Dubai to host Arab Media Summit 2026 from March 31
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The Dubai Press Club has announced details of the Arab Media Summit 2026, which will be held from March 31 to April 2 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The summit will be organised under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and in line with the directives of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.
The announcement was made during a press conference at the Dubai Press Club attended by Mona Ghanem AlMarri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club, along with members of the organising committees and senior officials from media and government entities.
Organisers said the 2026 edition will run over three days and adopt an expanded structure. For the first time, the summit will bring together around 10 specialised forums under one umbrella, reflecting the interlinked nature of today’s media sector. These include the Arab Media Forum, Government Communication Forum, Arab Youth Media Forum, eGaming Forum, Film Forum and the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit.
The summit will also host international collaborations, including the “FT Global Affairs and Business Council - Dubai Edition” in partnership with the Financial Times and Reuters’ “Future of News Forum”. Workshops and training sessions will be conducted with digital technology specialists and global media organisations.
AlMarri said the summit has developed into a strategic platform that goes beyond traditional conferences, aligning media with development, public awareness and influence. She said the leadership’s approach places media at the centre of positive societal impact, with the upcoming edition reflecting changes in the industry through specialised forums, training programs and international partnerships.
Maryam Al Mulla, Director of the Dubai Press Club and Vice Chair of the organising committee, said the summit brings together media leaders, experts and influencers from the region and beyond. She said combining multiple forums under one structure reflects the organisers’ focus on quality content and audience expectations. She also acknowledged the role of partners supporting the event.
Strategic partners for the summit include DP World, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, American Hospital, ENOC Group, Dubai Chambers, Emirates, Emirates NBD, du and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority. The summit is also supported by United Arab Emirates University, Dubai Media Academy and IMI Group.
Nehal Badri, Secretary General of the Dubai Media Council, said the council’s role in the summit reflects a broader plan to contribute to shaping the future of media and strengthen Dubai’s position as a regional and global media centre. She noted that the Film Forum and eGaming Forum are new additions this year, organised by the Dubai Films and Games Commission, broadening the scope of discussions and activities.
The summit program will include panel discussions and sessions on media economics, artificial intelligence, politics, culture, sports and regional development, with participation from journalists, editors, writers, media executives and technology experts from across the UAE, the Arab world and beyond.