Syrian information minister praises UAE role as Arab media adapts to rapid change
Dr Khaled Al Zaarour told the Emirates News Agency at the Arab Media Summit 2026 that Arab media is undergoing healthy development and must focus on practical implementation, training and the effective use of new technologies.
17th September, 2026 — Dr Khaled Al Zaarour, Minister of Information of the Syrian Arab Republic, said Arab media is experiencing healthy development and urged professionals to respond to that transformation with practical measures and professional preparation.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the Arab Media Summit 2026 in Dubai, he emphasised the need to preserve the particular characteristics of Arab societies while equipping media practitioners for emerging changes. He stressed that discussion alone is insufficient and called for concrete steps on the ground — notably implementation, training, development and professional qualification.
Dr Al Zaarour praised the UAE’s media experience and described the Arab Media Summit as a distinguished platform. He welcomed the UAE’s hosting of the event as an important opportunity for the region’s media sector to keep pace with rapid industry developments and to translate ideas and recommendations into actionable programmes.
The minister drew attention to the pace of technological change in the media landscape, arguing that success should not be measured simply by acquiring or deploying new tools. Instead, he said, success depends on making optimal use of available technologies within the media field and ensuring that practitioners have the skills to apply them effectively.
On bilateral ties, Dr Al Zaarour said Syria is open to engagement with all countries and seeks to benefit from their expertise. He pointed to a growing orientation towards future agreements and areas of cooperation between Syria and the UAE, indicating an appetite for closer media collaboration and exchange of experience.
For Abu Dhabi-based institutions such as the federal news agency WAM, which conducted the interview, the summit reinforces a longstanding role in promoting regional media dialogue. The event brings together policymakers, editors and media professionals at a moment of profound technological and editorial change, highlighting the priority many Arab states place on capacity-building and professionalisation.
Delegates at the summit discussed a range of challenges and opportunities — from digital transformation and content standards to training and workforce development — echoing Dr Al Zaarour’s call for practical follow-through. The emphasis on turning summit recommendations into tangible initiatives reflects a wider regional push to strengthen the resilience and relevance of Arab media in a shifting global environment.
Source: WAM