Dubai Media Council Hosts Retreat to Accelerate Next Phase of Industry Growth
Dubai is taking significant steps to redefine its media landscape as the Dubai Media Council convened the Dubai Media Retreat. This event brought together key figures from advertising, marketing, film, gaming, and digital media to discuss the future trajectory of the industry.
The retreat served as a vital platform for over 100 senior leaders, representing companies that contribute approximately $13 billion (Dh47 billion) to the local economy. Notable participants included Amazon, Yango, Twitch, Xsolla, Action Films, Boom Town, Epic Films, and Blink Studios. The gathering aimed to foster dialogue, identify emerging opportunities, and shape the future of Dubai’s media ecosystem.
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 focus is on ensuring that Dubai remains a leader in the evolving global media landscape.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed articulated the goal of building 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. The agenda seeks to create an environment that empowers talent, attracts investment, accelerates innovation, and nurtures creative talent.
Fostering the Next Generation of Media Talent
The retreat is part of the Dubai Media Council’s ongoing commitment to enhance collaboration with the private sector and strengthen industry partnerships. It featured interactive roundtable discussions centered on specific themes, allowing participants to delve into current industry challenges, identify gaps, and propose actionable recommendations for sustainable growth.
Discussions covered various priority areas, including infrastructure, talent development, regulation, investment, and innovation. Participants also emphasized the need to develop the next generation of media talent, advocating for stronger pathways to support their growth in Dubai.
Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, announced a significant initiative aimed at supporting the industry. She indicated that a new platform for the media sector would be introduced by the end of the year, integrating services, approvals, and processes into a unified system to streamline operations in Dubai.
Al Marri highlighted the foundational principles of Dubai’s media sector, which are built on partnership, vision, and a shared belief in storytelling. She noted that the evolution from the initial vision for Dubai Media City to the current dynamic ecosystem has always focused on fostering creativity, nurturing talent, and enabling ideas to reach a global audience.
Collaborative Efforts for Industry Resilience
Her Excellency Nehal Badri, Secretary General of the Dubai Media Council, remarked on the constructive dialogues that emerged during the retreat. She pointed out that the ability to share ideas and collaborate across sectors such as digital media, gaming, film, and advertising is increasingly vital. The discussions underscored the notion that resilience in the media industry is cultivated through close cooperation among stakeholders.
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 long-term growth.
The retreat is part of a broader initiative by the Dubai Media Council to enhance engagement with stakeholders and solidify Dubai’s position as a leading global media hub.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
Explore the latest digital editions of FAME Delivered in the Magazine section.
Published on 2026-05-19 21:18:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk