Abu Dhabi: Arab ministers of information, senior officials, and media experts have asserted the necessity of rethinking media policies and developing comprehensive Arab digital strategies in response to the rapid digital transformation reshaping the region's media landscape.
According to Emirates News Agency, these insights were shared during a ministerial session organized by TRENDS Research and Advisory in collaboration with the 20th Arab Media Forum. The event, held in Kuwait under the theme "Media and the Virtual World: Transformations of the Media Landscape in the Digital Age," brought together notable figures such as Dr. Ramzan Al-Noaimi, Bahrain's Minister of Information; Paul Morcos, Lebanon's Minister of Information; Ahmed Al-Muslimani, Chairman of the National Media Authority in Egypt; and Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS.
During the session, Dr. Al-Ali highlighted the unprecedented transformation driven by the digital revolution, noting that media is no longer confined to traditional outlets but has become an open space for all participants, including individuals, corporations, digital influencers, and even robots. He emphasized the dual nature of this shift, presenting both challenges and opportunities for innovation and creativity.
Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in modern media operations, from analyzing audience behavior to content creation and combating fake news, Dr. Al-Ali explained. With over 4.7 billion active social media users and nearly 5 billion internet users worldwide, he underscored the urgent need for adaptable media strategies.
Dr. Al-Noaimi remarked on the need for a parallel media movement that fosters creativity and innovation while preserving national values. He stressed that digital transformation has created a platform for delivering media messages that reflect regional cultural identities and called for joint Arab media strategies to support digital content development.
Morcos emphasized the pivotal moment facing the Arab media landscape amid rapid technological advancements. He proposed a unified Arab vision to reform the media sector, suggesting the establishment of an Arab fund to support digital media, the launch of a regional media training center, and the creation of an Arab observatory for digital media ethics.
Al-Muslimani pointed out the impact of artificial intelligence on traditional soft power tools and stressed the need for legislation to govern AI and mitigate its potential negative consequences.
Concluding the session, participants recommended establishing Arab digital platforms to counter foreign media influences, launching regional initiatives to verify news and combat disinformation, and investing in creative content for Arab youth. They also emphasized preparing digital journalists with technical and fact-checking skills, fostering collaboration between media institutions and think tanks, and supporting Arab intellectual property protection and media partnerships.