The Arab Media Forum (AMF), kick-started yesterday, the two-day event, held from 26-27 September, will bring together prominent political figures, writers, thought leaders and opinion-makers, renowned media personalities, and senior executives of leading Arab and international media organizations.
The 21st edition of Arab Media Forum is set to take a deep look at new trends, technologies, Artificial Intelligence in media, and global developments that are shaping the future of the industry in the region.
AI experts, analysts, and journalists convened at the 21st annual Arab Media Forum on Tuesday. In a session titled “The Future of Journalism in the Web3 and Metaverse Era,” Mohammed Al Hammadi, chair of the UAE Journalists Association, emphasized the importance of journalists embracing artificial intelligence and ChatGPT.
Dr. Maitha Buhumaid, Director of DPC added that the Forum, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will focus on accelerating the growth of media and enhancing the regional industry’s ability to keep pace with the evolving global environment.
Al Hammadi stated that journalists should proactively adapt to technological advancements, highlighting that those who resisted change during the rise of social media were eventually replaced by individuals who embraced progress. He emphasized that AI technologies would enable media professionals to compete more effectively on a global scale.
During the session, Islam Al-Shatnawy, CEO of iApply Global, discussed how AI, when used effectively, could streamline production processes, reduce costs, and enhance content quality, ultimately leading to financial gains.
However, Abdu Gadallah, head of news at Sky Arabia, expressed concerns about potential job losses, particularly in areas like translation and production. He believed that AI might not replace human TV presenters but could impact various roles within journalism.
READ: Anchor & Journalist Imran Riaz Khan has finally returned home
Political analyst Yasser Abdulaziz described the new technology as “scary” and acknowledged the inevitability of job losses. He even suggested that AI might someday make final decisions on editorial matters.
Despite these challenges, the panel encouraged journalists to embrace technological advancement and AI as allies rather than adversaries. They emphasized the potential for AI to enhance content production and profitability in the media industry.
