12-13 May 2010

The ninth Arab Media Forum deliberated on the most prominent developments and new phenomena in the Arab media scene, featuring workshops that discussed the evolution of citizen journalism, developments in the Kuwaiti media scene, status of "disaster media" in the Arab world, and its ability to keep up with efforts to minimize the risks caused by natural disasters.

The forum initiated dialogue with prominent figures on the role of the media in developing education and scientific research in Arab countries. Dr. Ahmed Zewail, the Linus Pauling Chair in Chemistry and Physics at Caltech University in the US, was the keynote speaker. In a discussion with Michael Golden, head of the international edition of The New York Times, the forum discussed the challenges faced by the newspaper industry in the digital age.

The ninth edition of the Arab Media Forum also discussed the media scene in the emerging Asian countries, and the performance of Arab media platforms that addresses Western public opinion in their own language. The conference dedicated a special session to bridging the satellite space between the Maghreb and the Mashreq countries and the challenges that hinder the process. A roadmap to regulating Arab satellite broadcasting was also explored during the event. 

A group of experts shared perspectives on the future profile of various media platforms  in light of rapid technological advancements. A session was also dedicated to the potential of local content in the Arabic language and the challenges it poses to both media experts and consumers alike.

Additionally, issues such as the development of sports journalism and the impact of globalized sport on sports journalism in general, and satellite channels in particular, were brought under focus. The experts further deliberated upon television talk shows and the ability of guests to establish constructive dialogue and adhere to appropriate standards of etiquette.

More than 60 Emirati university students, as well as professors from media institutions and public communication departments in the UAE volunteered their services for this conference.

11- 12 May 2009

The eighth conference hosted an elite group of Arab and foreign media professionals and celebrities, as well as prominent influential figures from varied political and economic arenas.

Held within the context of the repercussions of the global financial crisis, the event explored latest developments on the Arab and international media stage through offering a platform for the exchange of ideas and creating scenarios to forecast the future of the media in the Arab region.

The participants attended an intensive series of workshops and deliberation sessions on major transformations in the Arab media landscape, manner in which the economic media handled the reporting of the financial crisis, its effect on the Arab media industry, impact of new media on the future of print media, editorial policies during wars (with Gaza as an example), and the effect of an increasing number of content-driven television channels in the Arab media space. 

The eighth AMF also discussed the phenomenon of the growing number of Arabic versions of foreign TV channels, the work environment of correspondents of foreign news agencies in the Arab region, and religious TV channels that are neglecting the conditions and mannerism?? of Alfatwa. The criticism being leveled at a number of popular heritage channels for over-stepping their mandated role of raising cultural awareness among the youth was also discussed.

23– 24 April 2008

The seventh Arab Media Forum focused on how the Gulf media was responding to the challenges of technology, the role of the public and private sector in the media industry, and the ability of these institutions to achieve positive financial results.  Technology’s impact on the Maghreb countries, the opportunities and challenges that face the media industry there and the possible patterns of change were some of the other topics that took centrestage at the event.

The forum also focused on the phenomenon of the Levant media and its inability to retain local talent. It particularly highlighted the reasons and consequential repercussions of the scenario on media institutions. The workshops further discussed the transformations that were breaking the traditional mold of the Arab media, shaping it from a profession dependent on craftsmanship and talent to an industry where technology and its applications lay at its core.  It studied the world of journalism prior to the advent of the internet and cellular phones, focusing on the effects of technology on the media and its ability to adapt to these changes.

The seventh AMF also discussed the ability of information technology companies and media outlets to interact and whether technology can be used to find relevant solutions for the media industry. The session attempted to unravel the dynamics underlying search engines, software and hardware manufacturers, content providers, networks and telecom operators. The possibility of replacing local newspapers and TV stations as the most important sources of information was also explored. The forum further discussed the challenges and opportunities faced by Arab media in the era of new technologies, the Arab League Broadcasting Charter, how media cyberspace was becoming a vital constellation of creative skills and the unpredictable elements of freedom of expression.

24 - 25 April 2007

The Arab Media Forum in its sixth edition discussed accredited studies and applied research that defined existing strengths and weaknesses in the Arab media. The sessions aimed to create a holistic strategy to develop appropriate competencies and Arab media institutions. In preparation for the conference, Dubai Press Club conducted in-depth research and compiled case studies that focused on a group of media institutions in pioneering Arab countries.  The outcomes of the research were used to draw up the agenda for the fifth AMF.

Topics of discussion included the current state of affairs and the future direction of the media sector. Experts came together with the aim of creating a broad vision that would communicate a comprehensive strategy to the media industry in the Arab world. 

AMF 2007 touched upon the progress of the Arab press on a regional and international level. It reviewed issues such as the size of media institutions, their levels of growth, emergence of new media institutions and their effect on the media industry. It additionally looked into the development of relevant talent for supporting the media sector.

The event also discussed the issue of “Content versus Profit: The Impact of Advertising on Program Content”, where participants explored the debate between meeting the bottom line while maintaining the value of content.

