The Arab Media Summit 2026 opened in Dubai on Tuesday with nine leading UAE institutions joining the event as partners, underscoring the growing role of cross-sector collaboration in the region’s media industry.
The Dubai Press Club (DPC), organiser of the summit, said the nine new partners are the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Chambers, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC Group), Dubai Customs, Emirates, Emirates NBD, Dubai Courts, Dubai Municipality and Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du).
The institutions will serve as Mobility, Global Commerce, Energy, Trade and Economic, Airline, Banking, Leading, Future City and Telecommunication partners respectively.
The summit is being held from September 15 to 17 under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club, said the partnerships reflect the media’s role in shaping societies and the future.
“Our national institutions have helped build an exceptional success story that has earned global recognition and strengthened Dubai’s soft power worldwide. We are pleased to partner with a distinguished group of organisations that have contributed to shaping this inspiring story.”
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, said the media is a key partner in the development process.
“RTA’s continued partnership with the Summit reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which recognises the media as an active partner in achieving sustainable development. It also reinforces Dubai’s pioneering position as a leading hub for Arab media, bringing together media figures, decision-makers and experts to shape the future of the sector and address rapid digital and technological transformations.”
Dubai Municipality Director General Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita highlighted the media’s role in communicating the transformation of cities.
“Leading cities of the future are not built on infrastructure and technology alone, but through an integrated urban ecosystem that places people, awareness and knowledge at its core. This is where the media plays a vital role in raising public awareness of the transformations reshaping our cities and the way we live.”
The 2026 summit is the largest edition yet and brings together the Arab Media Forum, Government Communication Forum, Arab Youth Media Forum, Arab Social Media Influencers Summit, Films Forum, Games Forum and Dubai PodFest, alongside several international media forums.
It is supported by 13 institutions in total, including previously announced partners DP World, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the National Media Authority, the Mohamed and Obaid Almulla Group and American Hospital Dubai.
The summit will also host the Arab Media Award, which marks its 25th anniversary this year, as well as the Arab Social Media Influencers Award and the Ibda’a – Arab Youth Media Award.
