Arab Media Forum: Industry experts explore digital future of media

The 19th edition of the Arab Media Forum kicked off on Wednesday virtually, under the theme 'Arab Media: The Future is Digital' to analyse the evolution of the media under the exceptional circumstances facing the world today.

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 session is being attended by prominent industry leaders seeking to generate new insights on enhancing regional developments and new strategies to keep pace with the rapid transformations sweeping the globe.

Egypt’s Minister of State for Information, Dr Osama Haikal while speaking at the event called for urgently developing an integrated media strategy in the Arab world that will help strengthen unity and enhance prosperity in the region.

He discussed the various transformations and challenges facing the region and the key role that the media can play in the next phase.

 “Censorship in the media has become practically impossible no matter how much governments try. The digital space is overcrowded with digital channels and apps that are capable of significantly impacting the decision-making processes of countries. The media today not only provides information and entertainment but also exerts significant political and economic impact, "Dr Osama Haikal stated.

 Michael Friedenberg, the President of Reuters during his speech said that the year 2020 could be a turning point in the evolution of news media with a number of disruptive changes combined with the COVID-19 pandemic pushing the industry to develop transformative content and business models.

“COVID-19 has profoundly impacted our lives and our businesses. Changing customer behaviour, geopolitical upheaval and technological advancements present the news media with both “existential threats and incredible opportunities”.

Elaborating on the challenges facing news media, Friedenberg said apart from the current pandemic, the news media need to respond to a series of changes including the rise of economic nationalism, the growth in e-commerce, the weaponisation of information, societal changes like the shift to mobile, the focus on sustainability, the impact of the global equality movement and technological changes embodied in the fundamental shift from content to commerce and the now cognitive-based web.

"The current crisis has posed a real test for the media around the world... and pushed us towards thinking differently for the future to create a better Arab media," highlighted Mona Al Marri, President of Dubai Press Club and Chairperson of AMF’s Organising Committee, during her address. 

"There is no doubt that the bet today is about creating media content and creating digital tools and platforms that offer Arab recipients a more effective and attractive media experience," she added.

برعاية وحضور صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم، نائب رئيس الدولة رئيس مجلس الوزراء حاكم دبي، منى غانم المرّي، رئيسة نادي #دبي للصحافة تلقي الكلمة الافتتاحية للدورة ال 19 لـ #منتدى_الإعلام_العربي الذي ينظمها نادي دبي للصحافة افتراضياً. pic.twitter.com/jMuvpiyESX

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 23, 2020

Al Marri added how the Forum empowers the media to become a key partner in driving the region’s development and progress.

During the meeting, she emphasised the importance of fostering dialogue between media professionals in the Arab region. "Meetings like this help to generate innovative insights not just for the Forum but also for the various other initiatives launched by DPC that aim to advance the industry".

Maitha Buhumaid, Director of Dubai Press Club, attended the event along with a number of media professionals, journalists, and heads of local and regional media organisations.

Topics featured included the current state and future of Arab media, the challenges confronting the industry today and a look at ways to take advantage of new opportunities and technologies to accelerate its growth.

The event will be broadcast live on a special digital platform set up for the Forum and shared on DPC’s various social media accounts.