The AI Design Sprint MENA program, a joint effort between Google News Initiative (GNI), FT Strategies, UAE Media Council and Saudi Ministry of Media, recently concluded with great success in Dubai.
The event, held at Google’s Innovation Hub in Dubai Internet City, aimed to help media professionals in the MENA region harness the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance their operations.
The program focused on the practical application of AI in media and featured a series of specialized workshops and discussions led by experts from FT Strategies. The workshop was designed to provide participants with the knowledge and tools needed to leverage AI for innovation, efficiency, and growth in media organizations.
The event was attended by key figures from the media industry, including Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary General of the UAE Media Council, and Maysa Majid Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policy, UAE Media Council did.
Maysa Majid Al Suwaidi expressed gratitude for the partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Media, Google and FT Strategies, and said the UAE Media Council said the program will foster innovation and digital transformation within the region’s media sector. He emphasized that it is in line with the organization’s vision.
She said the event was an important step toward equipping media professionals with the skills and insights they need to confidently navigate the evolving media landscape.
The workshop addressed both the opportunities AI offers and the risks associated with integrating AI into media operations. Participants were encouraged to explore AI use cases, assess their impact, and develop customized strategies for implementing AI solutions in their organizations.
The focus was on designing innovative AI-driven solutions that can drive business growth, improve content creation, and streamline newsroom operations.
The AI Design Sprint MENA program is part of a larger effort to foster a sustainable and innovative media ecosystem across the region, focusing on strengthening the capacity of local and regional media institutions.
This joint initiative is expected to transform the media landscape and pave the way for more AI-driven solutions that make it more adaptable, efficient, and forward-thinking.
