Arab Media Forum to be held virtually in October

Industry leaders will discuss the impact of Covid-19 on various sectors, particularly the media

Mona Al Marri, chairperson of the Board of Directors of Dubai Women Establishment, is eager to further advance the role of women in the emirate. Leslie Pableo / The National

The new edition of the Arab Media Forum will be held virtually this year, said Dubai Press Club on Saturday.

The 19th edition will kick off on October 20 and will be organised keeping in mind all Covid-19 precautionary measures.

The main session of the forum will be followed by a series of virtual sessions until the end of the year.

The region’s annual media industry event will bring together prominent regional and international media personalities and industry leaders to discuss the far-reaching impact of the Covid-19 crisis on various sectors, particularly the media.

"The decision to organise the annual Arab Media Forum virtually despite the prevailing circumstances is part of Dubai’s keenness to support the continued development of the region’s media,” said Mona Al Marri, president of the Dubai Press Club and chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Arab Media Forum.

“It also comes as part of our commitment to implementing the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid outlined 20 years ago to promote regional media industry growth by launching initiatives such as the Arab Media Forum and Arab Journalism Award.

“We look forward to hosting a number of thought leaders and leading media professionals from across the region to discuss the current state of the region as well as the opportunities and challenges facing the media sector.”

The 2020 edition will also feature a virtual ceremony to announce the winners of the 19th edition of the Arab Journalism Award, the committee said.