Dubai Media Council Hosts Retreat to Strengthen Future-Ready Media Ecosystem
Dubai has unveiled its vision for the future of its media industry through the Dubai Media Retreat, organized by the Dubai Media Council. This event gathered over 100 senior leaders from various sectors, including advertising, marketing, film, gaming, and digital media, to discuss the next phase of growth for Dubai’s media landscape.
The retreat served as a platform for industry leaders whose companies contribute approximately $13 billion (Dh47 billion) to the local economy. Notable participants included representatives from Amazon, Yango, Twitch, Xsolla, Action Films, Boom Town, Epic Films, and Blink Studios.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, emphasized the importance of the media sector as a strategic pillar in Dubai’s development. He stated that under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the goal is to ensure that Dubai remains at the forefront of global media evolution.
Sheikh Ahmed highlighted the ambition to create one of the world’s most future-ready media industries, driven by innovation, talent, and robust public-private partnerships. This vision aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the media industry’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP by fostering an environment conducive to talent development and investment.
Focus on Industry Challenges and Opportunities
The retreat was designed as an interactive dialogue, featuring moderated roundtable discussions that addressed sector-specific themes. Participants were organized into groups focusing on advertising and marketing, film and production, gaming, and digital media. Each group explored current industry challenges, identified gaps, and proposed actionable recommendations for sustainable growth.
Key areas of discussion included infrastructure, talent development, regulation, investment, and innovation. The importance of nurturing the next generation of media talent was also underscored, with an emphasis on creating pathways for their growth within Dubai’s dynamic ecosystem.
Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, announced a new initiative aimed at streamlining operations within the media sector. She stated that a new platform will be introduced by the end of the year, integrating services, approvals, and processes into a single system designed for efficiency.
Commitment to Collaboration and Growth
The media sector in Dubai has historically thrived on partnership and a shared belief in the power of storytelling. The evolution from the initial vision for Dubai Media City to the current diverse ecosystem reflects a commitment to fostering creativity and talent. Her Excellency Al Marri noted that the community’s strength lies not only in its success but also in its sense of responsibility during challenging times.
Her Excellency Nehal Badri, Secretary General of the Dubai Media Council, remarked on the constructive conversations that emerged from the retreat. She emphasized the necessity of open dialogue and collaboration across all sectors, including digital media, gaming, film, and advertising. This cooperative spirit is seen as essential for building resilience and fostering innovation.
Strategic Report and Future Initiatives
The insights and recommendations generated during the retreat will be compiled into a strategic report, which will be released soon. This comprehensive document will guide the Dubai Media Council’s future initiatives and policy development. Proposals identified during the discussions will be assessed for implementation in collaboration with industry stakeholders, reinforcing the sector’s resilience and competitiveness.
The retreat is part of a broader initiative by the Dubai Media Council to enhance collaboration with stakeholders and solidify Dubai’s status as a leading global media hub.
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Published on 2026-05-19 21:18:00 • By the Editorial Desk
