Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (WAM)
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and organised by ADNEC Group in strategic partnership with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the 3rd edition of the Global Media Congress (GMC) has concluded in Abu Dhabi.
This year’s Congress marked yet another milestone in the evolution of global media, serving as a dynamic platform for innovation, technology, and collaboration.
The event brought together global leaders, media professionals, and technology pioneers to shape the future of the media industry and address the challenges of a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, emphasised that the Global Media Congress reflects the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership in solidifying the country’s position as a hub for global events, a forward-looking nation, and a leader in keeping pace with the evolution of the media sector. He highlighted the UAE's significant efforts in establishing an exceptional and flexible media ecosystem built on advanced digital infrastructure to support cultural industries.
Al Hamed stated: "The success of the Congress in its third edition would not have been possible without the generous support and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, who is the foremost supporter of this global event. Under His Highness's visionary leadership, the event has become a global platform that brings together elite media professionals, innovators, and experts from around the world."
He praised the fruitful discussions, dialogues, and sessions that took place over the three days of the event, which called for strengthening collaboration between media institutions worldwide. “This would enable the media to fulfill its role as a driving force for positive change, create content that meets the aspirations of future generations, respect cultural diversity, and open its doors to the world while preserving its identity and authenticity.”
The NMO Chairman concluded by saying: "Media is a pivotal force that shapes awareness, builds the future, and unites people around shared values. Today, our responsibility is greater than ever before. We are tasked with creating media that confronts challenges with wisdom and innovation, building bridges of communication that humanity can cross toward a brighter and more advanced future."
Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi, Director-General of the National Media Office and Chairman of the GMC Organising Committee, provided a media briefing outlining the key outcomes and recommendations of the third edition of the Congress.
“This year’s event witnessed record-breaking success and extensive international participation, with 840 media professionals and 218 media organisations from 30 countries, which highlights the Congress’ importance as a global hub for advancing the media sector and fostering connections between local and international media,” he explained.
Dr Al Kaabi noted that the Global Media Congress experienced a remarkable expansion in its overall area, reaching 37,000 square meters, a 16% growth in space compared to the previous edition, which reflects its growing impact and ability to attract a broader global audience.
He added that this edition of the global event featured a dynamic and inspiring programme, drawing 25,567 visitors who participated in an extensive schedule of events: “Throughout the event, attendees explored a comprehensive programme of sessions and activities designed to inspire and educate. The Congress featured 96 discussion panels that delved into the latest industry trends and challenges, complemented by four keynote sessions delivered by world-renowned speakers. In addition, eight Media Lab sessions highlighted advanced technologies and innovation, while 25 interactive workshops provided hands-on learning experiences. The event also included six major conferences and 20 sessions on the Innovation and Creativity Platform, fostering new ideas and solutions.”
Dr Al Kaabi added that "the white papers from the third edition of the Global Media Congress will be released soon, representing a shared commitment to advancing a more effective and evolved media industry that contributes to building a better future for our communities."
Humaid Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “The success of the 3rd edition of the Global Media Congress reflects our unwavering commitment to positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for innovation and excellence in the media industry. This year’s event brought together the brightest minds, thought leaders, and innovators from around the world to foster collaboration and address the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly evolving media landscape.”
The Congress outlined a roadmap for the future of media, emphasising the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and innovation. Strategic partnerships were identified as essential to enhancing the Arab media’s global presence, while the need for stronger collaboration between local and international institutions was underscored. Recommendations included establishing follow-up mechanisms to ensure the adoption of insights by key stakeholders and providing practical tools for media organisations to achieve sustainable growth and relevance in the digital age.
As GMC 2024 concluded, it reaffirmed its position as a hub for media innovation and a forum for addressing the opportunities and challenges of the digital era. The Congress succeeded in creating a forward-looking media ecosystem that leverages advanced technologies, fosters collaboration, and preserves cultural authenticity. By empowering media organisations with practical strategies, the event left behind a legacy of innovation and a framework for future growth in the media sector, aligned with the shared vision of its global participants.
