Rashid Bin Humaid Ramadan Council Explores Media's Influence On Future-Making In The UAE

The Rashid bin Humaid Ramadan Council 2025 recently held a panel titled "Media and Future-Making: Between Influence and Responsibility." The event was attended by Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, and Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office. Journalist Ahmed Al Yammahi moderated the session, which included insights from various media experts.

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi highlighted the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on youth empowerment. He stressed that young people are crucial to shaping the future as ambassadors of their country. Sheikh Rashid praised the National Media Office for its achievements in both domestic and international media under the country's leadership.

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Ohood Al Roumi commended the council for its open discussion on vital topics. She noted that media plays a strategic role in shaping a nation's future and global reputation. Abdulla Al Hamed echoed this sentiment, stating that UAE leadership prioritises developing an advanced media sector. Over five decades, the UAE has seen significant growth across all sectors, with media evolving alongside these advancements.

The session explored several key topics related to the media sector. These included national media's role in supporting Emirati values, AI's influence on media, and strategies to counter misinformation. The discussion also covered how media initiatives can elevate the country's reputation and strengthen international relations.

Abdulla Al Hamed discussed the BRIDGE Summit, a global initiative launched in Washington, D.C., set to be hosted in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, 2025. This summit aims to forecast media's future, drive transformation in the sector, and enhance its economic contribution by fostering a dynamic media ecosystem that supports responsible journalism.

Future Prospects for Media

He emphasised that 2026 will be pivotal for reaping benefits from national media initiatives launched in 2025. He noted that global media landscapes are rapidly evolving, requiring adaptation to new technologies to boost competitiveness and credibility. He stressed media's importance in strengthening UAE’s global reputation as established by founding fathers and reinforced by today's visionary leadership.

Sheikh Rashid highlighted UAE’s investment in modern media technologies and urged optimal use of social platforms for national benefit. He pointed out that UAE has world-class infrastructure attracting global investors, emphasising reliable statistics, feasibility studies, and sustainable development plans for federal entities.

Economic Contributions of Media

Abdulla Al Hamed acknowledged digital media's critical role in shaping regulations, raising awareness, and combating misinformation. He underlined media as an economic sector while exploring strategies to boost UAE’s presence globally by producing impactful content reflecting Emirati identity.

Over five billion people are expected to use social media in 2024 with an annual increase of 266 million users. AI is projected to drive global media revenues from $80 billion to $130 billion annually. Advertisers spent about $720 billion in 2023 with projections surpassing $1 trillion by 2025.

The session concluded with recommendations stressing: keeping pace with technological advancements; adopting ethical standards for credible content dissemination; and relying on trustworthy sources to shape positive public opinion and achieve sustainable development goals.

With inputs from WAM