Abu Dhabi’s Global Media Congress 2024 to Address Future of Digital Media and Youth Creativity

ABU DHABI — The third edition of the Global Media Congress is set to take place from November 26 to 28 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), drawing attention to the challenges in digital media transformation, creative engagement with youth, and media industry rights.

Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi, Director-General of the UAE’s National Media Office, emphasized that this year’s Congress aims to deliver fresh perspectives and actionable insights. “Seventy percent of our speakers are first-time participants,” Dr. Al Kaabi shared, adding that “every single talk and topic raised is different than anything discussed before.”

Dr. Al Kaabi noted that the primary focus will be on the quality and relevance of the content, rather than speaker profiles. He informed the organizing team that each session should yield concrete lessons, emphasizing practical value for attendees.

This year’s event is expected to attract over 30,000 participants globally, surpassing last year’s record of 23,900 visitors from 172 countries. Registration is ongoing, with delegates from 20 countries already confirmed, and Dr. Al Kaabi expressed confidence that attendance numbers would continue to climb as the event approaches.

Reflecting local cultural values, the Congress will feature a seating arrangement inspired by traditional Arabian majlises, and the opening ceremony will be conducted in Arabic. The event aims to preserve and celebrate regional traditions within a global media context.

The Congress will unfold over three days, each dedicated to different facets of media’s evolving landscape:

• Day One: Shaping the Future of Media and Investments
  The opening day will explore the future of media, focusing on investments in the industry and understanding media’s appeal in the digital age. Attendees can expect discussions on the challenges that media faces, both historically and today, with an eye toward sustainable growth and innovation.
• Day Two: Media Content and Regulatory Frameworks
  The second day will address media content creation and regulatory issues, analyzing audience preferences and discussing coverage of sensitive topics like war and conflict. A session on preserving the Arabic language will highlight its importance in media, reinforcing cultural and linguistic identity within the industry.
• Day Three: Digital Media’s Future and Creative Horizons
  The final day will delve into digital media’s future trajectory, examining the unique challenges and potential developments in digital content creation. This includes exploring how technology and creativity can redefine media production and consumption in the years ahead.

Unprecedented topics will be introduced, including “media and early childhood,” marking the Congress’s first exploration of media’s influence on young audiences. Dr. Al Kaabi noted that this topic is particularly important as it has yet to receive attention in past editions.

The Global Media Congress 2024 promises a robust agenda aimed at fostering innovation, addressing industry challenges, and delivering forward-looking insights that reflect the rapid evolution of media worldwide.