Forum to explore current state of Arab media, map out future

dubai — The Dubai Press Club (DPC) has announced that the theme for the 18th edition of the Arab Media Forum would be ‘Arab Media: From Now to the Future’.

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 annual media event is scheduled to take place from March 27 to 28 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together prominent regional and international media figures and thought leaders.

This year’s theme aims to shed light on the current state of the media and the impact of regional and global events on the media discourse, especially with regards to professional media values like objectivity and impartiality.

The high-profile event will examine future opportunities for the industry by sharing successful experiences that will help forge a new vision for the media in the region. The forum will also explore a range of new trends that have contributed to the advancement of the industry, in addition to showcasing new technologies that will play a role in the global development of the industry.

Mona Ghanem Al Marri, president of the DPC, said: “We selected the theme ‘Arab Media: From Now to the Future’ in order to highlight the state of the Arab media and its role in understanding the people’s needs and responding to their future aspirations.

“The forum serves as an ideal opportunity to deeply examine the significant issues that affect the region’s media industry. It will help identify how the media can enhance its positive role in advancing social development,” said Al Marri, who is also the forum’s organising committee chairperson.

She also drew attention to the media’s power to influence and transform. “The emergence of new platforms has changed existing concepts in media and transformed the rules of communication globally.

“The main objective behind this gathering is to find ways to forge a new vision for the media that supports the aspirations of the region’s people.”

The forum serves as an ideal opportunity to deeply examine the issues that affect the region’s media industry.” Mona Ghanem Al Marri, president, Dubai Press Club