The workshops will deliver practical, newsroom-tested insights and highlight global best practices drawn from IMI’s diverse international media network
IMI, a leading global media group headquartered in Abu Dhabi with strong editorial and operational links to the UK, has announced its strategic participation in the Arab Media Summit 2025. The event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, will run from 26th to 28th May at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Organised by the Dubai Press Club, the summit is expected to bring together over 6,000 participants, including senior government officials, media executives, thought leaders, and influential content creators from across the Arab world and beyond. As Strategic Media Partner, IMI will lead a series of expert-led sessions and hands-on workshops through its dedicated training arm, the IMI Media Academy, in collaboration with the Dubai Press Club. These sessions are designed to equip the next generation of Arab media professionals with essential skills for today’s fast-evolving digital media ecosystem.
The workshops will deliver practical, newsroom-tested insights and highlight global best practices drawn from IMI’s diverse international media network. Sessions will focus on topics including visual storytelling through AI, mastering news editing during peak hours, and understanding future trends in content creation and distribution.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Chairperson of the Summit’s Organising Committee, said:
“The Arab Media Summit serves as a vital platform for shaping the future of the media sector through collaboration, innovation, and dialogue among leading voices in Arab media. Our partnership with IMI and its Media Academy supports our goal to empower the next generation of content creators with the tools, insights and skills to elevate their impact and drive progress across the Arab media landscape.”
Highlighting IMI’s global vision and UK connections, Rani Raad, CEO of IMI and President and Operating Partner of Redbird IMI, added:
“We are proud to join this important gathering hosted by the Dubai Press Club. As a Strategic Media Partner, IMI is committed to shaping the future of our industry amid the rapid rise of AI and emerging technologies. Through dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and specialised workshops by the IMI Media Academy, we aim to empower talent and help professionals navigate this critical moment of transformation.”
IMI’s editorial network spans 15 countries, including the UK, where it operates several bureaus and shares ties with major media brands. Among its key properties is Sky News Arabia, a joint venture with Sky UK, along with The National, Al-Ain News, and CNN Business Arabic. The group also holds a minority stake in Euronews, strengthening its influence across Europe and the Middle East.
The training sessions at the summit will be conducted by prominent media figures from IMI’s portfolio, including:
Abdallah Abudyak, Head of Development at Sky News Arabia
Fatima Al Mahmoud, Social Media Content Journalist at The National
Enas Refaei, Assistant Editor-in-Chief at The National
Chantal Saliba, News Presenter and Anchor at Sky News Arabia
Lenah Hassaballah, Editor at CNN Business Arabic
Faisal bin Huraiz, Director of IMI Media Academy
Firas Al Ali, Head of Programmes and Podcasts at Al-Ain News
Ahmed Qassem, Presenter and Reporter at Sky News Arabia
Doaa Farid, Podcast Editor at The National These experts will provide participants with practical knowledge on newsroom operations, content innovation, and emerging storytelling formats. The emphasis will be on real-world strategies that reflect the changing dynamics of global journalism, particularly with the integration of AI and immersive technologies.
The Arab Media Summit 2025 will serve as a key milestone in strengthening cross-border media collaboration, fostering innovation, and shaping the region’s media narrative for years to come. With IMI’s involvement, including its strong UK connection, the event underscores the increasingly globalised nature of media influence and training.
