Ahmed Bin Mohammed Leads Inaugural Meeting Of Dubai Media Council To Transform Media Sector
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, led the council's inaugural meeting. This followed the issuance of Decree No. (24) of 2025 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The meeting focused on reviewing initiatives that are driving growth in Dubai's media sector.
The session was attended by key figures including Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the council, Nehal Badri, Secretary-General, and other members such as Malek Al Malek and Hala Badri. During this meeting, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed assessed the progress made in implementing strategies from a recent film industry retreat aimed at enhancing Dubai’s position as a major filmmaking hub.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed highlighted that Dubai’s media sector is undergoing significant transformation with a focus on talent development, regulatory improvements, and advanced technology adoption. He stated, "Dubai’s media sector is entering a new period of transformation, with a strategy focused on talent development, enhanced regulatory frameworks and the adoption of advanced technologies."
The council also reviewed outcomes from the film industry retreat hosted by the newly established commission, Dubai Films and Games. Held in February, this retreat gathered global and local production companies to evaluate the UAE film industry's current state and devise a unified growth strategy.
A comprehensive report presented at the meeting outlined four strategic themes: enhancing production infrastructure, expanding marketing and distribution channels, nurturing talent, and advancing regulatory frameworks. These discussions identified challenges while proposing solutions to unlock the industry’s potential.
Mona Al Marri noted that Dubai’s media landscape is gaining momentum through emerging technologies and creative talent. She said, "Dubai’s media landscape is gaining strong momentum... By transforming governance... we are working to reinforce Dubai’s emergence as a destination for industry excellence."
Regulatory Enhancements
Nehal Badri mentioned that following the film industry retreat's recommendations, efforts are underway to improve regulatory frameworks and streamline processes across government entities to boost efficiency. The newly formed entities like Dubai Films and Games play crucial roles in supporting this strategy.
The session also discussed preparations for the Arab Media Summit scheduled for 26th–28th May 2025. This event will gather regional and global media leaders for dialogue on key industry issues.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed reiterated that establishing an integrated ecosystem is vital for emerging media sectors to thrive in Dubai. He emphasized that the media industry significantly contributes to Dubai’s economic goals and supports its knowledge-driven future.
With inputs from WAM
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