Photo Credit: WAM
The Dubai Press Club (DPC) has announced nine leading national institutions as partners for the Arab Media Summit 2026, which will take place in Dubai from 15th to 17th September.
The Summit will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will participate as Mobility Partner, while Dubai Chambers has been named Global Commerce Partner. ENOC Group will serve as Energy Partner, Dubai Customs as Trade and Economic Partner, Emirates as Airline Partner and Emirates NBD as Banking Partner.
Dubai Courts joins as Leading Partner, Dubai Municipality as Future City Partner and Emirates Integrated Telecom Company (du) as Telecommunication Partner.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, President of the Dubai Press Club and Chairperson of the Arab Media Summit Organising Committee, said the partnerships demonstrate the institutions’ recognition of the media’s role in supporting development and shaping the future.
She noted that national institutions have contributed significantly to Dubai’s globally recognised success and strengthened the emirate’s soft power.
Al Marri added that a competitive and forward-looking Arab media sector, built on professionalism, integrity and ethical values, can produce influential content that helps audiences understand global changes and participate in shaping the future.
Partners Highlight Media’s Role in Development
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, described the media as an important partner in the development process through its role in transferring knowledge, raising awareness and showcasing achievements.
He said the Arab Media Summit provides a major platform for discussing technological developments, including artificial intelligence, and their potential to improve content and strengthen the competitiveness of Arab media.
Al Tayer also highlighted the connection between media and transport, noting that Dubai’s integrated mobility network supports the emirate’s development and enables it to host major international events.
Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said future cities depend on more than infrastructure and technology. He explained that people, knowledge and public awareness are essential parts of an integrated urban environment.
He said Dubai Municipality’s participation as Future City Partner reflects its commitment to promoting sustainable cities, improving quality of life and supporting a platform that brings together leading Arab media voices.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, emphasised the importance of economic journalism in connecting markets, investment opportunities and the business community.
He said the partnership would help highlight Dubai’s commercial opportunities, support the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and reinforce the emirate’s status as an international business hub.
Dr. Abdullah Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, said the Summit offers an important opportunity to improve public understanding of economic changes and the contribution of trade to growth.
He added that Dubai Customs’ role as Trade and Economic Partner reflects its commitment to facilitating commerce, strengthening investor confidence and improving Dubai’s economic competitiveness.
Supporting Legal, Financial and Digital Awareness
Saif Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director General of Dubai Courts, said participation as Leading Partner reflects the importance of cooperation between judicial and media institutions.
He noted that reliable media content can expand access to legal knowledge and contribute to building a better-informed society. Dubai Courts will continue supporting initiatives that present legal and judicial information through clear and innovative formats.
Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates NBD Group, said the bank is pleased to continue supporting the Summit as Banking Partner.
He described the event as a valuable platform for Arab media professionals to exchange ideas and examine the industry’s most pressing opportunities and challenges. He also highlighted the Summit’s new format, which brings several specialised forums and events together under one platform.
Hussain Sultan Lootah, Group CEO of ENOC Group, said Dubai’s progress is supported by vision, innovation, sustainability and cooperation between different sectors.
He said ENOC’s participation as Energy Partner will support informed discussions about sustainability, the future of energy and the economic transformations affecting the region.
Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du, highlighted the growing connection between media and technology. He said digital tools are enabling content and ideas to reach wider audiences, connect cultures and cross geographical boundaries.
Through its partnership, du aims to support discussions covering artificial intelligence, digital platforms, technological innovation and the future of content.
Boutros Boutros, Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand at Emirates Airline & Group, said Dubai has long connected people, cultures and ideas from around the world.
He added that Emirates’ partnership reflects the airline’s support for major Dubai-based initiatives that promote international communication, creativity and influence.
Dubai Strengthens Its Position as a Regional Media Hub
Maryam Al Mulla, Director of the Dubai Press Club, thanked the Summit’s partners for supporting the 2026 edition.
She said cooperation between government entities, national institutions and businesses has been central to Dubai’s achievements across different sectors. This collaborative approach has also helped establish the emirate as a regional centre for thought leadership and media development.
According to Al Mulla, Dubai has steadily strengthened its position as a leading Arab media hub over the past two decades, supported by one of the region’s largest professional media communities.
The Arab Media Summit 2026 is supported by 13 partner groups and institutions. Previously announced partners include DP World as Strategic Partner, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority as Sustainability Strategic Partner, the National Media Authority as National Partner, and Mohamed and Obaid Almulla Group together with American Hospital Dubai as Strategic Healthcare Partner.
This year’s Summit is expected to be the largest edition to date. It will bring together the Arab Media Forum, Government Communication Forum, Arab Youth Media Forum, Arab Social Media Influencers Summit, Films Forum, Games Forum and Dubai PodFest, alongside several international media forums.
The event will also recognise established and emerging talent through the Arab Media Award, which celebrates its silver jubilee in 2026, the Arab Social Media Influencers Award and the Ibda’a – Arab Youth Media Award.
