emirates7 - H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, led the first meeting of the newly restructured council, formed under Decree No. (24) of 2025 issued by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
During the session, Sheikh Ahmed evaluated the progress of strategic initiatives driving the next phase of development in Dubai’s media sector. Attendees included Mona Al Marri (Vice Chairperson and Managing Director), Nehal Badri (Secretary-General), and other council members such as Malek Al Malek, Hala Badri, Aisha Miran, Mohammed Ali Lootah, Khalfan Belhoul, Issam Kazim, Mohamed Al Mulla, Abdullah Belhoul, Younus Al Nasser, and Arif Amiri.
Key discussions focused on the outcomes of a recent retreat for the film industry, which laid out strategies to strengthen Dubai’s role as a premier filmmaking destination. Sheikh Ahmed emphasized that Dubai’s media sector is undergoing significant transformation with an emphasis on nurturing talent, improving regulatory systems, and integrating advanced technologies. He highlighted the commitment to building a media environment aligned with Dubai’s global ambitions and economic goals.
He also stressed the importance of establishing a holistic ecosystem to support emerging media fields and film production, noting the sector’s central role in Dubai’s innovation and knowledge-based economy.
The council reviewed the findings from the film industry retreat hosted by Dubai Films and Games in February, which convened industry stakeholders to evaluate the UAE’s current media landscape and develop a unified roadmap for growth. A report presented during the meeting focused on four strategic pillars: strengthening production infrastructure, boosting marketing and distribution, fostering talent, and enhancing regulatory frameworks. The retreat also addressed existing challenges and proposed practical solutions.
Mona Al Marri stated that Dubai’s media sector is gaining momentum, fueled by new technologies and creative talent. She described media as both a driver of innovation and a vehicle for cultural expression, and stressed the importance of investing in talent and improving governance to position Dubai as a leader in media excellence.
Nehal Badri added that, following the retreat, work is underway to implement its recommendations, especially in streamlining regulations and permit processes. She noted that newly established bodies like Dubai Films and Games and the Dubai Media Regulatory Office are instrumental in advancing the council’s strategy and creating a supportive environment for industry growth.
The meeting also addressed preparations for the upcoming Arab Media Summit, set for 26th–28th May 2025, which will convene global and regional media leaders to exchange insights and discuss key industry developments.
During the session, Sheikh Ahmed evaluated the progress of strategic initiatives driving the next phase of development in Dubai’s media sector. Attendees included Mona Al Marri (Vice Chairperson and Managing Director), Nehal Badri (Secretary-General), and other council members such as Malek Al Malek, Hala Badri, Aisha Miran, Mohammed Ali Lootah, Khalfan Belhoul, Issam Kazim, Mohamed Al Mulla, Abdullah Belhoul, Younus Al Nasser, and Arif Amiri.
Key discussions focused on the outcomes of a recent retreat for the film industry, which laid out strategies to strengthen Dubai’s role as a premier filmmaking destination. Sheikh Ahmed emphasized that Dubai’s media sector is undergoing significant transformation with an emphasis on nurturing talent, improving regulatory systems, and integrating advanced technologies. He highlighted the commitment to building a media environment aligned with Dubai’s global ambitions and economic goals.
He also stressed the importance of establishing a holistic ecosystem to support emerging media fields and film production, noting the sector’s central role in Dubai’s innovation and knowledge-based economy.
The council reviewed the findings from the film industry retreat hosted by Dubai Films and Games in February, which convened industry stakeholders to evaluate the UAE’s current media landscape and develop a unified roadmap for growth. A report presented during the meeting focused on four strategic pillars: strengthening production infrastructure, boosting marketing and distribution, fostering talent, and enhancing regulatory frameworks. The retreat also addressed existing challenges and proposed practical solutions.
Mona Al Marri stated that Dubai’s media sector is gaining momentum, fueled by new technologies and creative talent. She described media as both a driver of innovation and a vehicle for cultural expression, and stressed the importance of investing in talent and improving governance to position Dubai as a leader in media excellence.
Nehal Badri added that, following the retreat, work is underway to implement its recommendations, especially in streamlining regulations and permit processes. She noted that newly established bodies like Dubai Films and Games and the Dubai Media Regulatory Office are instrumental in advancing the council’s strategy and creating a supportive environment for industry growth.
The meeting also addressed preparations for the upcoming Arab Media Summit, set for 26th–28th May 2025, which will convene global and regional media leaders to exchange insights and discuss key industry developments.