Participants in the media and entertainment session held today at the 22nd Arabic Media Forum emphasized that rapid advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence, will greatly influence the content displayed on digital platforms or television, whether it’s artistic products like series, programs, and films, news bulletins, or any other content.
They pointed out that artificial intelligence is a reality that must be dealt with and invested in its applications in terms of technology and human resources.
During the session, Mohamed Al Malla, CEO of Dubai Media Foundation, Nasser Al Mumayn, CEO of Shasha platform under Kuwait’s Al-Qabas Foundation, Roman Shymanski, the Business Director for the Middle East and North Africa region at “Young Play” participated, with the session moderated by Maisa Maghrabi.
To kick off the session, the session’s director highlighted the significance of the topic for discussion due to intense competition in the media and entertainment market between local and global players, with expectations of reaching $2.4 trillion by 2030, creating a new reality.
Participants were asked about the impact of these diverse choices on media institutions and users.
In response, Mohamed Al Malla mentioned that the internet’s expansion and electronic acceleration have significantly increased in the region, with youth under 30 constituting about 60% of the Arab world’s population. This led to a greater reliance on digital platforms as a primary hub for news and entertainment production, citing examples of various programs, artistic and documentary products broadcasted on traditional TV.
He indicated that this phenomenon has led to the emergence of new ideas among youth, along with an increase in the number of startups in this field due to the ease and speed of production.
He also affirmed the continuous development of Arab youth’s skills and that 60% of future media jobs will require advanced digital and technological skills.
He explained that there is a significant increase in the demand for Arabic content, with people preferring this content to align with their social values. He pointed out that the online Arab content industry provides significant growth opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa, reaching an audience of over 450 million due to wide accessibility to technology and reaching those population segments.
Dubai Media Foundation stated their full readiness to invest in new trends and modern technologies while preserving Arab values and traditions.
They emphasized the importance of investing in human resources and popular technological platforms. They clarified that technology plays a vital role in its development, maintaining its identity, values, and traditions. Additionally,
They stressed the importance of collaboration and partnerships in the digital entertainment sector to enhance the industry and deliver content tailored to the Arab audience.
They mentioned that future technology usage will depend on platforms’ ability to deliver the best content and fill the gaps, reaffirming that artificial intelligence will enhance human work rather than replace it, supporting it instead.
Maisa Maghrabi explained that artificial intelligence will contribute to content development provided it is regulated correctly to protect intellectual property rights and based on social values.
She emphasized that digital platforms will not replace traditional platforms but will work alongside them to serve various users.
