Empowering Women in Media: A Pioneering Partnership in Dubai
On May 29, 2025, a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) and the Dubai Media Academy, marking a significant step towards empowering women in the media sector. This partnership was formally enacted on the final day of the Arab Media Summit 2025, an event held under the auspices of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Vision for Women’s Empowerment
The signing ceremony featured Naeema Ahli, the CEO of Dubai Women Establishment, and Muna Bu Samra, the Director of Dubai Media Academy. Naeema emphasized that this MoU aligns harmoniously with the vision of Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, underscoring a commitment to enhance women’s roles across various sectors, including media. She expressed the significance of forging impactful strategic partnerships, stating that this agreement is a crucial step toward increasing women’s participation in vital fields.
She further commended the long-standing collaboration with Dubai Media Incorporated, attesting to its status as one of the UAE’s premier media institutions. Her gratitude extended to the Dubai Media Academy for their support of DWE’s mission, which aims to increase the visibility and participation of women in media professions.
Focus on Training and Development
A key aspect of the MoU involves the implementation of joint initiatives, training programs, and workshops designed to elevate the media skills of women in middle and senior management roles within Dubai’s public sector. These programs are crafted to equip women with the necessary tools and expertise to excel amid the rapidly evolving media landscape.
Naeema Ahli accentuated the importance of training in equipping women to navigate the complexities of modern media. By fostering an environment where women feel empowered and capable, the initiative aims to bridge existing gaps and ensure that women play a more prominent role in shaping media narratives.
Collaborative Commitment
Muna Bu Samra also voiced her appreciation for Dubai Women Establishment’s ongoing endeavors to enhance women’s capabilities across diverse domains. During her address, she highlighted the importance of signing the MoU at such a high-profile event as the Arab Media Summit—signifying a major milestone in their collaborative journey.
She stated, "This partnership lays the groundwork for a long-term strategic collaboration." Both organizations now aim to create initiatives and joint projects that will not only empower women but also contribute to the broader UAE vision for gender equality and leadership.
Shared Aspirations for the Future
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to enhancing women’s leadership presence not only in media but across various sectors of society. Both Naeema Ahli and Muna Bu Samra are enthusiastic about the potential outcomes of this partnership, seeing it as a crucial step towards real change.
Together, they aspire to launch impactful programs that resonate with the UAE’s vision of empowering women, ensuring their active participation in shaping the future. By working collectively, the DWE and Dubai Media Academy are setting the stage for a new era of leadership characterized by inclusivity and empowerment.
