The UAE National Media Office (NMO) held its annual Ramadan rally in Dubai on Wednesday, introducing the UAE’s newly announced bridge summit. It is a long-term global initiative designed to enhance media integration, maintain digital advancement, and strengthen media ethics and accountability for AI ages.
His Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Bin Bhatti al-Hamed is the chairman of the National Media Office and the chairman of the UAE Media Council, reaffirming the commitment of the United Arab Emirates.
The Bridge Initiative is a year-round effort to promote engagement, develop solutions to evolving media challenges, and develop champion innovations. Furthermore, the summit reinforces the idea that the media is a common responsibility. To make it go, it requires collaboration and a commitment to sound ethics, truth and transparency.
He also announced the launch of The Bridge Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering media experts, promoting responsible journalism and promoting media as a change force in development and proactive change, in line with the UAE’s commitment to ensuring a resilient, future-ready media sector.
Campaign Middle East attended an event where Alame recognised the media as a key pillar of progress, a catalyst for positive change, and a driver of a more prosperous, sustainable future.
He was hosted by NMO chair #Abtalks Anas Bukhash entrepreneurs and hosts in a panel discussion entitled “How the Bridges Shape the Future of Media,” and said, “Our gathering coincides with Zayed Humanitarian Day. This is an important opportunity on the UAE calendar. It laid the foundation for a reliable, respectful and shocking media landscape.”
“Bridge Summit is built on this legacy and provides a global platform to leverage media for greater profits, in line with the belief that media should unite rather than splitting.”
“The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan firmly believed that the media was more than a communication tool: a humanitarian force that nurtures goodwill and peace.
Shaping the future of media through bridge initiatives
He also explained how the rapid advances in artificial intelligence and digital technology are reshaping the media landscape.
In response to these trends, Bridge Summit aims to provide a global forum for international collaboration, addressing industry challenges and ensuring sustainability through innovation, transparency and reliability.
He said, “Our goal is to establish the Bridge Summit as a global benchmark to predict the future of the media, drive industry transformation, and strengthen its contribution to the global economy. The Summit will promote knowledge exchange and build a bridge between media institutions, academias and businesses.”
He said, “The bridge is not just an event, it’s a movement. It is an invitation to the world for the United Arab Emirates to work together in the role of uplifting media in society. By building strategic partnerships with global media organizations, we aim to develop an international framework that ensures ethical and responsible media practices in the digital age.”
Finally, he urged policymakers, media leaders and decision makers to engage with Bridge as a dynamic platform for dialogue and collaboration.
He said, “Our success relies on open communication and a common commitment to using media forever. Let’s work together to shape the future, build knowledge networks and establish the bridge as a gateway to a more responsible and impactful media industry.”
Following his speech by Al Hamed, his Director-General of the National Media Office, Dr Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Qaabi, provided further insight into the main topics of the Bridge Summit.
He highlighted its role in promoting international media collaboration, responding to digital advancements, and promoting meaningful dialogue among media leaders and experts.
Dr. Al-Qaabi announced that Abu Dhabi will hold a bridge summit from December 8th to 10th, 2025, bringing together state leaders, CEOs, policymakers and media experts to shape the future of the media.
Emphasizing that the bridge is a “gift to the world” in the United Arab Emirates, Dr. Al Qaabi said the summit will also feature a media production exhibition featuring cutting-edge innovations from major, regional and global media companies.
Dr. Al-Khaabi said the Bridge Summit also serves as a hub for media entrepreneurship, creating new opportunities for innovation and creativity. The event provides a dynamic platform for media startups and innovators to present ideas, connect with investors and expand their presence in the global market.
NMO’s annual Ramadan Gathering features a panel discussion entitled “Legacy vs. Disruptors: How the Media Evolved an Era of Change.” The Fireside chat was welcomed on the stage of IMI, CEO, CEO, CEO, CEO and Redbird Imi, president and business partner of Redbird IMI, and was hosted by Richard ATTIAS, founder and chairman of Richard ATTIAS & Associates.
The event also includes a panel entitled “From Newsroom to Algorithms: Who controls the future of media?” This discussion featured Arya Bolurfrushan, the founder and CEO of AI. Julian Hawari, CEO of Million. Marwan Kai, CEO of Media International Services Gulf. Digital content creator Aaina Pahwa was moderated by CNN journalist and Anchor Becky Anderson.
