OMM Redaksiyası
The opening day of the 24th Arab Media Summit in Dubai highlighted how geopolitical, economic and technological changes are transforming both the region and the media industry. More than 175 sessions are being held over the three-day summit, with the participation of over 400 speakers from 23 countries. Around 250 media organizations are taking part in the event.
The summit features eight specialized forums covering journalism, government communications, artificial intelligence, social media, film, the gaming industry, podcasts and international news. Discussions have focused not only on producing news, but also on the impact of information on public opinion, how governments communicate during crises and how technology is changing media production.
Sessions titled “When public opinion becomes the target,” “AI tools for content creation,” “How did the war change the Gulf?” and “The future of media through the eyes of young people” have highlighted the changing relationship between information and influence.
Artificial intelligence is accelerating content production, translation, editing and distribution. At the same time, audiences are increasingly turning to social platforms, short videos and media produced by individual creators. This is requiring traditional media organizations to increase their speed while preserving credibility.
The impact of wars in the region on the media agenda has also been one of the summit’s key topics. The consequences of conflicts are not limited to military developments; they also affect energy markets, shipping routes, aviation, investment and governments’ public relations. As a result, regional journalism is increasingly required to explain the broader links between different events.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa addressed a session titled “Syria: A look to the future.” He said the country had entered a new phase after years of war and international isolation. Al-Sharaa said the lifting of sanctions would create opportunities for investment and economic recovery, adding that Syria could transform from a regional problem into an opportunity for investment and cooperation.
The United States removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Aug. 24 and lifted related sanctions. The US Treasury Department said the decision was aimed at encouraging investment and supporting political and economic stability. Al-Sharaa said Syria’s economy could potentially reach $200 billion within five to 10 years.
However, the country’s economic situation remains complicated. A fuel price increase sparked widespread protests a day before the summit. According to Reuters, the price of diesel rose by 40%, while petrol and gas prices also increased. The measures have added to the pressure on a population facing severe economic difficulties.
To attract investment, Syria needs functioning institutions, infrastructure, reliable energy supplies, access to finance and political stability. Its geographic location could also make it a potential transport and energy hub linking the Gulf, Türkiye, the Mediterranean and the Levant.
A session titled “Media and diplomacy in a changing world” examined the growing links between journalism, government communications and international relations. The Government Communications Forum, included in the summit program for the first time, focused on artificial intelligence, new technologies, trust, transparency, crisis communications and digital transformation.
The session “The future of media through the eyes of young people” emphasized that the new generation is not only a media audience, but also a producer and distributor of content. This shift is forcing traditional media organizations to work more flexibly and quickly while maintaining the verification and editing standards of professional journalism.
