emirates7 - Arab ministers of information, senior officials, and media specialists emphasized that the Arab media sector is experiencing a significant transformation due to rapid developments in digital technologies. This shift calls for a thorough reassessment of media policies and the formulation of inclusive Arab digital strategies that align with the evolving landscape, while promoting cultural identity and addressing emerging challenges.
These viewpoints were discussed during a high-level ministerial session hosted by TRENDS Research & Advisory in partnership with the 20th Arab Media Forum in Kuwait. The forum was held under the theme, "Media and the Virtual World: Transformations of the Media Landscape in the Digital Age."
The session included notable speakers such as Dr. Ramzan Al-Noaimi, Bahrain’s Minister of Information; Paul Morcos, Lebanon’s Minister of Information; Ahmed Al-Muslimani, Chairman of Egypt’s National Media Authority; and Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, with moderation by Dr. Nader Karam.
Dr. Al-Ali underscored the unprecedented transformation of the media field driven by digital innovation. He noted that media has expanded beyond traditional platforms, becoming a participatory space that includes individuals, corporations, digital influencers, and even AI-driven systems. While the shift to interactive and virtual media poses significant challenges, it also unlocks vast potential for creativity and innovation.
He highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in media—particularly in audience analysis, content generation, and combating misinformation. With over 4.7 billion active social media users and nearly 5 billion internet users globally, Dr. Al-Ali stressed the urgency of adapting media strategies to these evolving patterns of engagement and access.
Dr. Al-Noaimi echoed these concerns, stating that today’s fast-paced global changes demand a media response grounded in innovation and creativity, while upholding national values. He emphasized that the digital world provides an essential platform for delivering impactful media content that mirrors the cultural heritage of Arab nations. He advocated for unified Arab strategies to advance digital content creation.
Minister Morcos pointed out that Arab media is at a critical turning point due to rapid digital and technological advancements. He emphasized a paradigm shift in communication, with audiences increasingly becoming active contributors to media content. To navigate this shift, he proposed a shared Arab vision for media reform, including the creation of an Arab fund to support digital media, a regional media training center, and a dedicated observatory for digital media ethics. He also urged a move from reactive to proactive content development.
Al-Muslimani discussed how the massive volume of data produced by AI tools is redefining conventional soft power mechanisms. He raised concerns over leaving digital innovation solely in the hands of individual developers and stressed the need for legal frameworks to regulate AI and mitigate its potential misuse.
The session concluded with several key recommendations: the creation of Arab digital platforms to reduce reliance on foreign media sources; the launch of regional initiatives to combat disinformation and verify news; and increased investment in creative and entertainment content that resonates with Arab youth.
Other proposals included training a new generation of digitally skilled journalists; enhancing cooperation between media outlets and research institutions to generate credible, tech-aligned content; protecting Arab intellectual property rights; and fostering regional and international media partnerships.
These viewpoints were discussed during a high-level ministerial session hosted by TRENDS Research & Advisory in partnership with the 20th Arab Media Forum in Kuwait. The forum was held under the theme, "Media and the Virtual World: Transformations of the Media Landscape in the Digital Age."
The session included notable speakers such as Dr. Ramzan Al-Noaimi, Bahrain’s Minister of Information; Paul Morcos, Lebanon’s Minister of Information; Ahmed Al-Muslimani, Chairman of Egypt’s National Media Authority; and Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, with moderation by Dr. Nader Karam.
Dr. Al-Ali underscored the unprecedented transformation of the media field driven by digital innovation. He noted that media has expanded beyond traditional platforms, becoming a participatory space that includes individuals, corporations, digital influencers, and even AI-driven systems. While the shift to interactive and virtual media poses significant challenges, it also unlocks vast potential for creativity and innovation.
He highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in media—particularly in audience analysis, content generation, and combating misinformation. With over 4.7 billion active social media users and nearly 5 billion internet users globally, Dr. Al-Ali stressed the urgency of adapting media strategies to these evolving patterns of engagement and access.
Dr. Al-Noaimi echoed these concerns, stating that today’s fast-paced global changes demand a media response grounded in innovation and creativity, while upholding national values. He emphasized that the digital world provides an essential platform for delivering impactful media content that mirrors the cultural heritage of Arab nations. He advocated for unified Arab strategies to advance digital content creation.
Minister Morcos pointed out that Arab media is at a critical turning point due to rapid digital and technological advancements. He emphasized a paradigm shift in communication, with audiences increasingly becoming active contributors to media content. To navigate this shift, he proposed a shared Arab vision for media reform, including the creation of an Arab fund to support digital media, a regional media training center, and a dedicated observatory for digital media ethics. He also urged a move from reactive to proactive content development.
Al-Muslimani discussed how the massive volume of data produced by AI tools is redefining conventional soft power mechanisms. He raised concerns over leaving digital innovation solely in the hands of individual developers and stressed the need for legal frameworks to regulate AI and mitigate its potential misuse.
The session concluded with several key recommendations: the creation of Arab digital platforms to reduce reliance on foreign media sources; the launch of regional initiatives to combat disinformation and verify news; and increased investment in creative and entertainment content that resonates with Arab youth.
Other proposals included training a new generation of digitally skilled journalists; enhancing cooperation between media outlets and research institutions to generate credible, tech-aligned content; protecting Arab intellectual property rights; and fostering regional and international media partnerships.