Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council (DMC), chaired a meeting of the Council to review the key performance indicators of Dubai’s media sector. The meeting focused on initiatives and strategic targets, along with Dubai Media Incorporated’s (DMI) digital transformation. Discussions centered on aligning the media sector with Dubai’s development agenda under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed emphasized the media sector’s potential to substantially contribute to Dubai’s economic development. He highlighted the sector’s role in achieving the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships. The government is committed to supporting media institutions through good governance and clear operational guidelines.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed directed the Council to aim for doubling the media sector’s GDP contribution from 1.4% to 3% by 2033. He stressed the need for innovation in media projects, investment in young national talent, and creating a supportive environment for high-quality content development reflecting Dubai’s global leadership.
He underscored the urgency of accelerating digital transformation in Dubai’s media, which is key to raising community awareness and supporting Dubai’s future plans. This transformation requires innovative tools to meet global technological advancements and audience expectations.
During the meeting, progress on the Council’s performance indicators for the media sector through 2033 was reviewed. Discussions included the sector’s GDP contribution, growth of media exports, establishment of new film and gaming committees, and targets for foreign investment attraction.
The meeting also covered efforts to enhance local content production, support private media companies, expand talent incentives, and strengthen strategic communication to boost Dubai’s digital influence and audience reach.
Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, discussed the impact of transferring regulatory oversight of Dubai’s media sector to the Council under Law No. (29) of 2024. The law expanded the Council’s powers, enabling it to implement media development plans efficiently and align with global trends.
Nehal Badri, Secretary General of the Dubai Media Council, highlighted the Council’s global reach expansion in 2025 through partnerships with leading academic institutions and initiatives like the Dubai Film and Games Forum within the Arab Media Summit 2025.
The Council also focused on talent development through programs such as the Media Leadership Programme and the Emirati Media Talent Pledge. Digital strategy initiatives, including the ‘Awaan’ platform, were approved, focusing on advanced content and partnerships with technology leaders.
The meeting concluded with H.H. Sheikh Ahmed engaging with participants of DMI’s ‘Media Pioneer Programme – Emirati Photographer’ and the ‘Leaders Diploma Program,’ aimed at developing national leaders within the organization. The meeting was attended by several Council members and rapporteur Rashid Al Marri.