Arab Media Summit 2026 to Be Held in Dubai Next March

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

The Dubai Press Club has officially announced the dates for the next Arab Media Summit, which will be held in Dubai from 31 March to 2 April 2026. The summit will take place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

This announcement came shortly after the successful conclusion of the 2025 edition of the Summit, and the next event is already in the planning stages, promising to bring even more depth and innovation to the region’s most influential media gathering.

A Successful 2025 Summit Sets the Stage for 2026

The 2025 edition of the Arab Media Summit, which ended on 28 May, was considered a major success. The summit attracted over 8,000 participants from 26 countries and hosted 175 sessions featuring nearly 300 speakers. It brought together top journalists, media professionals, and thought leaders from across the Arab world.

One of the most important developments during the 2025 summit was the launch of the Film and Gaming Forum, a brand-new flagship event focused on the evolving role of entertainment, film, and digital gaming in modern media. Another key feature was the release of the Arab Media Outlook - Future Vision report, which offered deep insights into the trends and challenges shaping Arab media today and in the future.

High-Level Discussions Shaped the Dialogue

Throughout the 2025 summit, a wide range of panel discussions and interactive forums were held to discuss the future of Arab media. Topics included digital transformation, content creation, the rise of AI in journalism, and how regional media outlets can remain relevant in a fast-changing world.

The discussions also focused on the growing influence of youth voices in shaping media narratives, the power of social media influencers, and the need to form stronger collaborations between public and private media sectors.

These important conversations laid a strong foundation for the 2026 edition, which is now being designed to build on this momentum.

Leadership Committed to Expanding the Summit’s Vision

Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, who is the Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and also serves as the President of the Dubai Press Club, is leading the preparations for the 2026 edition. She also chairs the Organising Committee of the Arab Media Summit.

She shared that planning for the upcoming edition is already in full swing. According to her, the committee has already held key meetings to review the outcomes of the 2025 edition and decide on the main focus areas for 2026.

Her Excellency emphasized that the upcoming summit’s agenda reflects almost a full year of planning. She also noted that the committee is currently in contact with leading media organisations from across the Arab world to understand the most pressing challenges and design meaningful conversations around them.

Connecting the Past with the Future of Arab Media

Her Excellency Al Marri highlighted the evolution of the Arab Media Summit. What began in 2001 as the Arab Media Forum has today grown into a much wider platform that includes various forums, awards, and creative segments under the broader Arab Media Summit umbrella.

She explained that this growth reflects the UAE’s commitment to continuously support and develop Arab media. The summit’s mission now includes empowering talent, inspiring young media creators, and embracing the technologies that are shaping global media.

The 2026 edition is expected to expand on these goals, introducing more specialised sessions, training workshops, and opportunities for international collaboration.

Teamwork and Collaboration Behind Dubai’s Media Success

Maryam Al Mulla, Acting Director of the Dubai Press Club and also a member of the Organising Committee, praised the teamwork that contributed to the success of the 2025 edition. She thanked all individuals, media partners, and organisations who helped bring the summit to life.

She said that collaboration remains the driving force behind Dubai’s achievements—not just in media, but in many other sectors as well. Her remarks reflect a broader culture in Dubai, where public and private sectors work hand in hand to organise high-impact global events.

Maryam Al Mulla also added that the 2026 edition will be another milestone in a journey that began over two decades ago. Since 2001, the Arab Media Forum—and later the Summit—has grown into a central platform for media innovation in the Arab world.

A Platform of Multiple Flagship Events

The Arab Media Summit is not a single event—it is a full ecosystem of major forums and awards that celebrate creativity and innovation in Arab media. These include:

• Arab Media Forum: The original and largest platform for Arab media professionals.

• Arab Youth Media Forum: A space dedicated to empowering young content creators and journalists.

• Arab Media Award: Recognising excellence across different fields of journalism and broadcasting.

• Ibda’a – Arab Youth Media Award: Celebrating creative youth who bring fresh perspectives to media.

• Arab Social Media Influencers Summit and Award: Highlighting the growing impact of influencers in shaping public opinion.

• Film and Gaming Forum: A new addition that addresses the intersection of entertainment and media.

Each of these events plays a unique role, but together they create a complete view of the changing face of media in the Arab world.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2026

With the next summit scheduled for 31 March to 2 April 2026, anticipation is already building. Attendees can expect even more focus on digital media trends, youth empowerment, AI and media technology, and cross-border collaboration.

The organisers aim to make the 2026 summit not just a place for discussions, but a true launchpad for innovation and partnerships. With an expected rise in participation and newer forums under planning, the next edition is likely to be the most ambitious one yet.

A Hub for the Future of Arab Media

The Arab Media Summit has firmly established itself as the most influential platform for media in the region. With a rich history and a clear vision for the future, the summit reflects Dubai’s ongoing efforts to lead not just regionally, but globally, in the fields of communication, journalism, and digital transformation.

The announcement of the 2026 edition reinforces Dubai’s role as a global media hub—one that welcomes fresh ideas, embraces new technology, and remains committed to supporting Arab voices in the global media landscape.