Dubai, UAE- The countdown has begun for the world’s largest media summit in the Arab region. The Arab Media Summit 2026 is set to take place from 15 to 17 September at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together media leaders, editors, journalists, content creators, influencers, technology experts, academics and decision makers from across the Arab world and beyond. Organised by the Dubai Press Club, the summit will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.
The 2026 edition is expected to be one of the largest and most ambitious editions of the summit. More than 200 prominent media figures from outside the UAE are expected to participate, alongside nearly 10,000 media professionals and industry stakeholders from the UAE and across the Arab world. The summit has expanded far beyond the traditional idea of a journalism conference. It is now a major platform where discussions about news, government communication, digital media, artificial intelligence, filmmaking, gaming, podcasting, social media and the future of content will come together under one umbrella.
The programme will feature a number of specialised forums, including the Arab Media Forum, Government Communication Forum, Arab Youth Media Forum, Arab Social Media Influencers Summit, Films Forum, Games Forum and Dubai PodFest. Several international media forums are also expected to add a global dimension to the discussions. The broad programme reflects the changing nature of media itself, where traditional journalism is now sharing space with creators, artificial intelligence, podcasts, gaming, short form content and new technologies.
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed to deliver keynote address at Arab Media Summit 2026
One of the major highlights will be the participation of important Arab and international personalities. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, is expected to deliver a keynote address, bringing focus to the relationship between culture, identity, creativity, influence and global positioning. Dr. Ghassan Salamé, Lebanon’s Minister of Culture, will also deliver a keynote address. Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, is scheduled to address the Government Communication Forum on the first day.
Reuters President to participate in Arab Media Summit 2026
The summit will also welcome Paul Bascobert, President of Reuters, adding an important international perspective to discussions about the transformation of the global news industry, technology and artificial intelligence.
Another special milestone this year will be the silver jubilee of the Arab Media Award, which is celebrating 25 years. The award has played an important role in recognising excellence, professionalism and creativity across the Arab media industry. Its silver jubilee celebrations are expected to add historical significance to the 2026 summit and underline Dubai’s long standing efforts to support the development of professional and innovative media in the region.
The 2026 summit is also receiving strong support from major UAE institutions. The Roads and Transport Authority has joined as Mobility Partner, Dubai Chambers as Global Commerce Partner, ENOC Group as Energy Partner, Dubai Customs as Trade and Economic Partner, Emirates as Airline Partner, Emirates NBD as Banking Partner, Dubai Courts as Leading Partner, Dubai Municipality as Future City Partner and du as Telecommunication Partner. Their participation reflects the summit’s growing importance not only to the media sector but also to government, business, technology and society as a whole.
At the heart of Arab Media Summit 2026 will be one big question: how can Arab media remain influential, trusted, innovative and globally competitive at a time when technology is changing the way people consume information? Artificial intelligence is expected to be a major area of discussion, along with the future of journalism, the growth of the creator economy, government communication, the role of young talent, the power of social media and the increasing importance of visual and digital storytelling.
For Dubai, hosting the Arab Media Summit is also a statement about the emirate’s growing role as a global centre for dialogue, creativity and future industries. The summit brings together different generations of the media world, from experienced editors and broadcasters to young creators and technology experts. It is this combination that gives the event its real strength. The discussions will not simply be about what media is today but about what media will become tomorrow.
With only weeks remaining before the summit opens, Arab Media Summit 2026 is shaping up to be a major meeting point for the people and ideas driving the future of media. From journalism and government communication to artificial intelligence, films, games, podcasts and social media, the three day gathering is expected to offer a wide picture of how communication is changing across the Arab world and the wider global landscape.
More announcements are expected as the event draws closer, making Dubai the centre of the Arab media conversation from 15 to 17 September 2026.
