Arab Media Forum to open on Wednesday, 26th April in Dubai

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid will address the official opening session of the forum which will be attended by a distinguished gathering of academics, editors-in-chief, columnists, writers and media experts from the Arab world.

Ghassan Twaini, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Al Nahar newspaper of Lebanon will be the key note speaker during the opening session. Ghassan Twaini is recognized as one of the leading Arab media experts who has a wealth of expertise in various fields. Beside his involvement with media, he has a record of remarkable political and diplomatic contributions.

Mona Al Marri, Chairperson of Dubai Press Club, which is organising the forum, extended a note of warm welcome to all the speakers and participants, underlining the importance and value of the form which will bring together a select group of media experts and decision makers from the region. "The forum will witness important discussions lead by a group of opinion shapers who have a indirect impact on the social, cultural and even political agenda in the Arab world," she added.

"The true value of the forum lies in the fact that it serves as an ideal platform of direct interaction and dialogue among industry leaders who gather under one roof to discuss issues of importance to the Arab region,"

she explained.

"This positive dialogue tremendously contributes towards identifying major challenges and obstacles facing the media industry in this part of the world, and subsequently charting the necessary actions that are needed to help enhance the status of the Arab media," Al Marri added.

The Arab Media Forum opening session is expected to be attended this year by approximately 1,000 participants.

Anis Mansour, a prominent Egyptian writer; Ghassan Sharbal, Editor-in-Chief of Al Hayat newspaper; Othman Al Omeir, Editor-in-Chief of e-magazine Elaf will be attending the event along with a host of leading media personalities.

The forum will include 13 workshops and 2 main sessions to discuss many issues of direct interest to the regional media industry such as: credibility of media, training as important tool for industry development, and the phenomenon of Bloggers and Reality TV besides other topics.

The Forum has gathered the support and sponsorship from top notch local and regional establishments and authorities. The sponsors for the Forum include: Emirates Airline, Dubai Holding, Nakheel, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), DU, Arab Media Group, Al Arabiya, Falcon City, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Mubadala and Hewlett-Packard (HP)."