The forum dedicated a session to “The Effect of Technology Innovation on Today’s Media Landscape” and discussed best ways to leverage innovative technology for enhancing quality and accuracy of content, providing real time reporting and reaching wider audiences.

The sixth edition further examined the results of the first “Arab Media Outlook” issued by the Dubai Press Club (DPC). The report provided an overview of the Arab media industry, its status and trends, and the implications for journalists and organizations in the Pan-Arab region.

The event also discussed “The Rights and Privileges of Media Professionals” and the challenges of converting journalists from print to television. In this context, the speakers examined the issues of training and media education, whether the journalists were getting enough attention, and their adherence to international standards.

26-27 April, 2006

The fifth edition of the Arab Media Forum attracted a group of elite regional figures, including leading thought leaders such as Ghassan Twainy and a host of prominent Arab media and academic personalities. The discussions defined the priorities for elevating the quality of the Arab media by focusing on the obstacles that impede its path and outlining the most important steps for achieving those priorities.

Held under the title of “Arab Media Review”, the event included 13 specialized workshops and two public sessions. These focused on the most prominent media developments in a number of Arab countries, credibility of the Arab media, the Arab media’s position with regards to modern and conservative ideologies, as well as the issue of media training in the Arab world and the status of the Arab media professional. The conference also reviewed new media phenomena in the region, success stories of Arab women in the media, and the relationship between the private and government media.

The session additionally looked into the growing phenomenon of blogging in the Arab world, the extent of its impact on public opinion and policies of Arab countries, the evolution of reality television shows in the Arab world inspired by similar programming on foreign channels, and the growing phenomenon of the daily tabloid press and its contributions to the Arab journalistic scene.

4-7 December 2005

Dubai Press Club (DPC) combined the fourth Arab Media Forum with the Arab Thought Conference held by the Arab Thought Foundation. Held under the title of “Arab and World Media:  Getting it Right”, it was attended by a group of elite figures from the world of politics, economy and the media.

The forum’s message called for bridging the gap and enhancing the interaction between the Arab and global media so that pursuit of the truth and nothing but the truth becomes the main goal for both parties. The conference was attended by a group of speakers and elite personalities from the world of politics, economics and media.  They augmented the forum's position as a unique platform for Arab-Western dialogue, and contributed to closely identifying the way each party views the other through constructive conversation and dialogue.

7-8 October 2003

The third edition of the Arab Media Forum was held under the title “The Media and the War” and included specialized workshops on the role of the media during crises and wars.  It took into consideration the repercussions of the war on Iraq, its impact on the relationship between the West and the Arab world, and the circumstances that the Middle East experienced.

The first day witnessed a keynote speech by His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Minister of Information and Culture and the Chairman of Emirates Media Incorporated, and Chris Cramer, President of CNN International.

A special workshop on the role of media in modern warfare was also held. It discussed the journalist’s responsibility in reporting the truth objectively and impartially, without relying on propaganda and biased information. The forum witnessed a workshop titled “The Media as a Weapon of Mass Destruction“, where speakers discussed the possibility of using the media as a weapon of mass destruction by executing strategic communication campaigns to deliberately affect public opinion.

The conference additionally witnessed workshops that saw over 20 media professionals discussing specialized subjects including the challenges faced by female Arab media professionals, targeting of journalists in hostile environments, the influence of media outlets in the Arab world, and journalists working under the Occupation. The entire event was dedicated to Iraq as a case study, where speakers discussed several approaches to investigating how the Arab and the Western media dealt with the war. The sessions holistically aimed to improve the process of communication and open channels of discussion between media professionals and intellectuals from both the worlds.

The speakers discussed whether the West still has a biased view of Arabs, whether the Arab media is dissatisfied with the West, and what possibilities exist for bringing the points of view closer to strengthen the mutual understanding between both sides.  The event also examined how the Freedom of Information Act in the US affects the credibility of the American media, the points of similarity and points of difference  in Arab and American talk shows, current and future challenges facing Arab satellite stations, and the role of the private sector in the media.

28-29 April 2002

The second edition was opened by His Excellency Amr Moussa, Secretary General of the Arab League. The conference carried the title “Problems of the Arab Speech in the West” and focused on the most prominent current events in the region and the world. 

The forum discussed the Western media’s view of the Arab region in the aftermath of 11 September 2001. Through the conference, Arab and foreign experts discussed the variables influencing Arab perceptions of the West. It also examined the role of the media and the Arab people towards creating a dialogue that could lead to positive interaction between the region and the West. 

Burj Al-Arab

27-28 April 2001

The first edition witnessed the launch of the Arab Media Forum. The conference outlined its goals of enhancing dialogue between decision makers in the media and analyzing the most prominent media developments. This included establishing policies, developing scenarios to predict future developments, and preparing plans and strategies for supporting the Arab media. 

The first AMF discussed the future of government media, media broadcast through the internet, and the coverage of the Palestinian Intifada in the Arab media. In addition to analyzing television talk shows, it also researched the role of Arab unions in enhancing freedom of expression and defending the rights of Arab journalists.

As part of the first edition, Dubai Press Club (DPC) organized a tour to acquaint participants with media projects in Dubai such as Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City.