Dubai (Enmaeya News)— The Arab Media Forum 2025 concluded today in Dubai after three dynamic days of dialogue and bold visions for the future of Arab media. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and organized by the Dubai Press Club, this year’s edition brought together more than 8,000 journalists, media executives, policymakers, and creators from across the region.
AI Is Not the Enemy, It’s the Next Editor
A key theme echoed throughout the forum: artificial intelligence is not here to replace journalists—it’s here to empower them. In a high-profile panel titled “CEOs and the Future of Media,” Nayla Tueni, CEO of An-Nahar Group, emphasized that integrating AI into newsrooms must go hand in hand with investing in human capital. “We need to train and upskill our young journalists, not fear the tools,” she noted, adding that newsrooms must evolve to stay relevant.
Mohammed Al Mulla, CEO of Dubai Media Incorporated, highlighted changing audience habits: “Today’s youth consume content across platforms—from social feeds to podcasts to TV—and that opens new lanes for Arab media to connect and lead.”
Tony Khalife, Director General of Al Mashhad, spoke about media diversification. From politics and economics to arts and culture, he argued for media that reflects the full spectrum of Arab life, noting that integrating social media into traditional broadcast has reshaped audience engagement.
Youth-Driven, Future-Focused
The forum kicked off with the Youth Media Forum, a platform that spotlights rising creators and future media leaders. Discussions focused on equipping young talent with the digital skills and critical thinking needed to navigate and shape the future media landscape.
Recognizing Excellence in a Changing Industry
Throughout the forum, top performers in Arab media were celebrated through the Arab Media Awards, the Creativity Award for Youth, and the Arab Social Media Influencers Award. These honors recognized journalists, platforms, and creators making meaningful contributions to public dialogue and cultural connection.
Shaping a Sustainable Arab Media Future
A recurring theme across sessions was the urgent need for new, sustainable media business models in the Arab world. The forum saw the launch of the Arab Media Outlook 2024–2028, a forward-looking report analyzing key trends in media transformation—from AI adoption to shifts in advertising and audience behavior. "Annual report forecasts MENA media market to grow from $17 billion in 2024 to $20.6 billion by 2028, a growth of 4.9%"
As the curtains closed, one message was clear: the Arab media landscape is changing, and this change must be embraced, not feared. From rethinking legacy structures to empowering young voices, AMF 2025 called on media leaders to innovate boldly and build a future-fit Arab media ecosystem.
