheena Bruckner, Senior Vice President of Fortune Media GroupStephanie Mehta, CEO and Chief Content Officer at Mansueto VenturesDamian Slattery, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Fast Company and Inc. Professor Clay Shirky, Vice Provost for AI and Technology in Education at New York University Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
India.com
22-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
UAE Calls Out Pakistan, Says ‘We Don't Stand With Terror-Sheltering Nations'; Joins India's Stand
Abu Dhabi: In a positive outcome of India's diplomatic global outreach post Operation Sindoor, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in a powerful message, declared it would never side with nations – which shelter terrorists. It is a direct snub to Pakistan. The statement came following an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde exposed Pakistan's long-standing terror agenda while meeting UAE's top leadership. During the meeting with Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, director-general of the UAE's National Media Office, the Indian delegation highlighted how Pakistan has repeatedly targeted India through orchestrated terror attacks from the 26/11 Mumbai massacre to the recent Pahalgam tragedy. Shinde told ANI that Kaabi was firm in condemning terrorism and made it clear that the UAE 'won't stand with terror organisations or a country which shelters terrorists'. 'They knew about Mumbai, Pathankot, Pulwama. They did not need an explanation. Innocents were killed in Pahalgam too. Their message was simple – the UAE can never stand with such terrorist organisations or any nation that harbours them,' Shinde said. The strong message was echoed in meetings with Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, chairman of the defence committee and minister of tolerance, Sheikh Nahayan. 'We had a very fruitful meeting. The UAE gave a clear-cut message: they are standing with India, shoulder to shoulder, in the fight against terrorism,' Shinde said. He further highlighted the importance of UAE's support and called it symbolic and crucial. 'Just like India, the UAE is a diverse country. Their support for minorities and the peaceful coexistence they maintain makes their stand even more significant,' he said. Shinde said that the UAE's alignment with India sends a strong regional message. 'They made it clear – terrorism cannot be allowed to grow under the garb of religion. Their ministers were crystal clear in their stand. This support matters for both nations and our shared neighbourhood.' He added that terrorism today is not just India's problem, it is an attack on global humanity. 'UAE is the first to condemn the attack on India. This is not just about India anymore. It is about global peace and about humanity. And today, the world is watching who stands where,' he concluded.
