NMO chairman announces launch of BRIDGE Alliance

In a defining moment for the global media and creative industries, Abdulla Bin Mohammed Bin Butti Al Hamed, head of the National Media Office (NMO), announced the launch of the BRIDGE Alliance — a pioneering international organisation created to drive greater inclusivity, diversity, and impact across the worlds of media, content, and entertainment.

Headquartered in the UAE, the BRIDGE Alliance stands as a first-of-its-kind global body chaired by Al Hamed.

It brings together an influential board comprising former heads of state, global leaders, policymakers, and CEOs from the media, communication, technology, finance, and creative sectors — united by a shared mission to shape a more collaborative and future-ready content ecosystem.

The announcement was made during the inaugural meeting of the BRIDGE Alliance Board of Directors in Abu Dhabi, presided over by Al Hamed, marking the formal establishment of the organisation’s leadership and strategic direction.

Rooted in the UAE — a nation that has long served as a crossroads of cultures, economies, and ideas — the BRIDGE Alliance is designed for the world.

Operating as an independent, mission-driven organization, it seeks to build a connected, resilient, and ethical global media framework that reflects the shared values of collaboration and responsibility.

True to its purpose, the Alliance reinvests all operational surpluses into advancing research, capacity building, and cross-sector collaboration, ensuring that every achievement fuels innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth across the global media and creative landscape.

The Board of Directors serves as the Alliance’s primary governing and fiduciary body, providing strategic oversight, policy direction, and institutional stewardship in line with its founding principles.

Comprising distinguished global leaders from across sectors, it includes Princess Lamia Bint Majed Al Saud, CEO of Rotana Media Group and Secretary-General of Alwaleed Philanthropies; Macky Sall, fourth President of Senegal (2012–2024); Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Vice-Chairman of BRIDGE Alliance, who brings a rare blend of governance, strategic foresight, and media expertise; Jessica Sibley, CEO of TIME; Janet Yang, former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; Dr. Julie Gichuru, Founder and CEO of the Africa Leadership and Dialogue Institute; Daniil Shuleyko, CEO of Yango Group; Sanford Climan, Founder of Entertainment Media Ventures; Richard Attias, strategist and Chairman’s Strategic Advisor to BRIDGE Alliance; and Maryam Bin Fahad, Managing Director of BRIDGE Alliance.

The Board discussed ongoing preparations for the Alliance’s first major initiative, the BRIDGE Summit 2025 — the world’s largest debut media event — which will be held from 8 to 10 December 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

The Summit will bring together 400 global speakers, 300 exhibitors, and more than 60,000 participants across seven content tracks: Media, Creator Economy, Music, Gaming, Technology, Marketing, and Picture. Its agenda is built to turn dialogue into action — shaping new partnerships, policies, and investments that expand access to the global content economy.

Al Hamed, Chairman of BRIDGE Alliance said, “BRIDGE Alliance is a humanitarian and economic project that was born in the UAE to redefine the relationship between media, society, and the economy — and to build bridges of understanding, impact, and growth among nations, at a time when humanity needs platforms that unite rather than divide, and inspire rather than mislead.”

He added: “The Alliance embodies the UAE’s vision of a global ecosystem founded on collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility. It brings together former heads of state, thought leaders, and pioneers in media and business from around the world to combine efforts toward a more equitable, impactful, and sustainable media future.”

“Launching this initiative from the UAE reflects the country’s position as a leading centre for global dialogue and a laboratory of ideas and initiatives that connect creativity with economy, and culture with development.”