Arab Media Summit 2025 kicks off in Dubai
Over 300 speakers and 8,000 participants gather for region’s largest forum
DUBAI: The Arab Media Summit (AMS) 2025, the region’s largest media event, opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, uniting more than 8,000 media professionals, thought leaders, and innovators from 26 countries.
Organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and guided by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the three-day event underscores Dubai’s vision to remain a leading hub for Arab media and next-generation content development.
Launching with the Arab Youth Media Forum, the Summit celebrates youth-driven narratives and innovation, including the presentation of the ninth edition of the Ibda’a – Arab Youth Media Award. This first day sets the tone for an agenda spanning over 175 sessions and more than 35 workshops led by global media entities and digital giants.
Vision & participation
The Summit welcomes over 300 speakers, ranging from government ministers and media leaders to influencers and academics. Key participants include Zaki Nusseibeh, Elias Bou Saab, and Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Dr. Anwar Gargash, UAE Diplomatic Advisor, is set to address the evolving role of digital diplomacy.
The second day features keynote speeches by Grand Imam Prof. Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb and Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Regional dialogues include Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shaibani and Lebanon’s Culture Minister Dr. Ghassan Salameh, joined by economic and information ministers from Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, and the UAE.
Innovation & impact
This year introduces the Film and Gaming Forum, spotlighting Dubai’s leadership in the entertainment economy. Mona Ghanem Al Marri announced the forum as a platform for analysing the economic and cultural influence of visual content industries.
The Arab Social Media Influencers Summit, closing the event on 28 May, will see appearances by British broadcaster Piers Morgan and Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. Sessions will delve into algorithmic influence, platform dynamics, and strategic communication.
Global dialogue
Notable speakers include Caroline Faraj (CNN Arabic), Maha El Dahan (Reuters), and Faisal Abbas (Arab News), who will explore Arabic media’s role on international platforms. International voices such as Michele Masneri and Japanese scholars Maki Sugimoto and Kunitake Kanika contribute to a broader content dialogue.
The Summit will also launch the Arab Media Outlook 2025 report and witness the graduation of the Economic Content Creators Programme, in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Economy. Global tech partners including Google, TikTok, Instagram, and Disney are leading masterclasses to inspire the region’s next media generation.