emirates7 - The Young Arab Media Leaders programme hosted a dialogue session on Tuesday to explore the future of media and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the midst of ongoing technological change.

Mohamed Al Hammadi, Acting Director-General of the Emirates News Agency (WAM), addressed the session, emphasizing that while AI is progressing rapidly, it cannot replace journalists. Instead, he described AI as a tool that boosts productivity and plays a transformative role in shaping modern media.

Al Hammadi cautioned that individuals who fail to grasp AI tools may find it difficult to secure roles in future newsrooms, while those who adopt these technologies without a solid professional foundation risk losing their way.

He also drew attention to the challenges the Arabic language faces in the digital era, noting that its decline online is not merely due to tech advancements or the ease of producing shallow content, but also reflects a weakening appreciation of its value. He called for Arabic to be seen as a core element of cultural identity, not just a means of communication.

The session concluded with a training workshop conducted by the IMI Media Academy, aimed at strengthening essential professional skills necessary for leadership in the media sector.