Region’s largest media gathering: BRIDGE Summit 2025 opens in Abu Dhabi

BRIDGE Summit 2025 opens in Abu Dhabi, uniting over 60,000 creators, global media leaders and innovators for three days of panels, workshops and partnerships at the region’s largest media and content gathering.

Imran Malik – MediaBites – Lahore – WEBDESK

The BRIDGE Summit 2025, the region’s largest media, content and creative industries gathering, officially opened on Monday at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, drawing over 60,000 participants from across the world. The three-day summit, running from December 8 to 10, brings together an extraordinary mix of creators, media professionals, artists, producers, publishers, entrepreneurs, investors, universities and research institutions, marking one of the most significant creative economy events globally.

Organised as a powerhouse platform for collaboration, innovation and industry growth, the summit hosts more than 400 international speakers and 300 exhibitors, representing leading organisations from the media, entertainment, gaming, technology, design, architecture and cultural sectors.

A global gathering of influential voices

Renowned personalities from film, television, digital content creation, gaming, virtual reality, design and academia are among the keynote speakers and panelists. Senior executives from global media houses, founders of emerging creative startups, publishing icons, cultural policymakers, and high-profile investors are also in attendance, highlighting the summit’s expanding global footprint.

Prominent regional leaders and international decision-makers are set to participate in strategic discussions, exploring new models of cross-industry collaboration, content innovation, and creative entrepreneurship.

A powerhouse programme of 300+ activities

The BRIDGE Summit offers a dynamic programme featuring:

• 200 panel discussions

• 50 hands-on workshops

• Interactive innovation zones

• Deal-making lounges

• Strategic partnership hubs

Sessions cover a broad spectrum, including storytelling futures, digital transformation, media investment trends, AI-driven production, immersive entertainment technologies, brand building, and the evolution of independent creators in the global market.

Spotlight on emerging creative sectors

This year’s summit places special emphasis on next-generation creative industries, particularly:

• Gaming

• Augmented reality (AR)

• Virtual reality (VR)

• Design and architecture

• Handicrafts and cultural heritage production

Universities, research centres and innovation hubs are also participating, showcasing studies, prototypes and creative technologies that connect education with future industry demand.

A catalyst for global partnerships

The BRIDGE Summit aims to translate dialogue into action, encouraging collaborations among media organisations, investors, technology companies, cultural institutions and content creators. The dedicated partnership zones are expected to witness major announcements, investment commitments and strategic regional alliances.

With its vast participation and future-facing agenda, the BRIDGE Summit 2025 reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a global nucleus for media innovation and the creative economy. The event continues through December 10 at ADNEC.