His Excellency Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the NMO and the UAE Media Council, introduced the BRIDGE Summit during a panel discussion titled "How BRIDGE is Shaping Media’s Future?" Moderated by entrepreneur Anas Bukhash, the discussion emphasized the UAE's vision of media as a catalyst for progress and positive change. Al Hamed highlighted the summit's role in fostering international cooperation, stating that it aims to connect East and West, enhance media integration, and keep pace with digital advancements.
Officially launched in Washington, D.C., on March 10, the BRIDGE Summit is designed as a long-term global initiative. Its objectives include providing a platform for knowledge exchange, exploring emerging technologies, and building strategic partnerships among media institutions, academia, and businesses. Al Hamed underscored the importance of these collaborations in shaping the future of media, particularly in light of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
The summit's alignment with Zayed Humanitarian Day was also noted, reflecting the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's belief in media as a humanitarian force fostering goodwill and peace. Al Hamed remarked that the BRIDGE Summit builds on this legacy, offering a global platform that leverages media for the greater good, in line with the belief that media should unite, not divide.
In addition to the summit, the NMO announced the launch of the BRIDGE Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering media professionals, promoting responsible journalism, and positioning media as a transformative force in development and positive change. This initiative aligns with the UAE's commitment to investing in talent and ensuring a resilient, future-ready media sector.
His Excellency Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Director-General of the NMO, provided further insights into the summit's key themes. He emphasized its role in driving international media collaboration, keeping pace with digital advancements, and fostering meaningful dialogue among media leaders and experts. Dr. Al Kaabi announced that Abu Dhabi will host the BRIDGE Summit from December 8 to 10, 2025, bringing together heads of state, CEOs, policymakers, and media professionals to shape the future of media.
The summit is also set to feature a media production exhibition showcasing cutting-edge innovations from leading national, regional, and global media companies. This exhibition aims to serve as a hub for media entrepreneurship, creating new opportunities for innovation and creativity. The event will provide a dynamic platform for media startups and innovators to present their ideas, connect with investors, and expand their presence in global markets.
The NMO's annual Ramadan gathering also hosted a panel discussion titled "Legacy vs. Disruptors: How has the Media Evolved Through Eras of Change." The session featured Rani R. Raad, CEO of IMI and President and Operating Partner of RedBird IMI, and was moderated by Richard Attias, Founder & Chairman of Richard Attias & Associates. Another panel, "From Newsrooms to Algorithms: Who Controls the Future of Media?" included speakers such as Arya Bolurfrushan, Founder & CEO of Applied AI; Julien Hawari, CEO of Million; Marwan Kai, CEO of Media International Services Gulf; and Aaina Pahwa, Digital Content Creator. This discussion was moderated by Becky Anderson, Journalist & Anchor at CNN.
The BRIDGE initiative is envisioned as a year-round effort to foster engagement, develop solutions for evolving media challenges, and champion innovation. It reinforces the idea that media is a shared responsibility, requiring collaboration and a commitment to sound ethics, truth, and transparency. Al Hamed urged policymakers, media leaders, and decision-makers to engage with BRIDGE as a dynamic platform for dialogue and collaboration, emphasizing that success depends on open communication and a shared commitment to using media as a force for good.
The UAE's proactive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities in the media landscape reflects its dedication to fostering a media environment that is ethical, innovative, and inclusive. The BRIDGE Summit and its associated initiatives are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global media, ensuring that it continues to serve as a force for positive change in society.
As the media industry continues to evolve amidst rapid technological advancements, initiatives like the BRIDGE Summit highlight the importance of international collaboration and dialogue. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the UAE aims to create a media landscape that is resilient, responsible, and reflective of the diverse societies it serves. The upcoming summit in December 2025 is anticipated to be a landmark event, setting the tone for the future of media on a global scale.
In an era where information is abundant yet trust is scarce, the BRIDGE Summit's focus on ethics, transparency, and innovation is both timely and necessary. The UAE's commitment to these principles underscores its role as a leader in the global media landscape, paving the way for a future where media serves as a unifying force, fostering understanding and progress across nations.
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