Launching a New Era: The Inaugural Film and Gaming Forum at the Arab Media Summit 2025
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Films and Games Commission is set to make waves with the inaugural Film and Gaming Forum at the Arab Media Summit 2025, scheduled from May 26 to 28. This exciting initiative embodies Dubai’s ambitious vision of establishing itself as a leading global player in media and content creation.
Strategic Importance of the Forum
The Film and Gaming Forum marks a significant addition to the Arab Media Summit, aiming to highlight emerging trends and innovations in both film and gaming. As sectors that are rapidly expanding and becoming crucial components of the media industry, they not only generate economic value but also offer unique opportunities for creative talent across the Arab world.
Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, expressed the necessity of such a platform. "Film and gaming are among the fastest-growing sectors in today’s global media industry," she noted. By providing a space for critical discussions and innovative insights, the Forum seeks to spotlight the vibrant creativity emerging from the region, from AI-driven storytelling to pioneering women-led projects in entertainment.
Gathering Industry Leaders
The Forum is organized by the Dubai Films and Games Commission under the umbrella of the Dubai Media Council. It will feature esteemed industry leaders from major organizations such as Amazon, Netflix, Olsberg SPI, and Square Enix. These powerful stakeholders will join forces to exchange insights, facilitate collaboration, and navigate the evolving landscapes of cinema and gaming.
"The Film and Gaming Forum has been designed as a dynamic platform to bring together leading global players," explained Hesham Al Olama, Director of Strategy and Performance Management at the Dubai Media Council. This commitment to fostering collaboration reflects a strategic shift towards recognizing film and gaming as pivotal pillars of the media economy.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day One: A Focus on Gaming
Kicking off the Forum, the opening day is dedicated to gaming. A session titled "The Future of Gaming: From Passion to Profession," featuring notable personalities such as Mohammed Al Albsimi, CEO of TrueGaming, promises to dive deep into the potential career paths within this booming industry.
Additionally, the Forum will host a panel entitled “Women in Film and Cinema,” enhancing the discussion on gender representation in creative sectors—an essential topic for both industry sustainability and growth.
Day Two: Drama and Storytelling
The second day aligns itself with the Arab Media Forum and will delve into the relevance of traditional storytelling in today’s digital landscape. A key session, “Drama’s Success in the Digital Age,” will explore how regional drama production can adapt to modern platforms while maintaining its cultural resonance.
Moreover, collaboration with organizations like Olsberg SPI will lead discussions on revitalizing the golden era of cinema and how drama functions within the soft power strategies of the Arab world.
Day Three: Influencer Culture and Social Media
Coinciding with the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit, the final day offers a diverse array of discussions with industry icons. A highlight includes a conversation with Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan, exploring cross-cultural influences in the media.
Additionally, sessions focusing on the role of festivals in raising cinematic quality, as well as exploring the intersection of public and private sector collaborations in the video game industry, will round out the Forum’s offerings, ensuring that all aspects of film and gaming are thoroughly addressed.
A Vision for the Future
With a commitment to nurturing local talent and enhancing production capabilities, the Film and Gaming Forum is a crucial step toward a flourishing media landscape in the Arab world. The intentions behind this initiative align with broader goals of sustainable growth, attracting investment, and advancing creative expression.
By fostering collaboration across various sectors of the media industry, the Forum not only aims to elevate local talent but also sets a precedent for how future media forums can inspire innovation, create job opportunities, and strengthen the region’s position on the global stage.
Each session, panel discussion, and conversation promises to enrich participants’ understanding of the complexities and potential of the film and gaming industries.
