Arab ministers of information, senior officials, and media experts gathered at the 20th Arab Media Forum in Kuwait to discuss the profound transformation of the media landscape in the Arab world, driven by digital advancements. The forum, organized by TRENDS Research & Advisory, explored the need for rethinking media policies and developing comprehensive digital strategies to align with these changes while reinforcing cultural identity.
The session, titled “Media and the Virtual World: Transformations of the Media Landscape in the Digital Age,” featured prominent speakers including H.E. Dr. Ramzan Al-Noaimi, Bahrain’s Minister of Information; H.E. Paul Morcos, Lebanon’s Minister of Information; Mr. Ahmed Al-Muslimani, Chairman of Egypt’s National Media Authority; and Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory. The session was moderated by media professional Dr. Nader Karam.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali: Embracing Change and Challenges
Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali opened the session by emphasizing the unprecedented transformation media is undergoing due to the digital revolution. He highlighted that media is no longer confined to traditional outlets but has become an open space with contributions from individuals, corporations, digital influencers, and even robots. AI, he explained, is now central in various media operations, from analyzing audience behavior to content creation and combating fake news. He pointed out that there are over 4.7 billion active social media users and nearly 5 billion internet users, stressing the urgent need for media strategies that adapt to these shifts in audience behavior.
“The major task facing media professionals today is not just adopting technology, but protecting values, preserving credibility, and developing a new generation of media professionals who can navigate the virtual world responsibly,” Dr. Al-Ali said.
Dr. Al-Noaimi: Media as a Platform for Cultural Identity
H.E. Dr. Ramzan Al-Noaimi echoed Dr. Al-Ali’s sentiment, stressing that the rapid global changes necessitate a media movement that fosters creativity and innovation while preserving national values. He emphasized Bahrain’s efforts to modernize its media system, citing initiatives like the Creativity Lab, which encourages the use of AI and modern technologies to enhance performance and content creation.
Dr. Al-Noaimi stated that digital transformation presents both challenges and opportunities, especially in the virtual world, which has become a platform to deliver meaningful media messages that reflect the region’s cultural identity.
Morcos: The Audience’s Active Role in Content Creation
H.E. Paul Morcos pointed out the significant challenges Arab media faces in the digital age, including the crisis of trust due to the spread of fake news and the decline of traditional media. He stressed the importance of shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach in content creation and called for a unified Arab vision to reform the media sector. Morcos proposed establishing an Arab fund to support digital media, creating a regional media training center, and forming an Arab observatory for digital media ethics.
Al-Muslimani: The Need for AI Governance
Mr. Ahmed Al-Muslimani raised concerns about the volume of information generated by AI tools, highlighting the need to govern AI technologies through legislation and regulations to avoid potential misuse. He underscored that the unprecedented growth of digital creativity requires regulation to manage its impact.
Recommendations for the Future of Arab Digital Media
At the session’s conclusion, participants put forward key recommendations, including establishing Arab digital platforms to counter the influence of foreign media, launching regional initiatives to combat media disinformation, and investing in content that resonates with Arab youth. They also emphasized the importance of preparing a new generation of journalists equipped with digital skills, fact-checking capabilities, and critical thinking.
The discussions emphasized that the virtual world is not only a technological space but a cultural and knowledge-driven environment. Participants called for greater synergy between media institutions, educational systems, and think tanks to produce credible and objective content in the digital age.
Side Dialogues on Media Collaboration
On the sidelines of the forum, TRENDS Research & Advisory held important meetings to discuss the complementary role of think tanks and media institutions. Led by Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali, the TRENDS delegation met with key figures, including H.E. Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the UAE National Media Office, and H.E. Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Kuwait’s Minister of Information and Culture, among others. These discussions focused on fostering collaboration between media outlets and think tanks to improve the quality of content and enhance cultural discourse.
Dr. Al-Ali reiterated that TRENDS’ participation in the Arab Media Forum reflects its commitment to integrating scientific knowledge into the media industry, particularly as Arab media navigates the challenges of the digital age.
