The Creative Media Authority (CMA) has highlighted a number of success stories from graduates of CNN Academy Abu Dhabi, showcasing the programme’s role in developing creative media talent in the UAE ahead of its sixth edition.
The tuition-free programme, delivered in partnership with CNN Academy and CMA’s Creative Lab, has supported 542 students by the end of its fifth cycle in 2025. The participants included 206 UAE-based students and 377 international students. Since its launch in 2021, the academy has trained 105 Emiratis and provided practical newsroom experience, mentorship and exposure to global media professionals.
According to CMA, several graduates have gone on to build careers in government communications, private media organisations, entrepreneurship, production and international newsrooms.
Aysha Al Jneibi, Director of Talent Management at CMA, said: “The success of our alumni is one of the clearest measures of the Academy’s impact. We are seeing graduates progress into government media roles, international newsrooms, entrepreneurial ventures and creative industry careers, demonstrating the value of investing in talent development and industry-led learning opportunities. Through our partnerships with educational institutions and industry leaders, we are creating pathways that enable aspiring storytellers to build meaningful careers within the UAE’s growing creative media ecosystem.”
The authority said the programme forms part of its broader efforts to support local creative talent through partnerships with educational institutions, including Higher Colleges of Technology and Zayed University.
Commenting on the achievements of graduates, Becky Anderson, Managing Editor of CNN Abu Dhabi and Anchor of Connect the World, said: “The true legacy of CNN Academy is in our graduates, and we have watched so many extraordinarily talented young storytellers go through our programme over the past five years here in Abu Dhabi. It is immensely satisfying to see their talent continue to flourish in their chosen careers. The success of this ever-growing group bodes well for the future of journalism and creativity here in the region.”
Among the alumni featured by CMA are Elizaveta Vartanian, who moved from the academy into an internship with CNN Abu Dhabi before pursuing a career in media education, and Fatima Alkaabi, who co-founded AI Emirati, a cultural storytelling venture focused on preserving and promoting Emirati heritage through technology.
The authority also highlighted Aleeza Ahmed, who secured an internship with CNN Abu Dhabi while pursuing postgraduate studies, as well as Omar Alshami and Heba Al Juneibi, who have applied skills gained through the programme in communications, production and other creative industry initiatives.
CMA said applications for the 2026 cohort of CNN Academy Abu Dhabi will remain open until June 30. The programme is open to students and emerging professionals aged 18 and above and offers training in multiplatform storytelling, newsroom experience and access to industry professionals from CNN’s global network.
