In a significant move to strengthen media collaboration between the UAE and China, Abdullah Al Hamad, the Chairman of the National Media Office and the UAE Media Council, met with key media leaders during a visit to Shanghai. This meeting was part of the preparatory activities for the upcoming “Bridge 2025” summit, a major global platform set to be held in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, 2025. The summit aims to gather leaders and influential figures from the media, cultural, and artistic sectors, focusing on enhancing international partnerships.
Engagement with Shanghai’s Leading Media Groups
During his visit, Abdullah Al Hamad engaged with senior officials from the Shanghai United Media Group (SUMG) and Shanghai Media Group (SMG). He was warmly welcomed by Fang Shijiong, the head of SMG, along with several other high-ranking officials, including the Director of Research and Technology. Together, they explored the innovative facilities of SMG, which include state-of-the-art content production studios, newsrooms, and advanced fact-checking units. This exploration underscores the goal of enhancing collaboration through the “Bridge” initiative.
Strengthening UAE-China Relations
Abdullah Al Hamad emphasized that the relationship between the UAE and China serves as a model of advanced cooperation based on mutual respect and a shared vision. He noted that these ties receive significant attention from UAE leadership, who believe in the importance of fostering collaborative bridges across various fields. The initiative seeks to enhance partnerships with major media institutions in China, facilitating exchanges of expertise and leveraging joint capabilities in content production, digital platform development, and integrating artificial intelligence tools.
The Role of Media in Community Development
Referring to the essential role of media, Abdullah Al Hamad stated that the UAE views purposeful media as a vital tool in building societal awareness and promoting values of tolerance and openness. He remarked that media is crucial in the sustainable development journey, and hence it is pivotal to establish strategic partnerships with leading global media entities. Such collaborations aim to create content that reflects responsibility, meets aspirations, and captures the rapid transformations occurring in the digital space.
A Future of Collaborative Innovation
Mr. Fang Shijiong reiterated the importance of enduring cultural and media cooperation between both nations. He highlighted the need for deepening these connections through joint innovation and mutual dialogue. The group looks forward to expanding partnerships with global media organizations in light of the rapid technological advancements transforming the sector.
As part of the visit, the “Bridge” delegation also met with Li Yong, president of the Shanghai United Media Group (SUMG). They were introduced to innovative digital media service models implemented by the organization, which has been a driving force in enhancing content quality since its establishment in 2013. These visits align with the broader objectives of the “Bridge” initiative, aimed at broadening international media partnerships ahead of the “Bridge 2025” summit, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to innovation, responsible content creation, and integrating smart technologies into modern media systems.