Arab Media Forum 2015 kicks off in Dubai

Dubai: The 14th edition of the Arab Media Forum (AMF), kicked off on May 12-13 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, under the theme ‘New perspectives’.

The event is being held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Expected to attract local, Arab and international media elites, journalists, intellectuals and academia, this year’s event will include diversified discussion panels and activities to encourage participants to adopt positive attitudes towards the important issues related to Arab media.

The forum will host a number of prominent political figures to shed light on important topics that affect and are affected by media.

Among the speakers the AMF is hosting is Dr Nabeel Al Araby, Secretary-General of the Arab League, who will speak in a session titled ‘The Arab Image’, to discuss the major socio-political changes taking place in the Arab World and its effects on the image of Arabs in the world.

Dr Eyad Madani, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, will also participate in a session titled ‘Stereotyping: Islam and Muslims’, that will review the current escalating issue of stereotyping Islam and Muslims.

Other prominent speakers at the forum include Shaikh Salman Sabah Al Salem Al Humoud Al Sabah, Kuwaiti Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Dr Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign and Federal National Council Affairs; Amr Mousa, former Secretary-General of the Arab League, and Dr Mustafa Barghouti, General Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative.

While the media has proved to be a strong player in regional politics over the past five years, the forum will focus on discussing its influence on the changing political scene.

Mona Ganem Al Merri, Chairperson of the AMF Organising Committee, said: “We strive to make the forum a springboard for our Arab media to recognise its mission and stand up to public’s expectations”.

20-minute talks

As a new approach of discussion and dialogue, the AMF will introduce 20-minute talks by handpicked prominent and inspirational figures who will speak about specialised topics in media, politics, innovation and technology.

The talks include a session by Dr Ameenah Al Rostamani, Group CEO, TECOM Investments, who will speak about UAE’s clear vision and comprehensive strategic plan to promote innovation in all sectors.

Dr Mustafa Barghouti will also tackle a core Arab issue, the Palestinian cause, in another 20-minute talk.

Among the speakers participating are Dr Sohair Al Soukkary, US Linguistics Specialist; Dr Fatima Al Salem, professor of Journalism and New Media at Kuwait University; and YouTube sensation Zack King, known by his YouTube and Instagram alias “FinalCutKing.”

“The topics for this year’s edition were carefully chosen to address regional and international status quo and changes in a manner that matches the rapidly evolving media industry and its future trends,” Mona said.

Participants and guests at the forum will also have the opportunity to attend specialised workshops conducted by leading Arab and international media institutions, namely, Facebook, Reuters, Associated Press, Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Sky New Arabia.

Media professionals wishing to attend the AMF on May 12-13 may register online at www.arabmediaforum.com.