emirates7 - On the second day of the Arab Media Summit, the session “Arab Media in Foreign Languages,” held as part of the Arab Media Forum 2025, delved into key discussions about narrative control, journalistic integrity, and the evolving responsibilities of Arab media professionals in a multilingual and AI-driven era.
Speakers addressed how Arab journalists are increasingly asserting their voice on global platforms—not just telling their stories, but doing so with accuracy, depth, and confidence, even while navigating translation challenges and algorithmic visibility.
Moderated by Yousef Abdul Bari, TV presenter at Dubai Media Incorporated, the panel featured Caroline Faraj, Vice President of CNN Arabic Services; Maha Eldahan, Gulf Bureau Chief at Reuters; and Faisal Abbas, Editor-in-Chief of Arab News.
The discussion emphasized that Arab media’s use of foreign languages goes far beyond direct translation or simplification. Instead, it is about authentically representing the region’s complexities through professionals who are deeply familiar with its social, political, and cultural context.
When asked whether telling Arab stories in other languages might strip them of their core meaning or reshape them to fit global narratives, Faraj responded, “Truth isn’t language-bound. When conveyed by those who understand the region’s nuances and lived realities, it maintains its authenticity—whether told in Arabic, English, or French. We no longer need outsiders to explain our stories. We are fully capable of doing it ourselves—with accuracy and authenticity.”
The panelists agreed that staying true to the story and maintaining a human editorial perspective is key. Faraj reiterated, “Language doesn’t dilute truth—when the storyteller understands the subject intimately, the essence stays intact.”
Faisal Abbas highlighted the growing importance of understanding digital platforms and their algorithms, comparing them to traditional media distribution systems. “If content is king, context is queen—and algorithms are the palace floor,” he said. “They don’t craft the story, but they determine how it travels. Learning to work with them is essential for staying visible and relevant.”
He also pointed to Arab News’ success in launching multilingual editions—such as in French, Japanese, and Urdu—achieved through collaborations between Arab journalists and native speakers. This model, he explained, ensures that translation doesn’t compromise context or meaning and resonates with both Arab and local audiences.
Maha Eldahan discussed the increasing prominence of Arab journalists in global newsrooms. “We’re no longer just fixers or regional analysts,” she said. “Arab media professionals are now recognized as authoritative voices on international matters.” She added that this shift has led more global media outlets to recruit regional talent, recognizing their ability to convey nuanced, context-rich narratives.
The session also addressed the role of AI in journalism. Abbas argued that AI should be seen as a powerful tool rather than a threat, sharing that Arab News had dramatically improved efficiency—cutting translation time by 90 percent and reducing podcast production costs—through responsible use of AI. “AI itself isn’t the problem—the issue arises when human judgment fails to evolve alongside it,” he noted.
Faraj confirmed that CNN Arabic is exploring AI internally but remains cautious in its implementation. Eldahan emphasized that despite advances in AI, human oversight is irreplaceable: “AI can assist, but it cannot replace editorial judgment. That final human touch—that layer of intuition and context—is still essential. Ultimately, we are the original intelligence.”
Speakers addressed how Arab journalists are increasingly asserting their voice on global platforms—not just telling their stories, but doing so with accuracy, depth, and confidence, even while navigating translation challenges and algorithmic visibility.
Moderated by Yousef Abdul Bari, TV presenter at Dubai Media Incorporated, the panel featured Caroline Faraj, Vice President of CNN Arabic Services; Maha Eldahan, Gulf Bureau Chief at Reuters; and Faisal Abbas, Editor-in-Chief of Arab News.
The discussion emphasized that Arab media’s use of foreign languages goes far beyond direct translation or simplification. Instead, it is about authentically representing the region’s complexities through professionals who are deeply familiar with its social, political, and cultural context.
When asked whether telling Arab stories in other languages might strip them of their core meaning or reshape them to fit global narratives, Faraj responded, “Truth isn’t language-bound. When conveyed by those who understand the region’s nuances and lived realities, it maintains its authenticity—whether told in Arabic, English, or French. We no longer need outsiders to explain our stories. We are fully capable of doing it ourselves—with accuracy and authenticity.”
The panelists agreed that staying true to the story and maintaining a human editorial perspective is key. Faraj reiterated, “Language doesn’t dilute truth—when the storyteller understands the subject intimately, the essence stays intact.”
Faisal Abbas highlighted the growing importance of understanding digital platforms and their algorithms, comparing them to traditional media distribution systems. “If content is king, context is queen—and algorithms are the palace floor,” he said. “They don’t craft the story, but they determine how it travels. Learning to work with them is essential for staying visible and relevant.”
He also pointed to Arab News’ success in launching multilingual editions—such as in French, Japanese, and Urdu—achieved through collaborations between Arab journalists and native speakers. This model, he explained, ensures that translation doesn’t compromise context or meaning and resonates with both Arab and local audiences.
Maha Eldahan discussed the increasing prominence of Arab journalists in global newsrooms. “We’re no longer just fixers or regional analysts,” she said. “Arab media professionals are now recognized as authoritative voices on international matters.” She added that this shift has led more global media outlets to recruit regional talent, recognizing their ability to convey nuanced, context-rich narratives.
The session also addressed the role of AI in journalism. Abbas argued that AI should be seen as a powerful tool rather than a threat, sharing that Arab News had dramatically improved efficiency—cutting translation time by 90 percent and reducing podcast production costs—through responsible use of AI. “AI itself isn’t the problem—the issue arises when human judgment fails to evolve alongside it,” he noted.
Faraj confirmed that CNN Arabic is exploring AI internally but remains cautious in its implementation. Eldahan emphasized that despite advances in AI, human oversight is irreplaceable: “AI can assist, but it cannot replace editorial judgment. That final human touch—that layer of intuition and context—is still essential. Ultimately, we are the original intelligence.”