Abu Dhabi: The Young Arab Media Leaders programme convened a dialogue session on Tuesday to discuss the future of media and the increasing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) amid ongoing technological transformation.
According to Emirates News Agency, Mohamed Al Hammadi, Acting Director-General of the Emirates News Agency (WAM), addressed the session, emphasizing that while AI is rapidly advancing, it cannot replace journalists. Instead, it serves as a tool to enhance efficiency and reshape the media landscape. Al Hammadi emphasized the importance of mastering AI tools for future media professionals, warning that those who fail to do so may struggle to secure a place in future newsrooms. He also cautioned that using AI tools without professional awareness could lead to a loss of direction.
Al Hammadi highlighted the challenges facing the Arabic language in the digital era, pointing out that its decline in online content is not solely due to technological advancements or the ease of creating superficial content. He attributed this decline to a diminishing sense of value and urged that Arabic be embraced as a vital part of cultural identity, beyond its functional role.
Following the session, participants attended a training workshop led by the IMI Media Academy, aimed at building core professional competencies essential for media leadership.