emirates7 - The Creative Media Authority (CMA) has celebrated the successful conclusion of its tenth annual Media Summer Camp, marking a decade of inspiring and preparing future media talents in the UAE.
Launched in 2016, the initiative underscores the importance of identifying and supporting creative talent from an early age as a cornerstone of a vibrant, sustainable media industry.
Originally designed to expose children aged 8 to 12 to career paths in media, the camp has since grown into one of the UAE’s premier platforms for nurturing young storytellers, filmmakers, and content creators. Since its inception, the camp has welcomed over 390 participants, with Emiratis making up 77% of attendees.
Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director-General of CMA, remarked, “The Media Summer Camp is central to our mission of shaping a creative sector equipped for the future. Reaching this ten-year milestone reflects the UAE’s deep commitment to fostering national talent and encouraging youth to see media as a field filled with innovation, opportunity, and national identity.”
The programme has seen steady growth in both reach and influence. In 2020, it broadened its age range to include youth aged 12 to 15, and a year later, it went global through a partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Office of Cultural and Public Diplomacy, welcoming participants from Bahrain, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
Key collaborations with entities such as Abu Dhabi Media Network, CNN, Bidaya Media, the Korean Cultural Centre, Ubisoft, twofour54, and Sandstorm Comics have greatly enriched the programme. More recently, partners like IMI Media Academy, E-Stars, Abu Dhabi Gaming, and the Al Naliyah podcast have brought specialised knowledge to the camp.
The camp’s value lies not only in its programming but also in the vibrant community it has cultivated. To date, 217 volunteers have supported the initiative—many of whom are former participants returning to mentor the next generation. Alumni have gone on to work as Majid TV presenters, study media, their own content, and launch entrepreneurial ventures—evidence of the programme’s lasting influence.
To mark its tenth year, CMA reunited alumni, long-time partners, and mentors who have shaped the camp's legacy. This anniversary also coincides with the UAE’s “Year of Community,” emphasizing the CMA’s commitment to generational learning and community-driven creativity. The latest sessions showcased key Emirati values such as hospitality, mutual respect, and social unity.
Aysha Al Jneibi, Director of Talent Management at CMA, stated, “From the outset, our goal has been to empower youth to tap into their creative abilities. By offering them early exposure to storytelling, production, and teamwork, we’re equipping them with the confidence and skills that define future media leaders—an impact this programme proudly continues to deliver.”
Launched in 2016, the initiative underscores the importance of identifying and supporting creative talent from an early age as a cornerstone of a vibrant, sustainable media industry.
Originally designed to expose children aged 8 to 12 to career paths in media, the camp has since grown into one of the UAE’s premier platforms for nurturing young storytellers, filmmakers, and content creators. Since its inception, the camp has welcomed over 390 participants, with Emiratis making up 77% of attendees.
Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director-General of CMA, remarked, “The Media Summer Camp is central to our mission of shaping a creative sector equipped for the future. Reaching this ten-year milestone reflects the UAE’s deep commitment to fostering national talent and encouraging youth to see media as a field filled with innovation, opportunity, and national identity.”
The programme has seen steady growth in both reach and influence. In 2020, it broadened its age range to include youth aged 12 to 15, and a year later, it went global through a partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Office of Cultural and Public Diplomacy, welcoming participants from Bahrain, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
Key collaborations with entities such as Abu Dhabi Media Network, CNN, Bidaya Media, the Korean Cultural Centre, Ubisoft, twofour54, and Sandstorm Comics have greatly enriched the programme. More recently, partners like IMI Media Academy, E-Stars, Abu Dhabi Gaming, and the Al Naliyah podcast have brought specialised knowledge to the camp.
The camp’s value lies not only in its programming but also in the vibrant community it has cultivated. To date, 217 volunteers have supported the initiative—many of whom are former participants returning to mentor the next generation. Alumni have gone on to work as Majid TV presenters, study media, their own content, and launch entrepreneurial ventures—evidence of the programme’s lasting influence.
To mark its tenth year, CMA reunited alumni, long-time partners, and mentors who have shaped the camp's legacy. This anniversary also coincides with the UAE’s “Year of Community,” emphasizing the CMA’s commitment to generational learning and community-driven creativity. The latest sessions showcased key Emirati values such as hospitality, mutual respect, and social unity.
Aysha Al Jneibi, Director of Talent Management at CMA, stated, “From the outset, our goal has been to empower youth to tap into their creative abilities. By offering them early exposure to storytelling, production, and teamwork, we’re equipping them with the confidence and skills that define future media leaders—an impact this programme proudly continues to deliver.”