Dubai: The 10th edition of the Emirati Media Forum, held under the patronage and in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, alongside H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), featured sessions on the future of media policies and legislation in the UAE, as well as the impact of film and gaming on the media landscape.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum was organised by the Dubai Press Club (DPC) at the Museum of the Future in Dubai and brought together prominent figures from the UAE media sector, including media pioneers, senior writers and thinkers, editors-in-chief of Emirati newspapers, leaders of national media institutions, opinion makers, influencers, and Emirati content creators.
During a panel discussion titled 'The Future of Media Legislation', Mohammed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, and Nehal Badri, Secretary-General of the Dubai Media Council, discussed the future of media policies and legislation in the UAE. The session, moderated by Hamed bin Karam, Editor-in-Chief of Al Bayan newspaper, explored the role of these policies in building a more flexible and innovative media ecosystem.
Mohammed Al Shehhi highlighted the UAE Media Council's role in guiding the national media sector with policies that enhance content, foster innovation, and develop talent. He emphasized coordination with local media councils to ensure effective implementation while respecting each emirate's uniqueness, thereby supporting the UAE's position as a regional and global media hub.
Nehal Badri noted that the Dubai Media Council was established to unify media efforts amid the sector's rapid growth. She emphasized that media is both a communication tool and an economic sector, with potential to exceed 2.5 percent of GDP. Legislation aims to foster talent and investment, safeguard national identity, and support high-growth sectors like film and gaming, which contribute over US$400 billion globally.
Looking ahead, Badri indicated that the Council will focus on harmonising development and regulation, licensing, operational policies, awareness, and platforms that empower Emirati talent. The strategy seeks to make Dubai a smarter, human-centric media hub that balances innovation with identity while bridging local and global perspectives.
Another panel titled 'The Impact of Film and E-Gaming on the Future of Media,' featured Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, and Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM). The discussion highlighted cinema and e-gaming as key pillars of the creative economy, offering investment opportunities and strengthening Dubai's role as a regional media hub.
Panellists agreed that Dubai is focused on building an integrated, innovative media ecosystem that balances creativity, governance, and identity, positioning the city and the UAE as global leaders in the creative economy.