Arab Media Forum to host over 3,500 specialists

Dubai: Held under the theme ‘Arab Media: Transitional Phase ... Transitional Media,’ the 12th Arab Media Forum will host over 3,500 media specialists from across the region at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai over two days, starting May 14.

Secretary General of the League of Arab States, Dr Nabil Al Araby, will be a keynote speaker at this year’s forum. Al Araby will be a key speaker at a panel discussion, which will shed light on the reality and future of successive political and economic developments in the Arab world.

Senior media specialists, experts, writers, intellectuals, academics and scholars from around the world are expected to participate in this year’s session.

The forum is held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Mona Al Marri, chairperson of the Organising Committee and Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, said that the forum expands it circle of participation every year by hosting Arab figures in the various political, economic, cultural and social areas to reach a constructive and integrated dialogue that supports the media sector.

Al Marri also added that the Arab World is currently in the midst of a political movement,, imposing challenges that have been reflected on the Arab street which has gained the attention of various media outlets.

“The situation resulting from these developments has not only turned out to be the common denominator among the headlines of newspapers and news bulletins, but also extended to occupy a large area of interest in the international media,” Al Marri said.

As a result of the developments taking place in the region, Al Marri pointed out that it’s necessary to include elite Arab figures at the forum who will share their perspectives about the role of the media at this stage of change.

Among the list of topics to be discussed at the forum, the session titled ‘Transitional Media: The Need for Development’ will reflect the theme of this year’s forum and will shed light on opportunities to develop the media landscape from the viewpoint of experts who play a vital part in this advancement.

Sessions will also tackle topics such as conventional media rus new media, the challenges of digital age deployment, and the Arab audience response to satirical media.