UAE Emerges as a Media Powerhouse at BRIDGE Summit 2025
The BRIDGE Summit continues at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi, running through December 10. This significant event has brought together over 60,000 participants from 132 countries, featuring more than 430 speakers across more than 300 sessions, workshops, and engagements focused on media and technology.
A Major Shift, Barely Scratched the Surface
In a dynamic panel discussion, Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, and Dr. Ling Ge, Chief Investment and Strategy Officer EMEA at Tencent, engaged in a lively conversation moderated with a mix of humor and insightful foresight.
Belhoul emphasized the historic impact of artificial intelligence (AI), stating, “AI is a massive, massive shift. We haven’t even scratched the surface, and yet it has already transformed our lives.” He candidly acknowledged using ChatGPT just minutes before the panel, underscoring the importance of transparency in an environment where trust shapes the future of media.
“This panel is all about trust. Whoever doesn’t use tools like ChatGPT today is not being efficient with their time. The point is to be honest about it,” he remarked, reiterating that AI influences extend well beyond entertainment realms. He warned, “One statement online can shift millions or billions of dollars, true or not. Media today holds geopolitical weight.”
From Legacy Media to Distributed Influence
As traditional media models face decline, the momentum of global capital is shifting toward emerging hubs in the Global South. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are quickly becoming focal points for sovereign wealth funds, venture capitalists, and innovative media entities.
The panelists acknowledged that media is increasingly viewed as critical infrastructure rather than a mere cultural product. The integration of AI, decentralized platforms, and creator-driven content is driving a transformation in media influence, a reality that both governments and investors cannot afford to overlook.
The AI Wave is Different — Supporting Long-term Builders
During the discussion, moderator Rachel Maycock, Managing Partner of Place Advisory & Public Affairs, raised the question of whether the current landscape signifies an AI bubble. Dr. Ling Ge described this phase as fundamentally different from previous market cycles.
“This time is not like the dot-com era. The companies that endure are those solving problems that will matter a decade from now, not just chasing trends,” she stated.
Dr. Ge elaborated on Tencent’s investment strategy, highlighting three key criteria:
- Exceptional People — prioritizing the smartest, most driven founders.
- Meaningful Problems — focusing on innovations built for long-term impact, rather than fleeting trends.
- Technical Defensibility — investing in technology that is difficult to replicate.
Dr. Ge also pointed to early investments in AI-driven startups, biotechnologies transforming animal health, and community platforms that support AI training, indicating a forward-looking approach to investment.
“Future AI will feel like electricity — invisible, essential. It will become quiet infrastructure,” she added, encapsulating the vision for AI’s integration into daily life.
Dubai’s Sandbox Approach: Empowering Failure, Accelerating Regulation
When discussing how Dubai fosters an innovative environment, Belhoul credited the region’s leadership and regulatory responsiveness. He referenced the insights of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.
“We were told, you have the green light to test. Failure is not the end; it’s a building moment,” he remarked. It was emphasized that financial support alone is insufficient; a responsive regulatory framework is essential.
“There is no regulatory body that can catch innovation in real-time, but Dubai aims to run close. Sandboxing, testing, and converting prototypes into city-wide policies is how you win,” Belhoul explained. His comments highlight the reasons why global capital is increasingly directed toward the UAE, showcasing the country as an incubator for innovation and opportunity.
The heightened interest in the UAE as a media powerhouse underscores not only the importance of adaptability in media and technology but also the critical role that trust, transparency, and long-term vision play in navigating the complexities of the global landscape.
Published on 1765312519 • Category: