Young creators changing digital narrative globally

The Arab Youth Media Forum, held on the opening day of the Arab Media Summit 2025, featured a series of engaging ‘Media Chats’ exploring how young creators and regional media leaders are reshaping the digital narrative, locally and globally. From online communities and cultural storytelling to the growing influence of podcasts, the sessions highlighted the power of authentic voices in defining the future of Arab media.

In a session titled ‘Online Communities’, moderator Ayesha bin Kalli, Project Manager Expert at the Dubai Media Council, moderated a conversation with three influential creators shaping Dubai’s evolving digital identity: Holly Williams-Lloyd (The Huntr), Hessa Alechla (Wild Arab West), and Hessa Al Jasmi (Dubai Food Babes).

Each panellist reflected on how their personal passions gave rise to digital platforms that have grown into trusted community spaces, championing local culture, entrepreneurship, and relatability.

From The Huntr’s curated city guides to Dubai Food Babes’ community-led events and Wild Arab West’s culturally infused memes, the discussion underscored how digital communities can foster belonging and highlight grassroots narratives.

The session ‘Regional Narratives in Global Media’ featured Thomas Khoury, Managing Director of Condé Nast Middle East, in conversation with Hamda Al Najjar, Senior Executive, Project Management, Dubai Media Council. Khoury shared his perspectives on how Dubai’s diverse, digitally native population makes the city as an ideal launchpad for global media expansion.

“Dubai is a young, vibrant, and multicultural society with a strong digital spirit, one that shares our values of inclusion, diversity, and creativity,” he said. Khoury stressed the importance of creating content for the region, from the region, and to the world, with an emphasis on cultural authenticity, speed, and editorial quality.

The growing influence of podcasts as a storytelling and journalism tool was the focus of ‘Podcasts Take the Lead’, moderated by Maya Hojeij, TV Presenter, Asharq News. The session featured Hussein Al Sheikh, TV Presenter Al Arabiya, Muna Al Raisi, Editor and Author, and Mohamed Kaiss, TV Presenter, Al Mashhad.

Al Sheikh highlighted how podcasting caters to audiences seeking depth and nuance, while Kais emphasised its appeal to younger, dialogue-driven listeners. Al Raisi pointed to podcasting’s editorial freedom, which enables more emotionally resonant and human-centered storytelling.

Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, President of the Dubai Press Club, and Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Arab Media Summit, met with members of the Arab Young Media Leaders Program, organised by the Arab Youth Center.

The inspiring session was moderated by Sadeq Jarrar, Executive Director of the Arab Youth Center.

The meeting took place on the first day of the Arab Media Summit, which runs until May 28 in Dubai, as part of the Arab Youth Media Forum’s activities.

During the meeting, one of a series organised by the programme, Al Marri highlighted key aspects of the media landscape in the UAE and the region and shed light on experiences in supporting and empowering youth in this vital sector.

In the presence of Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to His Highness the UAE President, along with several leaders of local and regional media organisations, Al Marri shed light the pioneering role of the Dubai Press Club and its various initiatives, most notably the Arab Media Summit.

She highlighted the Summit’s main events, including the Arab Media Forum, the Arab Youth Media Forum, and the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit, in addition to the Arab Media Award, the Ibda’a – Arab Youth Media Award, and the Arab Social Media Influencers Award.

The first day of the Arab Media Summit 2025 opened with a series of ‘Media Chats’ at the Arab Youth Media Forum, offering the audience unique insights from change-makers across diverse fields — from AI art and physical endurance to viral digital storytelling.

In a session titled ‘Limitless Inspiration’, Emirati adventurer and National Geographic Arabia explorer Khalifa Al Mazrouei shared lessons from his extraordinary personal journey, focusing on the keys to success in both personal and professional life.