Abu Dhabi Media Summit 2014 opened by Queen Rania Al Abdullah

Abu Dhabi - The Abu Dhabi Media Summit 2014 (ADMS) was officially opened today by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah on 18 Nov 2014 to an audience of more than 500 media industry leaders from around the globe. Its theme is ‘Driving and sustaining a future media in MENA and beyond’.

Queen Rania delivered the opening speech with a clear message that the Arab world needs to reclaim its narrative from extremist groups in the region. “A minority of irreligious extremists is using social media to rewrite our narrative… hijack our identity and rebrand us.”

Her Majesty added that the only way we can save our youth from the sirens’ call of extremism is to provide them with a better alternative and also highlighted the potential of e-commerce in the region, as well as a ICT sector that is set to hit USD20 billion in 2020.

Talking about the resources the Arab World possess, Her Majesty said our region has the values, the money, the minds, the youth, the technology, the market, the networks, and the motivation to tap into these reserves and create lasting change.

First, the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Media Summit, His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, welcomed Queen Rania Al Abdullah, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth, and Social Development, His Excellency Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and a number of media industry guests to Abu Dhabi, and reflected on the importance of the media industry to the regional economy.

“The media sector is becoming increasingly far ranging and relevant. From a regional perspective, our industry represents an ever-increasing and significant contributor to the regional economy,” Al Mubarak said.

This year’s three day programme features a series of panel discussions, interviews and presentations by seasoned industry leaders as well as new players. For more details visit: www.admediasummit.com.