Dubai Media Council is set to participate in the upcoming Arab Media Summit 2026, scheduled to take place from September 15-17, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. The summit’s organisation is bolstered by directives from His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Media Council.
Focusing on Film and Gaming Industries
This year, the Dubai Media Council will shine a spotlight on the film and electronic gaming sectors through two specialised forums hosted by the Dubai Film and Electronic Games Office. These forums aim to unite industry professionals and investors from both regions and around the globe to explore growth prospects and anticipate the future of these dynamic sectors.
Transforming Creativity into Sustainable Economy
The central theme of this year’s participation revolves around a pivotal question: how can creativity in the film and electronic gaming industries evolve from mere content consumption to a sustainable economy? Dubai, having established itself as a preferred hub for global studios and platforms, is seen as the ideal backdrop for this exploration.
Quotes from Industry Leaders
Nahlah Badri, Secretary-General of the Dubai Media Council, stated, “Dubai is no longer just a backdrop for filming scenes; it is now a city where content creators operate. Films are produced, games are launched, and broadcasts reach the world from here. What attracts studios and platforms to Dubai is the rapid pace, infrastructure, and accessibility to markets, while content, intellectual property, and talent are the capital the emirate is betting on for its future economy.”
Adding to this insight, Hisham Sultan Al Olama, Executive Director of the Media Development Sector at the Dubai Media Council, noted, “When producers, directors, developers, and publishers gather with experts and investors under one roof, projects are born, and partnerships thrive. This is what we facilitate in Dubai: creating spaces for industry stakeholders to connect, leading to collaborative productions and investments turning from ambition to reality. Our goal is to provide filmmakers and game developers the shortest path from concept to screen, and from studio to global markets.”
Conversations on Future Growth and Investment
The Electronic Games Forum will delve into the industry’s future, addressing investment opportunities, growth, and ways to empower talent while supporting startups. Dubai’s advanced digital infrastructure and business-friendly environment are highlighted as key factors in establishing the city as a primary hub for game development and production, attracting developers and investors worldwide.
Meanwhile, the Film Forum will bring together filmmakers, directors, producers, screenwriters, and industry experts to discuss the future of film and television production in the region, emphasising collaboration, attracting investments, and talent development. The impact of digital platforms and artificial intelligence across all stages of filmmaking will be a crucial topic. Dubai’s cutting-edge infrastructure and diverse filming locations position it as a magnet for international expertise within the sector.