National Media Authority and Ajman Chart Course for Media’s Future at THE SIGNAL Forum

A strategic partnership between two key institutions signals the UAE's commitment to fostering dialogue on artificial intelligence, digital innovation and the evolving media landscape.

The National Media Authority and the Ajman Government Media Office have united in a strategic partnership that positions the Authority as the exclusive national strategic partner for Ajman Media Forum 2026 – THE SIGNAL. The agreement, signed by Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary General of the National Media Authority, and Mohammed Abdullah Al Kaabi, Executive Director of the Ajman Government Media Office, reflects a shared vision to elevate the Forum’s intellectual reach and institutional standing.

The Forum, scheduled for 2026, will convene media leaders, decision-makers, specialists in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, content creation and government communication to examine the profound transformations reshaping the media industry. Through this collaboration, both institutions aim to enrich the Forum’s content, expand its media coverage and strengthen its resonance across local and international audiences.

Al Shehhi emphasised the significance of federal and local coordination in advancing the UAE’s national media agenda. “The objectives of Ajman Media Forum align with the National Media Authority’s priorities to develop an advanced media industry that strengthens the sector’s contribution to the national economy, empowers Emirati talent, and expands the international reach of local content,” he stated. He underscored artificial intelligence and technological advancement as pivotal forces reshaping content production, distribution and audience relationships, making the Forum an essential platform for examining emerging trends and the decisions that will shape sectoral competitiveness in the years ahead.

Al Kaabi highlighted the partnership as a critical step in the Forum’s preparation, enabling it to draw upon specialised national expertise whilst strengthening its professional standing. “We view the Ajman Media Forum as a platform that brings together media leaders and experts to discuss the key issues shaping the future of the sector,” he remarked, noting that collaboration with the National Media Authority would deepen the Forum’s intellectual and professional value through knowledge exchange and dialogue on industry transformations.

The partnership encompasses coordination across multiple dimensions: joint planning and organisation, television and media coverage arrangements, and alignment of principal themes and professional messaging. The National Media Authority will participate in the press conference launching the Forum and will collaborate in developing and overseeing the opening session’s content. The Authority will also engage in discussions regarding keynote speakers, guests and experts, ensuring the programme’s quality and enriching its professional discourse.

As the exclusive national strategic partner, the National Media Authority will benefit from enhanced visibility across media and promotional materials, whilst the agreement details provisions for permits, invitations, seating arrangements at the opening session and collaborative promotional activities and media coverage.

This partnership reflects a broader institutional commitment to strengthening the UAE’s position as a leading global platform for dialogue on media’s future. As we reported in our coverage of the National Media Authority’s recent partnerships with cultural and educational institutions, the Authority continues to forge strategic collaborations that advance the sector’s development. Earlier in October, the National Media Authority and FANN joined forces to nurture young filmmakers at Sharjah’s festival, demonstrating the institution’s sustained focus on talent development and sectoral growth.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The partnership underscores the UAE’s institutional commitment to positioning itself at the forefront of global media discourse and innovation. By uniting federal and local authorities, the agreement strengthens the ecosystem within which media professionals, entrepreneurs and innovators operate, creating new platforms for knowledge exchange and collaborative problem-solving around the sector’s most pressing challenges.

For media organisations, content creators and professionals across the Emirates, the Forum represents a significant opportunity to engage with leading thinkers on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and emerging business models. The partnership’s emphasis on empowering Emirati talent and expanding the international reach of local content directly supports the broader national agenda of economic diversification and the media sector’s contribution to the UAE’s knowledge-based economy.

Source: WAM